How to Keep the Kids Busy When You're Working at Home

Many parents see working from home as an ideal situation. It's true that it has numerous benefits, such as being able to work around your kids' schedules. On days that things don't quite go as planned, however, you sometimes have the kids home and work to do. If it's not possible to get a babysitter, you'll have to find a way to keep the kids busy while you get some work done.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Craft items
• Board games
• Cards
• Dress-up clothes
• Educational computer games

1. If there are any chores or homework to be done, get these out of the way. Room cleaning can be done a day early, and school projects that are usually put off until the last minute can be attended to.

2. Keep craft items on hand just for situations like this. Construction paper, glue, blunt-tipped scissors, and some markers or paint can often keep kids productively occupied for hours on end. Jewelry-making kits and model cars are also great for older kids.

3. Find a way for the kids to help you with your work. If you need envelopes stuffed or other simple tasks done, the kids could do these for you in exchange for money or special privileges.

4. Give them cards or board games to play with. Not only will they have fun, but in most cases they will learn as well.

5. Let them play dress-up. Child-sized dress-up sets are nice, but they are not necessary. Kids love to put on Mom and Dad's clothes and accessories, even if they are a bit too large.

6. Invest in some educational computer games for your children. If you only have one computer, do some work that doesn't involve the computer while they play them. Be sure to set time limits.

7. Send them on a scavenger hunt. If they find everything quickly, make another list that is a little more difficult. Most kids don't get bored easily with this, so it could possibly go on until you've gotten all of your work done.

Tips & Warnings

• If they're interested in earning some extra money, give your kids extra chores to do while you're working.
• Don't use the TV as a babysitter. While there's no harm in letting kids watch their favorite show while you're working, turning them loose in front of the television for long periods of time is bad for them and may result in them seeing shows that you would not normally allow them to watch.

[evgnspaces]

on 5/24/2009 Nice ideas to keep kids busy while you work and they will be doing something constructive too.

[kaseysviewblog]

on 7/25/2008 Very good tips.

[joyful327]

on 4/14/2008 Lots of good ideas! Very helpful! I love the scavenger hunt idea! 5 stars :)