eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Balance Working From Home and Being a Parent

Contributor
By Nicole Ireland
eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)

Whether you're beginning to work from home or are a veteran telecommuter, finding a balance between your family and work lives can be stressful. But it doesn't have to be. You can make your work life more efficient and your family life more quality-driven.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Pad of paper
  • Desk calendar
  1. Step 1

    Create a separate work space. Not everyone has an area in her home that she can make into an office, but if space is available, this is the best option. It minimizes distractions and interruptions and maximizes your work output.

  2. Step 2

    Work part-time, if your finances allow it. Doing so will minimize your stress and maximize your family time.

  3. Step 3

    Prioritize your work load. Start your workday by writing a list of work-related tasks that must be completed by the end of each workday. Work from the top of your list down, as time permits. If you do not complete all of your work, move it onto the next day's work schedule.

  4. Step 4

    Work as a team. Once your child is able to do chores, assign her a specific job. Whether it's cleaning the table or emptying the garbage, every little bit helps. It allows you to spend time with your children as a family and still have them help you around the house. Also, set aside time with your significant other, if you have one, and discuss a work plan that works for all of you. Working at home is often a team effort, and everyone can help make it easier on the telecommuting parent(s).

  5. Step 5

    Work around your family. Work while your children are in school or on play dates with friends. Work while your infants and toddlers sleep, whether it's during the early morning, nap time or late evening hours. Make the most of the time you have available.

  6. Step 6

    Plan a family day. At least one to two times a month, schedule a day on your calendar that is specifically for your family. Don't mention work. Don't look at your email. Don't answer phone calls. Your family day is for your family, no one else.

Tips & Warnings
  • Included with this how-to are helpful websites that will make your work-at-home experience easier. Each link contains a wealth of information. It is highly recommended that you take the time to visit each one.

Comments  

lacurcio said

Flag This Comment

on 2/19/2009 great tips!

Flag This Comment

on 2/16/2009 Nice work!

Flag This Comment

on 2/15/2009 good info here!

esperd said

Flag This Comment

on 2/14/2009 Nice article

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Careers & Work Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Careers and Work