by Colleen Langenfeld
Copyright (c) 2003

So you've made the leap.

You've decided that working from home is the plan you want to pursue.

Maybe you've worked out telecommuting arrangements with your current job.

Or perhaps you've decided to begin a whole new business and you've found the one you know will be a perfect fit for you.

But now reality sinks in.



You've got a toddler!

Perhaps this little creature is the
very reason you decided to stay home
in the first place. To be there day by
day. To see the 'firsts'. To ensure
yours is the main voice in your small
sweetie's life.

All valid reasons for working from home.

All reasons that will have you tearing
your hair out before very long!

Take heart!

People ARE making home-based businesses
work! But you'll have to lay some ground
rules for yourself and your toddler if
you want it to work for you!

The keys? Organization and Patience!

You're going to be running two different
operations at the same time for this
scenario to work. You'll need to run your
work/business schedule as well as your
parenting/household schedule. This means
you need to plan out both completely and
then merge them appropriately. For
example:

- plan out your toddler's days. Monday
through Friday. 8-5 (or whatever your
work hours will be). Make it fun and
entertaining for the maximum effectiveness!

- plan out your work days, also for the
full week. Focus on results so that you
aren't wasting valuable time on busywork.

- merge the two schedules and see where
they naturally work together and where
they won't work together at all!

- then adjust, and adjust some more.

Helpful hints:

- build small breaks into your daily
schedule and use one whenever a meltdown
occurs.

- realize some days will go smoother
than others. And let it go.

- plan a variety of what I call
'Focused Workdays/Focused Play Days. This
is a day or two a week (or whatever you
need) where your child is involved in a
super-fun activity for them. Could be a
playgroup, preschool, or simply a day
with Grandma. Or find another at-home
parent with little ones who would like
some extra cash and pay her/him to let
your toddler spend the day with their
kids. Then, while your baby is busy and
cared for, YOU get busy! Focus on your
business the whole day and you'll be
amazed at the results you can accomplish!

- be patient with yourself. Toddlerhood
is a fleeting time; choosing to be a part
of it is very rewarding, but not in the
same manner that a successful business is
rewarding. Both endeavors deserve your
best commitment and focus; obviously
neither will receive 100 per cent of your
time! Don't make the mistake of missing
your child when you're working your
business and wishing you were working
while you're showing a young human being
the wonders of the backyard.

So...relax! Everyday may not go perfectly
but at the end of each day you'll have
the satisfaction of knowing you are
producing results, both personally and
professionally.

And you'll have the paycheck and smiles
to prove it!
Colleen Langenfeld delivers useful tips and creative
resources to working moms who want the best for their
families and careers at http://www.paintedgold.com .
Sign up for her free newsletter and receive an online
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