Making it work with <<SCREECH!!>> <<OUCH>> <<HE HIT ME!>> <<MOM!!!!!!>>> kids at home
Written by Alicia Bozza on Nov 13, 2008 3:06 pm
Read More: Discipline | Mindset | Personal Development | Positive ThinkingHello Again BN World!
Alicia here again with a quick quip about surviving the kid jungle (small or big) when you are out to conquer the world. I find that having a good ability to ignore the noise works really well up to a point, but one of the best ways I have found to cope with the kids is to set up a personal army who is there to help you when you need it the most. Having 7 kids, ages 1 to 17, makes it easier since I do have some in home babysitting, but as the kids get older, they tend to "get lost" in other things whether it be friends or work. Finding other like minded parents who are looking to have a break really works since you can trade time with them. One great way to impelment this is to find an internet site that keeps track of hours such as http://www.babysitterexchange.com/bse/home.asp where you choose who you would like in your circle and your time is then logged into the system which keeps track for you. Family is always great, but when you have no one within a reasonable distance, your "personal army" works great too. Sometimes, it is to your advantage to have a kid with you to network at the park or to join playgroups which will allow you to meet other Moms who may have their own at home businesses. I love to attend my local Chamber of Commerce where I have been able to meet great professionals in my town and surrounding area. Networking is the hottest thing around here lately, with many new networking groups popping up in the last 2 years. (My Chamber found it great asset to combine forces with other Chambers lately and it has worked out great!) Another must is to be as organized as you possibly can. One great place to get started is www.flylady.net. What a great resource there! Got to run and pick up the kids! Would love to hear from other business minded Moms & Dad who are at home with a crew!!
Have an excellent day!
Alicia
Bizzy Mom
Views: 212 | 
Comments: 6 
About the Author: Alicia Bozza
Member Since: 11/12/2008
Company: SO Accurate Group, Inc
Industry: Other
Primary Web Site: http://www.soaccurate.com/gold-buying-events.html
The best thing in the world for kids...
Get one of these huge blow up jumpy rooms with net walls and filled with plastic balls. They will be there every minute they can, and you spend less on electricity than you average big screen TV!
Your friend here..
Paul
Great idea!
I will have to try that. The "tent" works too...the kids love the one from Discovery Toys that is a post office, theater, grocery store and plain ole tent in one.
Alicia
Shut the Office Door....
I go into my home office and shut the door. Unless it is a REAL emergency, they know not to bother me. They can stand there all day and stare through the french door glass but I have learned to not let them interfere with my work
I try to instill into them that I know when they are watching a tv show or are on the computer "chatting" they do not like to be bothered either. They are mesmerized and you usually can't get their attention anyway. When you do bother them, it is almost as if a Martian has popped up in front of them!
Well, that works two ways.......
Constructive ways to occupy the children
After the 9 to 5 I come home and build a business / take care of the family. I'm always trying to find out how to be most effective & successful in both areas so I can fully appreciate all that you are saying. I only have 2 so my hat goes off to you and your 7. I'm loving the idea about the tent and the "jumpy room" as well. Good stuff.
Some Other Ideas for Moms
I only have one ( 6 years old) though I homeschool her, so she is with me all the time. We work a lot on respect and balance. I let her help me with my work when it's appropriate. Entrepreneurship is part of our homeschooling day. Sometimes it's my business, sometimes it's one that she comes up with...like sellling artwork. I make sure that we have uninterrupted time every day. During that time I don't answer the phone or work on the computer. We focus on her activities, homeschool, etc... I find if she gets that focus than it is much easier for her to then play on her own for awhile when I work.
A funny thing...my daughter's writing has gotten much better lately as she is not allowed to talk to me when I'm on the phone. She has taken to writing notes and holding them in front of my face!!
Deborah Tutnauer. LCSW
Success Mentoring System
Blog for Work At Home Moms
That is awesome!
I love that your daughter is as persistant as you probably are!! Great job homeschooling! I admire you!
Alicia
Bizzy Mom