Dear Aunty B,
I’m running a successful online small business from home, but I’m facing some pretty big challenges when it comes to working with my kids around. I have two children, aged two and three and a half. Both are clingy; my youngest tries to press on my laptop’s buttons when I’m working. I can only work when she’s asleep and that’s not often. My eldest will play when I work but wants to show me what he’s doing every 15 minutes or so, even if he’s watching TV. Any tips?
Kind Regards,
Mara
Hi Mara,
Your young whippersnappers sound like an adorable handful, but let’s be straight: children and getting other things done do not easily go together.
While tips abound about how those who work at home can increase their productivity, there’s also a few people out there dedicated to understanding how to engage those who have children added to the mix.
People like Tracey Harrison, an Australian parenting expert who specialises in the relationship between parenting and work/family balance.
Harrison always has a few good pointers on her blog, Ignite Play, when it comes to getting children more engaged with play, allowing parents to get more done.
Taking some time to get to know what sort of play your child enjoys, paying special attention to the location of their activities and making sure you are still in supportive distance are three such tips outlined on one of her more recent posts.
You never know, you might just find you have the time at the end of your day to squeeze in a sneaky gin and tonic.
Be Smart.
Aunty B
I’m SmartCompany’s resident Agony Aunt. Have a problem to solve? Just ask. @IamAuntyB #AuntyB
