I have been working out of my home for over 7 years while raising 3 children. When I started, my daughter was about a year old, she will be 8 in two weeks. My children are now 5 and 3 years old. It has been difficult working outside of my home while having three small children under my feet all the time. But it is possible and I would like to share with you some of the things I have done to make it work.

First of all, I would like to say that I have “lost” it several times. It can be pretty hectic when I’m on the phone with a client and my kids are fighting in the same room I’m in. Boy, that can ruin a sale. But you have to accept the fact that you work from home and this is all part of the experience. I’ve been known to excuse the noise by telling my client, “Sorry, I work from home and my kids aren’t cooperating right now.” Most of the time the customer understands and then I walk out of the room and end the call.

But here are some tips that I have found work for me. Set working hours. Do not work after dinner time, that is your family’s time and you want them to know that they are the priority. I know it can be hard to let the phone ring while playing Shoots and Ladders with your kids, but this is an example and it shows your kids that they are important.

Next, I would say, if you can afford it, hire a housekeeper or cleaning service to come once or twice a month. Housework can quickly become a burden and weigh heavily on your mind when you see the clothes piling up and the bathroom getting disgusting. If your children are old enough to do housework, then “hire” them and let them earn an allowance to keep your house neat and clean. This will be a win-win for everyone. And it’s much less expensive than a housekeeper or cleaning service.

Making meals has always been difficult for me. I’m lucky, or maybe not depending on how you look at it, that my husband also works at home. He will help me get lunches for my two youngest children if I am busy during that time of day. We go out to eat a couple of times a week and car travel is my friend, I’m sorry to say. On a slow weekday, if I have the ingredients, I’ll try to prep meals ahead of time so that when dinner comes around, I just have to reheat it instead of making it all at the last minute.

Keep your space as YOUR SPACE. Choose a place in your house that is where you work. This can be a dining room, a living room, an extra bedroom, whatever your house has left over. Even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom (although I suggest leaving the bedroom as a sanctuary, not a place to work). Next, you need to make sure the other members of your household understand that this is your work area. They will have to respect that location as if it were off-site at a legitimate place of business. Try to keep your work contained in that area if possible. When you’re there, everyone will know you’re “working” and to stay away.

Working outside the home can be rewarding, especially if you have young children. It allows you to be a part of their lives on a day-to-day basis and you will be able to watch them grow without regretting spending too much time “at work”.