Tips for work-at-home parents

You can be a successful work-from-home parent if you keep these tips in mind and enlist the support of family and friends.

• Creating a schedule is a sure fire way to create a work-at-home ambiance. Block out time for each task to ensure that you allow plenty of time to complete your work.
• "Work smarter not harder" may sound cliché, but it really is wonderful to be able to work in your den and play with your children in the yard, all without moving your car a centimetre.

• By working your schedule around your child's nap time, you can ensure that you accomplish your goals.
• If possible, coordinate calls and other important tasks for this peaceful time, allowing some flexibility if your child wakes up early or sleeps late. But if your child does wake up while you are in the middle of an important conference call or some other task, you should try to resist the temptation to cancel everything and check on your child.
• In fact, it can be beneficial for both you and your child to do so. It is important for you to learn that your child won't perish without your coddling, and for your child to learn the same. In the long run, it can help your professional life as well as your child.

• Setting boundaries is extremely important if you plan to be a work-at-home parent. Friends or family may think that because you are at home, you can take off during the day any time you desire, or that you can chat on the phone for hours because you are your own boss.
• Tell friends and family members that even though you are home, you are working. Let them know your usual working hours and ask them not to disturb you during these hours.