NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Lesley Spencer
512.266.0900 or cell phone 512.659.7584

SUMMERTIME CHALLENGES FOR Home-Based Working Moms
Solutions for Juggling Work and Kids During the Summer

AUSTIN, TX -- Summertime presents a challenge each year for home-based working moms around the country. Continuing to run one’s business while keeping the kids entertained is a task too daunting for almost any super mom. Kids need attention. They want to have fun. They want to play, go to the park, have friends over, go swimming and so on. Meanwhile, clients are calling, the email box is filling up, and those day-to-day tasks are stacking up by the minute.

It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. So what’s a home-based working mom to do? Don’t despair. We have some great tips and advice from real home-based working moms to make your summer less stressful and more enjoyable. 

Karen Snyder of Pipersville, PA, The Project Pleasers suggests:

• Have a teen come watch the kids while you work. Since teens are closer in age to the kids, they usually have a blast playing, and you can have some dedicated work time.

• Try to keep a regular "work" schedule, so that the kids know which days are fun days and which days are mom's workdays. 

  Eileen Richardson of Del Mar, CA (www.balancedbeing.com) advises:

• Set up various summer programs. The kids can choose which programs they want depending on affordability and location. Try to spread the sessions out evenly throughout the summer. Those weeks plan the bulk of your work.

• Plan workdays while the kids, depending on their age, arrange to have friend over. The other days plan day trips and do not count on working. After all, being a Mom is the most important job.

  Fran Fuerst, of Brooklyn, NY suggests:

• Look for half-day activities such as swim lessons, tennis lessons or day camps.

• Send your kids on short family vacations to visit family who would love to spend time with them.

• Start a beach or play club with a friend and share watching the kids while you bring along the laptop.

Dana Sacco, of Ashburn, VA (www.outofthewoodwork.com) secret weapons are:

• Try to have everything planned out and let your current customers know if you are going to be “out of the office” (i.e. having a play day or going on vacation).

• Get a used laptop to take on vacations or outings.  

• Work less during the day and more at night.

• Use an autoresponder to let customers know when you’ll be back in the office.

• Use a cell phone as your business line. But remember turn it off occasionally when you have other important stuff to do (such as watch your three-year-old squish ants and bring them to you).

Sandra Hood of Newport News, VA (www.shaklee.net/sandra_hood) offers:

• Sign your kids up for recreational day camp. You can work three or four days on your business, then take one or two days to dedicate quality time to them. 

• Look for enrichment programs such as museums and music camps.

• Set goals for your business, family and yourself.  Balance is important.  It doesn't do any good to be working at home if your kids get neglected and vice versa.  Set up your activities weekly or daily and prioritize.

Tricia Russell of Pfafftown, NC, (www.mymk.com/trussell1) offers:

• Keep a couple of bags of simple crafts handy that the kids can do themselves.  The bags should have everything inside they need to do the craft. 

• Trade watching kids with a neighbor one or two mornings a week. Then each mom gets one full morning without the kids and it doesn't cost anything. 

• Set aside kid time and work time so that you are able to focus on the kids when you are together and focus on work when it's work time.

  Mary Tobin of Wilmington, NC (www.storklady.com) says:

• Transfer your business line to your cell phone. Work while sitting on the beach with your family.

• Let the business follow you rather than sitting around waiting for calls.

  Lesley Spencer, founder of the national association of Home-Based Working Moms (www.HBWM.com) of Austin, TX offers additional tips:

• Attend story time at the local library and trade weeks with other Home-Based Working Moms so that you can spend that time catching up on work

• Organize a babysitting co-op with other Home-Based Working Moms to trade babysitting with.

• Outsource some of your work to other HBWMs and take time to enjoy your children during the summer.

• Get your kids involved. Allow them to stuff and lick envelopes, open mail or apply labels. Set up a desk next to yours with their office supplies (crayons, paper, tape, kid scissors and an old phone).

• Get a used computer for your kids. Learning programs are great fun and they teach them while they play.

• Check out books at the library weekly. Reading or just looking at books helps your children’s mind and imagination grow. Also look for activity and craft books to give your children other things to do with or without your help.

The key is balance and planning. Balance your work and your family by planning dedicated time to each. The reason many moms choose to work at home is for the freedom and flexibility it allows. Use that flexibility to your advantage. Look at it as a way to enjoy each stage and each day with your children. The summer will be over before we know it and those memories will be worth making.

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Canadian Rep Lynda Menegotti