Question: I work from home, and during the school year, it's manageable, but with the kids home for the summer, I fear I might lose my mind. The kids don't seem to understand that I have a "real job" and I'm afraid I'm not being very productive. Help!
Answer: Ahh, those "work from home" ads on TV and in the magazines make working from home seem so glamorous, but those of us who actually do know how difficult it can be to balance both mommy time and work time. Is your boss aware that your kids are home for the summer? Some bosses make it possible to have more flexible hours when the kids are home. If "office hours" are the same, try taking breaks throughout the day to do something special with the kids. Set a timer and say "At noon, we're going to bake cookies. Or watch our favorite sitcom we DVR'd together." For younger kids, a plastic box full of special toys can come in handy while Mommy needs to make important phone calls. And if all else fails, do what I do and hide in the closet until little hands come knocking.
