Guide for Housewives (SAHM) Working from Home
Working from home can be very rewarding as it offers moms the opportunity to earn money from home while taking care of their children. But how can you successfully schedule your day when you have young children at home? Here are some tips for SAHMs working from home with young children:
set a schedule
If you plan to be successful in your home business, it is important that you engage in income-generating activities every day. Establishing your work schedule will help ensure that it is consistent and stays up to date. Julianne Alverez of Our Milk Money offers this suggestion: “It’s a good idea to set your alarm for the same time every weekend morning and head to your home office/computer around the same time every day.”
This may mean getting up early, before the kids wake up, or staying up a bit later after bedtime. You may also find that you can complete small tasks while the children eat lunch, play games, or take a nap. By establishing a routine, you begin to treat your home business more like a business and less like a hobby. Post your schedule and review it with your family so they can support you in your decision to work from home.
Find creative activities for children
If you are looking to raise savvy future entrepreneurs, then involving your children in your home business is a great idea. Depending on your age, they may be able to help you post flyers, put mail in envelopes, or other small business related tasks. However, there may be times when you need your children to engage in some creative activities while you complete a special project or work towards a deadline. Here are some ideas I’ve found that work well:
- arts and crafts- set up an art station for your kids stocked with art project kits, coloring books, drawing paper, paints, crayons, markers (all washable, of course!), scissors, glue sticks, and scrapbook supplies /decor.
- Books/audio tapes – Age-appropriate books and audiotapes can keep children entertained for short periods of time. My daughter loves the Children’s Bible Audio CD Set and will sit and listen for an hour or two, learning while she is entertained.
- imaginative play – Children enjoy dressing up and engaging in imaginative play. Create a costume box filled with adult-sized clothing and shoes, professional costumes, tent sheets, or other fun clothing. Encourage them to produce and practice a play that they will perform for you later.
- Play dates – You may have trusted friends who are also SAHMs working from home. Consider trading days for playdates. This will allow you to schedule dedicated time to focus on your business while your kids have fun.
Seek childcare help
While the idea of becoming a SAHM is to spend time at home with your children, sometimes childcare may be necessary for you to complete your work from home. Consider enlisting the help of family members or close relatives. A Mother’s Day program, where the children will enjoy activities for half a day or a couple of days a week, may be a viable option. You may consider seeking the help of a mother’s helper, a child care provider who will come into your home to care for your child while you work.
take some time for yourself
Being a stay at home mom who also works from home can take you in many directions. While it’s important to schedule your business hours and stick to them, it’s just as important to schedule time to relax and rejuvenate. So when you set up your work-from-home schedule, be sure to include time to “play.” Whether it’s time with the kids, your husband, or her friends, schedule it and stick to it.
For ideas on ways to rejuvenate, check out my previous post Time Out for Mompreneurs.
By incorporating these ideas, you can successfully schedule your day and fit into your children’s schedule.