Working from Home with Kids

Working from Home with Kids: Summer Vacation

2009-05-26T22:14:00.001-04:00

Since my daughter attended full-day prek this year, I increased my workload at home. It was nice because I was making extra money and was still available for school functions, vacations, and sick days. In a little less than one month, my daughter will be home for the summer. I can’t wait, as we have a lot of plans, but I am sort of dreading my work schedule. I think it will be back to the long, late nights and little sleep.

Photo Credit:
Website: http://www.sxc.hu
Uploaded By: shirleybnz

Working from Home with Kids: Do You Have an Answering Machine?

2008-07-07T11:06:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I stated the benefits of working from home with caller id. You get to screen your calls! However, if you are like me, you may still find yourself answering the phone a lot.

Personally, I always think in the back of my head “what if it is an emergency?” Yes, the person calling will likely continue calling in the event of an emergency, but having a working answering machine may give you comfort and peace of mind.

Working from Home with Kids: Do You Have Caller ID?

2008-07-06T11:05:00.002-04:00

Working from home with your kids is nice, but that alone can produce enough distractions. So, it is ideal if you can reduce distractions or interruptions from those outside of your home. One of the best ways to do so is with the use of caller ID. Caller ID can let you know who is calling and whether or not you should answer it.

Caller ID comes standard on most cell phones, but if you are using a landline phone and do not already have it, you will need to contact your phone company.

Photo Credit:
Website: http://www.sxc.hu
Uploaded By: CraigPJ

Working from Home with Kids: Communicating with Clients

2008-07-05T11:03:00.000-04:00

One of the major downsides to working from home with kids is communicating over-the-phone with clients. This is particularly true if you have young children. My daughter is at the stage where she loves talking on the phone and wants to talk, no matter who is on the other end.

If this describes your household, here are a few options for you.

* Look for other methods of communication, such as email or instant messenger programs.

* Wait until your partner (if you have one) arrives home to schedule phone communications with a client.

* Ask a friend or relative to come over or hire a babysitter, even just for a couple of hours.

* Find something fun (yet safe) for your child to do and enter a nearby, but different room.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T01:59:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th of July for those in the United States!

Photo Credit:
Website: http://www.sxc.hu
Uploaded By: jenben27

Working Home with Kids: Rewards for Making Online Purchases

2008-07-03T23:55:00.001-04:00

Although this is not necessarily a work-at-home opportunity, as you can’t make a lot of money and you aren’t actually paid in money, I recommend trying MyPoints. You can do so at MyPoints.com.

This is a website where you are rewarded for making purchases online. I use it whenever I shop online. You will earn points when visiting the MyPoints website to go to website of your choice for shopping.

The retailers that you can earn points through varies, but they are well-known companies, such as Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Barnes and Noble, Overstock, Target, and so forth.

You can also earn points for reading a small amount of emails. I just received a $25 gift card to Old Navy. In the past, I have earned another $25 gift card to Old Navy, a $50 gift card for K-Mart, and a few other $10 gift cards.

If you do a lot of shopping online, MyPoints may be worth the look.

Photo Credit:
Website: http://www.sxc.hu
Uploaded By: nazreth

Working from Home with Kids: Are Paid Surveys Worth Your Time?

2008-06-07T13:55:00.001-04:00

If you are looking to work from home with your kids, you may be looking for easy ways to make money. One opportunity that many work-at-home parents come across is paid surveys, but can you really make money?
Yes, you can make money from paid surveys, but you may be disappointed with the results. When I first started working from home, I tried doing paid surveys and I wasn’t actually paid anything. The companies that I came across always sent me surveys with the “chance,” to win some money. Of course, I never did, so I quit doing them.

With that said, paid survey companies do exist. Once again, you may not make very much money, but it may still be worth the look. As a personal recommendation, I recommend avoiding the surveys where you are only given a chance to win money, as they can waste a considerable amount of your time.

Photo Credit:
Website: http://www.sxc.hu
Uploaded By: Dominik Gwarek / kikashi

Working from Home with Kids: Related Article

2008-06-06T13:52:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in working from home or if you already do, there is an article that I wrote that you may want to checkout.

How to Not Become a Free Babysitter When Working from Home

Working from Home with Kids: The Pros and Cons of Working After the Kids Go to Bed

2008-06-03T13:40:00.001-04:00

If you have been reading my blog, you may know that I work as a freelance web content writer. I have a couple of steady clients that provide me with work, but for other projects, I go out in search of them. This basically gives me the freedom to work when I want. Since I have a 4 year old at home, I often opted for working nights, but it wasn’t always easy.

Working after your child has gone to bed has a number of benefits. Those benefits include fewer interruptions and the fact that you get to spend more time with your child during the day.

There are, however, also a few downsides as well. One of those downsides is the late nights. There were some nights where I was up until 2 or 3 in the morning. Up again at 5 to send my partner to work and then up again when my daughter woke, which was typically between 7:30 and 8:30. This type of schedule can really mess you up after a while.

If you are currently looking the best way to work from home, I recommend using trial and error. I found that working late at night was nice, but I couldn’t do it every night. I will occasionally alternate days and nights. Since my income isn’t necessarily needed, but still helps to pay some of the bills, I decided to cut back my hours. Personally, however, I was lucky to be able to do so.

Photo Credit:
Website: http://www.sxc.hu
Uploaded By: scol22

Working from Home with Kids: Balancing Family and Work

2008-06-02T13:39:00.000-04:00

One of the many reasons why some parents decide to work from home is so that they can spend extra time with their children. With that said, you need to proceed with caution. If you are overloaded with work, your goal may not be accomplished.

To help ensure that you have a healthy balance between work and home, create a schedule for yourself. This is particularly important if you work as a freelancer and can create your own schedule. Since I don’t have a traditional nine to five job, even a home based one, I am able to work a little bit, take a break, work some more, take another break, and so forth. Since I work from home with my daughter, who is 4, this helps to make sure she isn’t lacking needed attention.

As for others, be sure to schedule family time with your family. Whether it be a movie night or game night, make sure you have a few times a week where you guarantee that you will turn the computer off and spend time with your family.

Message Boards Great for Work-at-Home Parents

2008-06-01T13:21:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I discussed how you can benefit from joining online communities that are geared towards work-at-home parents. Here are a few that you may want to checkout.

As an important note, some of these message boards say mom, but most all also welcome members who are work-at-home dads.

WAHM.com Forum

Work Place Like Home Forum

My Mommy Biz Message Boards

MommyJobs.com Forum

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Message Boards for Work-at-Home Parents

2008-05-30T22:20:00.000-04:00

If you work from home or if you want to, there is a good chance that you spend a good amount of time online. If so, are there any message boards that you visit? Although most of your time should be applied towards working or finding a work-at-home job, there are a number of benefits to visiting online message boards that are designed for work-at-home parents like yourself.

In fact, three reasons why you should are outlined below.

1 – Socialization

It is no secret that working from home can sometimes get lonely. Messages boards for work-at-home parents are filled with others who know exactly how you feel. The socialization, even though it is only online, can still do you wonders.

2 – The Information Shared

Work-at-home message boards for parents come in a number of different formats. Most, however, allow job leads to be shared and work-at-home opportunities can be discussed. For example, I started doing freelance web content writing after learning about it on an online message board.

You can get great job leads, but also learn about companies or individuals that are known for scamming home based workers.

3 – You May Be Able to Promote Your Business

Many online message boards allow signatures. These are short messages that will automatically appear at the bottom of all of your posts. You could place a link to your website or your eBay auctions.

Working from Home with Kids: Work-at-Home Links

2008-05-28T13:11:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for more information on working from home, I have some great links to share with you. These are websites that are ideal for work-at-home parents. A wide range of topics are covered, but most have a focus on parents working from home.

The WAHM Spot

The Work-at-Home Center

The Blog Guide

Working from Home with Kids: Supplies Needed for a Pretend Play Workstation

2008-05-26T13:08:00.001-04:00

In my last post, I mentioned how you may want to create a pretend play workstation for your toddler or preschooler. This helps to keep my daughter occupied when I have to get some work done. She loves pretending to work and be like me.

The supplies needed to do so include:

(1) A Desk

I lucked out and found our daughter’s desk at a yard sale still in the package for only two dollars. Even if you must pay $20 or more for a new desk, I think it would be a wise investment.

(2) A Crayon/Marker Holder

We put a crayon/marker holder on our daughter’s desk. This not only gives her the option to color whenever she wants, but it also gives her a more professional looking desk. A cup can do.

(3) Paper

Since my daughter likes to color a lot, we always try to have a few sheets of computer paper on her desk for her to use.

(4) A Kid Computer

Now, having a computer is definitely optional, as with even creating a pretend workstation, but I find it absolutely amazing. My daughter has a couple of kid computers and we just put one of them at her desk.

Working from Home with Kids: Pretend Play Work Station for Toddlers and Preschoolers

2008-05-25T13:03:00.000-04:00

As a parent of a toddler or a preschooler, you likely already know how much your child likes to pretend to be you, their parent. That is why setting up a pretend workstation can work to your advantage when working from home. This is particularly true if you make your child’s workstation in an area that is close to or next to yours.

This is what I did for our daughter and I find it works wonders. She loves pretending to work like me. If she is sitting at her desk and you ask her what she is doing she will say “I am working hard!”

Working from Home with Kids: Is It Possible – Part 2

2008-05-24T13:59:00.000-04:00

When it comes to working from home, many parents wonder about their kids and if it is actually possible to work from home. Yes, it may be difficult, especially depending on the age of your child or children, but it is more than possible to work at home with kids.

One of the best ways to make working from home with kids work is to carefully choose what you do for a living.

As previously mentioned, there are a number of different companies that hire home based workers and for a number of different tasks. A few of those tasks may include typing, taking phone orders from customers, and so forth. If you are working at home with a child, particularly a newborn or a toddler, you may want to think about taking a job that requires little or no phone communication. This is because you can’t always guarantee that your home office environment will be quiet.

If you are given the opportunity to start your own home based business, you may want to think about doing so. For instance, you could start a daycare business, become a freelance writer or web designer, and so forth. Having the freedom to choose your own business is nice, as it enables you to keep your child or children in mind. The good news is that not all home based businesses have huge startup costs.

If you do decide to give working from home a try and it is your first time doing so, it is important to be patient. Working from home with kids, especially newborns and toddlers, can be a little bit stressful at first, but, aftertime, everything will soon work itself out. The best way to be a great work-at-home parent is through trial and error.

Working from Home with Kids: Is It Possible?

2008-05-23T21:55:00.001-04:00

Are you a parent who currently works outside of the home? If you are, have you ever thought about working from home? If you haven’t, you may want to think about doing so. What is nice about working from home is that a number of companies hire home based workers or you could even start your own business!

As an important side note, with the rising cost of a gasoline, working from home may be able to save you a considerable amount of money.

Working from Home with Kids: Outdoor Toys for Elementary School Aged Children

2008-05-17T13:22:00.001-04:00

If you are the parent of an elementary school aged child and if they will be home with you during the summertime, they will likely want to spend a large amount of time outdoors. If you work from home with a laptop and have a job that allows you to be flexible, you can work outside with them.

If that sounds nice to you, you may want to checkout the outdoor toys highlighted below that are great for elementary school aged children.

Small Trampolines

Small trampolines are ideal for work-at-home parents of elementary school aged children. Your child could stay occupied for hours, while you get some work done outdoors. For safety concerns, you may want to think about purchasing a trampoline with a safety net and never let your child play with a trampoline, no matter how safe it looks, unattended.

Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is another great tool for parents with elementary school aged children who want to work outside in the summertime. In fact, I consider it to be a must have. Sidewalk chalk can make for hours of fun and excitement. When possible, take a break with your child and enjoy a fun game of hopscotch.

Outdoor Golf Sets

Outdoor golf play sets are also ideal for elementary school aged children. These play putting zones are ideal for elementary school aged children and possibly even teens. With this type of outdoor toy, you should expect to spend a few minutes playing your child, as these types of toys are often more fun with a partner.

**When working outdoors with your child, it is important that you keep an eye on them at all times. You will also want to make sure that all outdoor toys are age appropriate. These tips are important for all work-at-home parents, regardless of your child’s age.

Working from Home with Kids: Outdoor Toys for Infants

2008-05-16T13:03:00.001-04:00

Fresh air can do wonders for just about anyone, including you and your infant. If you are interested in working from home, namely outdoors, during the summertime, you may want to checkout the great toys outlined below. They are perfect for infants to use outdoors.

* As an important note, safety should come first. Keep your child right near your outdoor workstation at all times. The outdoors toys outlined below are just suggestions, but they may not be right for all parents and infants, so please use your best judgment.

Outdoor Swings for Infants

An outdoor swing, namely one that is designed for infants, is ideal if you are interested in working from home with kids, but outdoors. With most outdoor swings, you can fasten the swing to a sturdy tree or another object and work close by your child. While you will find some variations, most of these swings are generally designed for children ages nine months to three years.

Play Shade

Although not necessarily a toy, a family play shade is ideal for parents who wish to work outside with their children, namely newborns and infants. Your child can safely play or rest outdoors, without too much sun or heat exposure.

Play Ball Sets

Play Ball Sets are great for outdoor play for many toddlers. These play ball sets come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. For safety reasons, individual play sets, namely those that are small in size, are should be used for older infants. No matter how big or small your yard is, you should be able to find a play ball set to fit your needs.

Working from Home with Kids: Outdoor Toys for Toddlers

2008-05-15T13:48:00.003-04:00

If you are the parent of a toddler who works from home, you and your toddler may want to spend time outside. However, you may also have to work. Depending on your job and your work equipment (like a laptop computer), you may both get your wish.

When taking your child outside with you so that you can work outside during nice weather, you will want to make sure that you have fun toys for them to play with. The good news is that you have a number of different options, a few of which are outlined below.

As an important side note, always keep an eye on your toddler or preschooler. Work is important, but the health, safety, and wellbeing of your child should come first. Be sure to set your workstation up outside in an area that is close to your child.

Plastic Slides

Plastic slides are ideal for outdoor play for toddlers. When working from home with kids outside, this item is a must have for parents. Aside from standard, traditional plastic slides, they are now made foldable, for easy cleanup.

Sandboxes

Outdoor sandboxes are great for parents who want to work from home outdoors. Although sandboxes do come in a number of different styles, you will likely find the plastic ones more affordable. Most children, especially toddlers, can spend hours playing and having fun in a sandbox. Just make sure that your child is past the stage of putting things in their mouth.

Picnic Tables

Miniature picnic tables are also a must have for work-at-home parents who would like to try working outside. What is nice about these picnic tables is their uses. Your toddler can eat at them, do crafts outdoors, and so much more.

Toy Lawn Mowers

Toy lawn mowers are perfect for outdoor play. They are fun and exciting for many toddlers.

Working from Home with Kids: More Working Outside

2008-05-14T13:35:00.000-04:00

A few posts ago, I discussed how you may want to try working from home, but outside on a nice day. Depending on the work equipment that you have (like a laptop) and your job, you may be able to do so.

Of course, you will want to take breaks to play with your child and give them much needed attention, but you will also want to try to have fun outdoor toys on hand. Over the next few days, I am going to highlight a few outdoor toys that are great for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school aged children.

Feel free to add your own suggestions!

Working from Home with an Elementary School Aged Child

2008-05-13T13:22:00.000-04:00

Are you the parent of an elementary school aged child? If you are, are you interested in working from home? If so, you are in luck. The majority of the year, your child will likely be in school, but it can still be a little bit difficult to work from home if you are a parent. With that said, it is more than possible to do.

If you are interested in being a work-at-home parent, you may want to spend the majority of your time focusing on what to do when your child is out of school for the summer or even just out of school for a small break. This is where working from home can get a little bit complicated, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. If you would like more information on how to make it easier, you will want to read on.

What is nice about most elementary school aged children is that they are old enough to keep themselves occupied. While you will still want to keep a close eye on your child, you won’t have to spend a lot of time trying to keep them occupied, as most can do so all on their own. What you may want to think about doing is having some fun activities for your child to do while you work. For instance, if your child loves crafts, you may want to think about buying a large collection of craft supplies to have on hand. The same can be said for toys in general or movies.

When attending school, a large number of children make new friends. You can use this to help you get some work done while working from home. You may want to see if your child wants to invite a friend over for a play date. Of course, you will still want to keep a close eye on your child, especially if they are still pretty young, but you may find that having a friend over keeps them occupied. You never know, but your child may also be invited over to one of their friends’ homes for a play date as well.

As for the summertime, you may want to think about sending your child to a summer camp. Now, many associate summer camps with long, overnight trips, but you and your child will likely have other options. There many day camps that are available for children and your local community may have a number of them for your child to choose from. Also, if your child is around the age of ten or so, they may be able to do some volunteer work, possibly even at a summer camp for younger children.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can go about keeping your child occupied while you work from home. It is important that you use your best judgment with whatever you decide. You will want to make sure that you keep your child and their age in mind.

Working from Home with Kids: Educational Learning Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers– Part 2

2008-05-12T13:19:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I highlighted how flash cards are a great way to keep your child occupied when trying to get some work done from home. Another educational activity that you may want to examine is that of doing preschool worksheets or preschool workbooks.

I purchased a number of preschool workbooks from our local dollar stores and Wal-Mart. They are really great. I worked with my daughter on a few pages, until she got the hang of everything. Now, I just explain something to her, she does a few pages and I review them. Although it requires a few small breaks on my part, these workbooks keep her occupied and learning for quite some time.

Working from Home with Kids: Educational Learning Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

2008-05-11T22:18:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for ways to keep your child temporarily occupied while you try to get some work done from home, you may want to examine activities that also double as learning activities. One approach that you may want to take is with flash cards.

Flash cards are a big hit in our home. My daughter loves them. We started working on them together, but once she learned what everything was she started playing with them on her own more. She can literally sit at the kitchen table for hours with her flash cards. In fact, she has even made her own flash card games.

Working from Home with Kids: Stickers a Great Way to Keep Your Child Occupied (Toddlers and Preschoolers)

2008-05-11T02:36:00.000-04:00

Although stickers may not seem like much, they are a great way to hold the attention of your toddler when you need to get some work done at home. They have worked wonders for us.

What my daughter loves doing is taking stickers and placing them on construction paper. Sometimes she will draw pictures or shapes around them, but, for the most part, she just likes playing with stickers.

The only downside to stickers is that they can get pretty costly, especially if your toddler becomes a pro at using them. Personally, I suggest visiting one of your local dollar stores or craft stores. They often have large sticker booklets, which tend to include an assortment of both large and small stickers, for a relatively affordable price.

Safety Tips for Working Outside with Kids

2008-05-02T21:59:00.000-04:00

My last few posts have focused on working from home, but outside. If you are able to do so, you may want to give working outside on a nice day a try. Not only will your child enjoy the change of scenery, but you may also find the environment to be inspirational.

If you do decide to work outside with your kids, it is important to keep safety in mind. For starters, make sure that you have age appropriate toys outside for your child to play with. If you will be working outside, a bottle of bubbles or a sandbox may be more appropriate than a trampoline, especially for younger children.

It is also important that you set boundaries for young children. If you are a parent, you likely already know that toddlers and preschoolers can disappear as quick as you can turn your head. That is why it is best if you have a fenced in backyard. Even if you do not, be sure to always watch your child, but also establish boundaries with them. Point out an area of your backyard where they are allowed to play.

It is also important to bring the right items outside with you. Aside from your work equipment, like your laptop computer and a phone, it is a good idea to bring out sunscreen, drinks, and snacks. Having these items readily available will limit the number of trips that you have to make inside.

Finally, it is also important that you take fun into consideration. It no secret that playing outside alone can boring for young children. If you are a freelancer, like with web design or writing, it may be a good idea to schedule small breaks every few minutes. This will enable you to blow a few bubbles with your child or play a quick game of soccer with them.

Working from Home with Kids: Working Outside Part 2

2008-05-02T21:50:00.001-04:00

Working from home outdoors is a great way to work from home, if you are able to do so. Having the ability to work-at-home outside on nice days isn’t only great for you, but it is also great for your child as well.

Although not all home based workers are able to work from home, you may be able to do so with a few simple investments. A cordless phone, a laptop computer, and wireless internet should be able to make it possible for you to work from home outside. By setting up a small table, you should be good to go with enough workspace.

Should you decide to give working from home outside a try, it may be best to take some precautionary measures. You may want to bring an umbrella or a tarp with you, just in case. There is nothing worse than trying to get your child indoors, as well as all of your expensive work equipment, in a rush.

Although working from home outside with your child is nice, it is important that you be careful when doing so. To familiarize yourself with some outdoor safety tips, please check out the next post.

Working from Home with Kids: Working Outside

2008-04-26T13:27:00.000-04:00

As the weather starting improving, you may want to take advantage of it. If you own a laptop computer, you may want to consider working outside. As a freelance web content writer, I love working outside. The fresh air helps my creatively a lot. It is also important to note that my daughter gets to have fun playing outside at the same time as well.

If you do take your child outside with you, be sure to give them attention too. Playing outside is a lot more fun when you have a parent or a sibling playing with you. What I like to do is write an article, play a game of catch with my daughter, write an article, play with bubbles, and so forth.

Working from Home with Kids: Mystery Shopping Scams

2008-04-25T13:19:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I stated that mystery shopping is something that you can do to make a little bit of extra money. If you would like to do mystery shopping, it is important that you be on the lookout for scams. Unfortunately, mystery shopping scams do happen.

The first type of mystery shopping scam that you will want to be on the lookout for is companies with bad reputations. There are some companies out there that will allow you to do the work for them, but not pay you in the end.

You can easily familiarize yourself with these types of mystery shopping jobs and companies by visiting a website like, www.ripoffreport.com. You can also perform a standard internet search with the name of the mystery shopping company in question and also add the word “scam.”

Another scam that you will want to be on the lookout for is mystery shopping “companies,” that send you a check. This can be used to buy the merchandise that you need to buy or for you to get paid with, however, you are expected to return a portion of the check back to them. This is a scam. You are likely given a bad check, but by the time that you realize it, you are responsible for the money that you sent back to the “company,” as well as any other money that you may have already spent.

Working from Home with Kids: Mystery Shopping Reviewed

2008-04-24T13:08:00.002-04:00

If you are looking for a way to make money from home with your kids, you may see work-at-home opportunities for mystery shopping. A nice as mystery shopping is, it may not be the right opportunity for you.

Mystery shopping, in most cases, cannot get you rich. Many companies have rules and restrictions on how many shops you can complete in a day or even a week. This may limit the amount of money that you are able to make. At best, you could expect to make a part-time living with mystery shopping. Please know, however, that there are rare expectations to this.

Another important point to take into consideration, about mystery shopping, is that you are often encouraged to not bring your children. Although some parents think that they won’t get caught doing so, you may not want to take the risk. This, essentially, defeats the purpose of finding a way to make money with your children by your side.

Working from Home with Kids: Mystery Shopping Reviewed

2008-04-24T13:08:00.000-04:00

Working from Home with Kids: Are Customer Service Jobs Right for You?

2008-04-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

When examining legitimate work-at-home jobs online, you are likely to find a number of customer service jobs. Popular jobs include virtual assistants and at-home call center representatives. As nice as these jobs are, it is important to know that they aren’t always right for work-at-home parents, especially parents of small children.

If you will be working from home with your child or children, how old are they? Children that are under the age of five typically need and deserve to have more attention. Unfortunately, when they do not receive that attention, they often resort to loud measures to get it. The last thing that you will when on the phone with a customer or even your boss is to have a toddler screaming in the background.

Of course, there are steps that you can take, like buying noise canceling headphones, you may want to first examine other work-at-home jobs or work-at-home opportunities.

One Important Reason Why Working from Home with Kids Is Great

2008-04-22T15:30:00.000-04:00

When we often hear the phrase “working from home with kids,” many of us envision an infant or toddler at the side of the mom and dad in question. Yes, this is true in many cases, but children grow. If you are the work-at-home parent of a child who is in preschool, school, or even in part-time daycare, you have the ability to pick them up when they are sick, without the complications that must employed out of the house parents do.

Working from Home with Kids: Starting a Daycare – Part 4

2008-04-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in starting your own daycare business, you may be curious as to how you can go about getting clients. The good news is that you do have a number of different options. These options include….

Advertising In Local Newspapers
Advertising on Community Message Boards
Advertising Online

Working from Home with Kids: Starting a Daycare – Part 3

2008-04-21T20:59:00.000-04:00

My last few posts have focused on how running a daycare business is a great way to work from home with kids. Those who are interested in starting a daycare often wonder what type of supplies are needed.

Despite the fact that your state may have its own rules and restrictions (especially where safety is concerned) there are a few items that you will need to have, in addition to the things that you already have in your home.

Supplies That You May Need Include:

Baby Gates
Outlet Covers
High Chairs and Booster Seats
Changing Table
Cots or Mats for Naptime
Educational Toys
Outdoor Toys

Working from Home with Kids: Starting a Daycare – Part 2

2008-04-21T20:56:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I stated that starting your own daycare business is a great way to work from home with your kids. As nice as this is to hear, you may be looking for information on how much money you can expect to make. In all honesty, you will find it depends.

What is nice about starting a daycare is that you are in charge. You have the ability to charge whatever you want for your services. With that said, you will want to be fair with your rates, as this will help you get clients. It may be a good idea to call around to other daycares in the area to see what they charge.

Also, many states have rules and restrictions on how many children a daycare provider can accept. If you would like to make the most money, you will want to look into getting certified by your state. This will likely require the taking of a few courses and regular state inspections, but you will likely be able to take more kids, as well as charge more money.

Working from Home with Kids: Starting a Daycare

2008-04-21T11:26:00.000-04:00

Are you a work-at-home parent? If you want to be and if you are looking for a way to work from home, you may want to examine running your own in-home daycare business. Many parents find this a great way to make a living and work from home.

As nice as it is to hear that you can work from home as a daycare operator, you may be looking for more information on why you should. For starters, you have the ability to make money. Depending on how many kids you accept or if you are state certified, you may able to make a full-time income.

It is also important to take your children into consideration. When you run a daycare business, you get to be in constant contact with your children. You can also help them get needed social interaction, by interacting with other children, who may be around the same age as your child.

Working from Home with Kids: What Type of Work-at-Home Job Is Best for You?

2008-04-21T01:21:00.000-04:00

Are you a parent who is interested in working from home? If you are, you may accept any type of work-at-home job or work-at-home opportunity that you can find. After all, a lot of people want to work from home, so the competition for jobs can be fierce.

Having the drive and determination to work from home is a great thing to have, but you will also want to use your best judgment. If you are not careful, you can find yourself falling victim to a scam. You could also end up with a job that requires so much of your time that you don’t have enough time for your kids.

So, what is the best type of job to have when you are working from home? In all honesty it is one where you are able to be your own boss or at least have control over the hours that you work. I have found this type of freedom working as a freelance web content writer. You can also find similar freedom by doing something similar, such as marketing or web design. There are also other great opportunities out there, like running your own business, such as a daycare business.

Over the next few weeks, I will focus more on some of these work-at-home jobs and work-at-home opportunities.

Working from Home with Kids: Why You Should Have Wireless Internet

2008-04-21T01:10:00.000-04:00

Do you own and use a laptop? If you do, it is equipped with wireless internet access? If not, you may want to take that step.

What I like about having wireless internet access is that it allows me to get full use out of my laptop. Since I work from home, I also work online and need to access the internet. Whether I am in my daughter’s room, outside our house, or at the kitchen table, I can do so without any connecting cords in the way.

As nice as having wireless internet access is, you may not be able to benefit from it. If you work as an at-home customer service representative, your company may request or require that you avoid using a wireless internet connection.

Working from Home with Kids: 4 Reasons Why You Should Own a Laptop

2008-04-07T02:53:00.000-04:00

1 - Freedom

Owning and using a laptop computer gives you the freedom to move around as you please. This is important when working from home with kids.

Personally, when I work from home I use my laptop at the kitchen table and I set my daughter up nearby with an activity, which may be coloring, drawing, painting, or playing with play dough. A laptop can also travel with you to a playroom or outside.

2 - Wireless Internet

When you have a laptop, you have the ability to use wireless internet. This is another must have for parents who work from home, as they often work online.

Typically, you shouldn’t have to pay extra to have wireless internet. You will have to purchase a wireless router, but the cost is pretty affordable and more than worth every penny.

3 - They Are Relatively Affordable

Laptops have come down in price from the past few years. I started noticing more affordable prices when I purchased my laptop, almost two years ago. They are even cheaper now. Of course, the model that you purchase will have an impact on price.

If the cost of a laptop still turns you off, consider saving. I put aside a little bit of money each week and in a few months I was able to purchase my laptop. Also, many retailers have great sales on computers around back to school time and Christmas.

4 - You Often End Up with Two Computers

If you already work from home, there is a good chance that you already own a computer, like a desktop computer. Our desktop computer is now only used by my daughter and my boyfriend, but I like knowing it is there as a backup, just incase.

Working from Home with Kids: Related Article

2008-03-27T00:55:00.000-04:00

Here is an article that I wrote that you may find useful. It is titled Working from Home with Kids: Tools You Should Rely On.

Working from Home with Kids: Play Dough a Great Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers

2008-03-09T22:26:00.001-04:00

Play dough is a fun activity that many children, including toddlers and preschoolers, enjoy. What is nice about play dough is that it lets your child express their creativity, while keeping them occupied at the same time.

Play dough can be purchased from a number of retail stores. You can even buy cheap play dough from many dollar stores or discount stores. If you are on a budget, you can even make your own play dough. Many play dough toys and accessories can also be purchased, increasing the fun of play dough.

My only reminder is to make sure that you put the play dough away as soon as your child is done playing with it. I can’t count the number of times that I intended to cleanup play dough, but later see it still out and dried out that night. In our house, we go through a lot of play dough!

Since play dough can be considered a choking hazard, you are urged to use your best judgment when giving it to your child. If you are unsure as to whether or not your child is ready for play dough, you are urged to play with it with them for a while or always make sure that you are nearby.

Working from Home with Kids: Painting – A Great Activity for Your Children

2008-03-07T00:51:00.001-05:00

When it comes to toddlers and painting, my best suggestion is watercolors, as they are easy to clean up. My daughter loves painting. In fact, she loves it so much that we have no more room left on the fridge for her masterpieces! Another suggestion is limiting the amount of water that you give your toddler, especially if you are going to be working in the same area as them. I cannot count how many close calls we have had with water and my laptop.

Working from Home with Kids: Coloring – A Great Activity for Your Children

2008-03-03T07:46:00.001-05:00

All children, especially toddlers, enjoy coloring. What is nice about coloring is that it is a fun, easy, and very affordable activity. A large number of coloring books can be purchased for a dollar or less at many dollar stores or discount stores. If your child has a favorite cartoon character, like Dora, it may be a good idea to find them coloring books featuring their favorite characters. I have found that those coloring books hold my daughter’s attention a lot more. In addition to coloring books that you can buy, you can also find a number of free printable coloring pages online. These free coloring pages can easily be found with a standard internet search.

Working from Home with Kids: DVDs Great for Toddlers

2008-03-02T22:20:00.000-05:00

If you must use television to keep your child occupied when you work from home, be sure to do so only in moderation. Also, be sure to choose your television shows and DVDs wisely. A few educational DVDs that are perfect for toddlers are outlined below for your convenience.

Dora the Explorer DVDs come highly rated and recommend among toddlers, lol especially mine. Dora the Explorer is a nice show for toddlers and preschoolers to watch, as it is educational in nature. In fact, my daughter, who is three, picked up a little bit of Spanish from Dora.

Go Diego Go Diego DVDs are also great for toddlers. They are similar to the Dora the Explorer DVDs, but I have found that Diego is more tailored to both boys and girls. With Go Diego Go, your child can familiarize themselves with animals, as well as learn a little bit of Spanish.

LeapFrog DVDs are absolutely perfect for toddlers. In fact, they are my favorite thing. They are ideal, as they are both fun and educational in nature. With a number of LeapFrog DVDs currently available for sale, your toddler can learn how to pronounce their letters, read, and do simple math.

Working from Home with Kids: DVDs Great for Newborns

2008-03-02T22:17:00.000-05:00

While television and DVDs are great ways to keep your child occupied while you work from home, it is important that you are careful not to overuse them. This is particularly true for newborns and infants. They are at an important age, where too much television may be harmful to them and their social development.

With that being said, if you do plan to use television, checkout the DVDs outlined below. They come highly rated and recommended by parents.

Sesame Street and Elmo DVDs are perfect DVDs for infants. They are filled with bright colors, great songs, and so forth. Most newborns will be enamored with Sesame Street and Elmo. And, it is also important to mention that Elmo and Sesame Street DVDs are also educational in nature.

Baby Einstein DVDs also come highly rated and recommended and they are perfect for infants. Personally, we never tried these DVDs when my daughter was younger. As with Sesame Street, Baby Einstein DVDs are educational in nature and they are designed for young viewers. With a large selection of DVDs to choose from, you are sure to find at least one Baby Einstein DVD that is perfect for your infant.

Working from Home with Kids: Television for Toddlers and Preschoolers

2008-02-28T22:46:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I outlined how you may want to refrain from using television too much as a way to keep your child occupied while you work. With that being said, I also pointed out there are a number of educational television shows out there that your child may actually benefit from watching. Personally speaking, my daughter learned a lot of Spanish words from Dora.

For educational programming, you may want to think about Noggin, Nick Jr., PlayHouse Disney, PBS Kids, or PBS Sprout. For educational DVDs, I can’t recommend the LeapForg Learning DVDs enough.

Working from Home with Kids: Why You Shouldn’t Rely Too Much On Television

2008-02-03T23:19:00.001-05:00

Are you a work-at-home parent or would you like to become one? If so, how old is your child or your children? If you have a child who is a toddler or elementary school aged, you may find it somewhat difficult to work from home. Despite being somewhat difficult, thousands of work-at-home parents are able to do so each day. A good portion of those parents rely on television to help keep their children occupied while they work from home, but is that what is best for your child?

When it comes to determining whether or not television is a good way to keep your child occupied while you work, it is important to remember that you are the parent. Of course, you are able to decide what you think is or isn’t best for your child, but there are some important pieces of information that you may want know. This information, which is touched on below, may actually make you think twice before relying too heavily on your television.

A large number of work-at-home parents, namely the ones who try and use the television as a babysitter, do so because it is the easiest method of keeping them occupied. Yes, sitting your child down in front of a television is relatively easy to do, but there is so much more that you can also do. For instance, I am also a stay-at-home mom and a work-at-home mom. I work as a freelance writer; therefore, I do have a little bit more freedom than many other work-at-home parents, as I rarely have to communicate over the phone with my clients. That freedom is what allows me to work at my kitchen table on my laptop and that is where I set my daughter up with me for a few hours, as well.

One of the many activities that you can use, besides television, to keep your child occupied while you work, includes arts and crafts. Most toddlers and elementary school aged children love arts and crafts. Online, with a standard internet search, you should be able to find a number of fun and exciting craft project ideas. Many of these projects are ones that your child may be able to do on their own. Also, simple things such as coloring in a coloring book or painting with water colors may work for your child.

Another great way that you can help to keep your child occupied from home is by allowing them to work with you. My daughter, who is three, loves to pretend to work right alongside me. I even went as far as to buy her a desk set, a non-functioning laptop computer, and other neat office supplies. There are some days where she can spend hours sitting and typing on her keyboard, drawing at her desk, or doing something else entertaining and productive. While this particular approach may not work for everyone, it is something that has worked wonders for us.

As it was previously stated, there are a number of alternatives ways that you can go about keeping your child occupied when you try to work from home; ways that do not include television. However, that does not mean that you can’t use the television as a way to occupy your child on occasion. In fact, depending on the show that your child watches, they may even walk away educated.

Working from Home with Kids: Work-at-Home Scams – Part 3

2008-02-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

Another type of work-at-home scam that you should be on the lookout for is the ones where they just want to get your personal information.

When you are hired for a job, your employer needs your social security number. If you are interested in having your paychecks directly deposited in your bank account, your employer will need a blank check of yours. While this process is legitimate, many unsavory individuals are taking advantage of it.

Before giving anyone, especially online, your social security number or your bank account information, you will want to make sure that you know exactly who you are dealing with. If you don’t, you could have your identity stolen or have your bank accounts cleaned out.

Speaking of knowing who you are dealing with, you can learn a lot about a work-at-home opportunity or a work-at-home job by using the internet to your advantage. There are a number of websites, like RipOffReport.com, that can give you insight into work-at-home companies and work-at-home opportunities. By taking a few minutes to checkout out a work-at-home opportunity or a work-at-home company first, you may end up saving yourself a considerable amount of trouble in the end.

Working from Home with Kids: Work-at-Home Scams – Part 2

2008-01-31T20:12:00.000-05:00

One of the most common scams that you will find associated with work-at-home jobs or work-at-home opportunities is fees. What you need to remember is that you should be paid to work, not the other way around.

A company that asks you to pay a fee to work for them is one that you should turn around and walk away from. Yes, there are some legitimate work-at-home opportunities that you can find online that ask for a fee, but why you would want to pay it? There are many more work-at-home jobs or work-at-home opportunities that are free for you to try. One thing that you should know about work-at-home job fees or work-at-home opportunity fees is that they are often disguised as something else. For instance, some refer to the fee as a processing fee or as an application fee. No matter what it is called, it is one of the first signs of a scam.

On the other hand, you may need to buy supplies and this is almost always legitimate. For instance, if you were to get a job as a call center representative, you may need to buy yourself a hands-free headset, but you should be able to buy your own, from wherever you want.

Working from Home with Kids: Work-at-Home Scams – Part 1

2008-01-29T20:26:00.001-05:00

If you are a parent who has just recently decided that you would like to work from home, there is a good chance that you may have started searching for work-at-home jobs or work-at-home opportunities. In your search, there is a good chance that you have come across a scam or two. And, if you have yet to come across a work-at-home scam, there is a good chance that you will soon. Work-at-home scams are increasing in popularity and that is why you always need to be on the lookout for them.

When it comes to spotting a work-at-home scam, there are many hopeful work-at-home parents who wonder what they need to be on the lookout for. In all honesty, there are a number of different ways that you can go about spotting a work-at-home scam. The good news is that most of these scams are easy to spot, as long as you know what to look for.
The following posts will outline common work-at-home scams that you will want to be on the lookout for.

Working from Home with Kids: Starting Your Own Business versus Working from Home for Someone Else

2008-01-28T23:25:00.000-05:00

Are you a parent who is interested in becoming a work-at-home parent? If you are, you should know that you have a number of different options when it comes to making money from home. Two of your main options involve starting your own business or working from home for someone else. If this is your first time trying to work from home, you may be wondering which option is best for you.

When it comes to determining whether you should work from home with kids as your own business owner or as an employee of a company that employs home based workers, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration. One of those factors is the type of work experience that you have. Millions of Americans are interested in working from home; therefore, the competition for many work-at-home jobs is fairly high.

Although it would be nice to work for someone else, as a home based worker, it may take you a year or more to find a job, particularly if you don’t have the right amount of experience. If you have worked in a call center before or worked as a customer service representative, you are more likely to get hired as an at-home customer service representative; however, it is still a tough field to get into.

Your dreams are also another factor that you should take into consideration, when trying to determine how you should work from home with kids. When you dream of working from home, what do you see yourself doing? Do you see yourself working at-home for someone else or do you see yourself running your own business? Although it is important to make money while working from home with kids, many work-at-home parents do not realize the opportunities they are given. Should you decide to work from home, now is the perfect time to start your own business, especially if it is has always been a dream of yours.

What you need to know is that there are a number of pros and cons to starting your own business, as well as working from home for someone else. For instance, when you work from home for someone else, you still have a boss to answer to. When you have your own business, you are your own boss and in control of all business decisions. What is nice about working for someone else is that the costs associated with doing so are low. When starting your own business, you may need to come up with a couple thousand dollars, depending on the business.

In all honesty, the decision as to how you want to work from home with your kids is yours to make. Perhaps, that is what is best about being a work-at-home parent; most work-at-home parents have a number of options to choose from. As a reminder though, when deciding where you would like to work or what type of business you would like to start, you will want to keep your child or children in mind.

Working from Home with Kids: How to Keep an Active Social Life

2008-01-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

Working from home is nice, as many parents find it much more affordable than working in the corporate world. The only problem is that many work-at-home parents get so caught up with working from home and supporting their families that they tend to forget about staying socially active themselves. Of course, your social calendar does not need to be packed full, but you should still make sure that you have some time for yourself.

If you just recently left the corporate world or if you have yet to do so, you will want to make sure that you try and keep in touch with some of your coworkers, especially those you are close with. Although you may not be able to socialize at work anymore, you may still be able to get together a couple of days a month for coffee or lunch. Even if your contact only involves a few phone calls or a few emails a month, you will want to try and keep in touch with those that you know from your old workplace.

It is also important to stay in close contact with any friends that you have made outside of work, like from college or high school. As with keeping in touch with former coworkers, make sure that you regularly call or email your friends. When your schedule allows for it, you may want to try to get together with some of your friends at least a couple of times month. This should be enough to establish regular contact or communication, which is important for a friendship.

If you have already lost contact with your friends or old coworkers, there is still hope. A large number of towns and cities have programs or get-together groups that are designed for parents and occasionally work-at-home parents. What is nice about many of these groups is that many often let you bring your child or children along with you. This means that you can not only get social interaction, but your children can as well. Your local classified advertisements and the internet are great ways to see if you have any of these local groups in your area.

I’m Back

2008-01-25T21:41:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay in postings. I had a huge project to work on and I didn’t have much time for blogging. I am back now though.

Working from Home with Kids: The Importance of Keeping an Active Social Life

2008-01-11T23:19:00.000-05:00

As nice as it is to be able to work from home with my daughter and make money at the same time, I made a costly mistake. While not costly in the dollar sense, it is a mistake that I wish I never made. That mistake was not staying socially active.

When I left my work, I unfortunately did not keep in touch with many of the friends that I made. Although I viewed most of my coworkers as just that, I did make a number of friends along the way. I really wish that I stayed in touch with many of my friends from work.

Speaking of friends, I also let many of my friendships slide. This is also a regret that I have. When I wasn’t spending time with my daughter, I was searching for ways to make money online from home. When I finally found a work-at-home opportunity, I was spending every minute that I wasn’t spending with my daughter or with my boyfriend trying to prove myself as a hard worker.

What is the result of all of this? I have about one friend who I talk to on a regular basis, and that is only once a week or every other week. Please do not make the same mistake I made. As I do have more free time on my hands now, once I got settled in with working from home, I do find myself quite lonely.

Working from Home with Kids: How to Answer Complaints from Those Whose Calls Go Unanswered

2008-01-09T22:36:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I outlined how you may want to avoid answering the phone, unless during an emergency, when working from home. As nice as this approach is, you may receive some complaints from those who are trying to reach you.

If a friend or relative later asks you how come you didn’t answerer their calls, you will just want to simply tell them that you were working. In all honesty, no more explanation should be needed. If so, simply state that it is unprofessional and ask how the person in question would feel if you kept on calling them at work. Chances are that will do the trick.

Working from Home with Kids: How to Handle Those Who Don’t Think That You Are Working

2008-01-08T20:20:00.001-05:00

Do you work from home or are you interested in doing so? If so, you should expect interruptions and not always interruptions from your child. When working from home, you may receive multiple phone calls from family members, friends, or neighbors.

Some of those calls may be just to talk, but others may be to ask a favor, like babysitting. While these interruptive calls can be frustrating to deal with, it is something that you should deal with. Many work-at-home parents who do nothing often end up in situations that are difficult to control.

As previously mentioned, one of the most common problems that work-at-home parents face is those who want them to watch their kids and usually for free. Of course, it is your decision to make, but you may want to look at the bigger picture. If you regularly offer to watch the children of someone that you know, particularly free of charge, you may find it becoming a habit.

With that in mind, if you do feel guilty saying no, even though you have no reason to feel guilty, you may want to establish some ground rules. For example, you should mention to your friend, family member, or neighbor that you would be more than happy to help them out, but only on occasion or with a set schedule. Making it known that you have a work schedule to follow, right from the start, is nice, as it tends to limit the amount that you are taken advantage of.

As for friends or family members who call you when you are trying to work just to talk, it is important to remember that you don’t have to answer the phone. That is what answering machines and caller id are for. If you know who is calling, you can wait until you are finished with work or get a break to call them back. If someone urgently needs you, there is a good chance that they would keep on calling until you answered or leave you an urgent message.

Working from Home with Kids: Creating a Quite Home Office Environment – Part 3

2008-01-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

Another one of the many ways that you can help to create a quite or at least a semi quite home office environment for yourself is by talking to your child. You may also want to think about explaining to your child that you are working. Many times, children do not always know that their parents are doing something important, such as working from home.

Depending on the age of your child, they may be able to comprehend that you are trying to work. In fact, your child may even think that it is cool that mommy or daddy works from home.

Depending on your child, you may even find that your children want to copy you. If that is the case, you may want to think about purchasing them a child size desk or other office supplies that are age appropriate.

Working from Home with Kids: Creating a Quiet Home Office Environment – Tip #2

2007-12-30T21:49:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I outlined the importance of having a quiet or at least a semi quiet home office environment. Read on for another great tip to help you do so.

Another great way that you can go about creating a quiet home office environment for yourself is by setting your child up with age appropriate activities. No matter how old or young your child is, there are a number of different activities that they can do while you work from home.

As previously mentioned, the activities used should depend on your child’s age. One type of activity children of most ages love is that of crafts. Traditional craft supplies, like stickers, construction paper, crayons, and markers are nice, as they are usually affordable.

Come back again tomorrow for another great tip on how you can create a quiet or at least a semi quiet home office environment for yourself.

Working from Home with Kids: How to Create a Quiet Home Office Environment

2007-12-27T20:27:00.000-05:00

Do you want to become a work-at-home parent or did you recently become one? While it is more than possible to work from home with kids, it can be difficult to do, especially when your children are young. Whether you start your own business or work from home for another company, you will likely find that you need to have a quiet or at least a semi quiet home office environment for yourself. For many work-at-home parents, this often a lot easier said than done.

When it comes to creating a quiet home office environment for yourself, there are a number of different steps that you can take. It is fairly common for home based workers to turn one of the rooms in their homes into a home office. While this is more than possible to do, you should think about your children, namely their age. Baby monitors can help you keep an eye on your children when they are in a different room; however, you may want to think about keeping your children with you while you work. This is important for your own sense of security, as well as the safety of your children.

If your intended home office room is not large enough for all of you, you may want to think about making your home office area in a centralized location of your home, like your living room or in your kitchen.

Come back tomorrow for another great way to help create a quiet or at least a semi quiet home office environment for yourself

Working from Home with a Toddler

2007-12-27T20:21:00.002-05:00

Are you a parent who is interested in working from home? If you are, are you the parent of a toddler? If you have a toddler in the home, you may be wondering if it is even possible for you to work from home. Being a work-at-home mom or dad of a toddler can be complicated at times, but it is more than possible to do.

One of the easiest ways to go about being a good home based worker and a good parent is by carefully choose which type of job you accept. When working from home, you can work for a company that hires home based workers or you can start your own home based business. Since toddlers are often hard to keep occupied for long hours at a time, you may want to think about taking a job that allows you to set your own hours. It may also be a good idea to think about starting your own business, as you often end up with more freedom.

Another way that you can go about being a good home based worker, as well as a good parent is by arranging activities for your toddler to do when you need to work. The good news is that there are an unlimited number of activities for you and your child to choose from. For example, a large number of work-at-home parents rely on craft projects. When it comes to arts and crafts, you do not have to think big, elaborate art projects. For toddlers, arts and crafts can be something as simple as coloring on a piece of paper, painting with watercolors, and so on.

In addition to arts and crafts, many parents rely on toys and television to keep their toddlers occupied when working from home. Personally, I am sometimes one of these parents. As many say, television is okay as long as it is used in moderation. There are many parents, like me, who often find success by turning on an educational program or putting in an educational DVD. As for toys, you may want to think about keeping a separate bin of toys just for when you need to work. This can help to prevent boredom.

Another great way to be able to get work done, when working from home, is to think about hiring the services of a babysitter, even just a few hours a week. Depending on where you live, you should be able to find other parents, elderly individuals, or teenagers who baby-sit as a way to make extra money. In fact, you may even find those who would be willing to come into your home to watch your children. This approach is nice as it may help to give you a little bit of security and peace of mind.

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that may make working from home with a toddler easier. You need to remember though that different things work for different parents and toddlers. For that reason, you should rely on trial and error to see what does or doesn’t work for you and your child.

Working from Home with a Newborn

2007-12-27T20:21:00.001-05:00

Are you the parent of a newborn? If you are, are you also interested in working from home? If so, you may be wondering exactly how you can go about getting all of your work done, while caring for your newborn at the same time. Of course, it is no secret that it can be difficult to be a work-at-home mom and a stay-at-home mom, but it is more than possible to do.

When it comes to working from home with a newborn, one of the easiest ways to be successful is to carefully choose what you do for work. As you likely already know, most newborns do not have set schedules. Many newborns spend most of their days sleeping, but there are no guarantees when it comes to when or for how long. That is why many work-at-home parents of newborns should try to get jobs that are either flexible with their scheduling or jobs that do not require communication over-the-phone.

In addition to carefully choosing which work-at-home job you take, you may also want to think about starting your own home based business. When it comes to starting a home based business, you will find that you have a number of different options. For instance, you could pick a job that benefits both you and your child, like running your own daycare center.

If and when you are able to land a work at home job or start your own home based business, you may want to think about experimenting with your hours. For example, there are some parents who choose to do most of their work at night, after their child has gone to sleep or after their partner has arrived home. There are also many work-at-home parents who do most of their work during naptimes. It may take a little bit of trial and error, but you should be able to find a way to make money from home, while properly care for your newborn at the same time.

Working from Home with Kids: Great Website to Checkout

2007-12-22T22:18:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I outlined how you will want to first do research online, when looking for a work-at-home job or a work-at-home opportunity. One website that you will want to checkout is that of RipOffReport.com.

How You Can Research Work-at-Home Jobs Online

2007-12-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

Are you interested in becoming a work-at-home parent? If you are, you will need to find a work-at-home job or a work-at-home opportunity to try out.

Unfortunately, finding a moneymaking work-at-home opportunity or a work-at-home job can be easier said than done. For starters, work-at-home jobs are in high demand; therefore, there is a lot of competition for them. Secondly, you always need to be on the lookout for scams, as work-at-home scams have increased in popularity over the past few years. Mainly due in part to the large number of scams, you will want to research any work-at-home opportunity that you try on online or any work-at-home company that wants to hire you before you officially get started.

While it may seem like researching a work-at-home opportunity or a work-at-home company is a lot of work, it actually isn’t. There are a number of different ways that you can go about doing so online. To learn how, you will want to continue reading on.

One of the many ways that you can go about researching a work-at-home company or a work-at-home opportunity online is by performing a standard internet search. When performing a standard internet search, you will want to search with the name of the work-at-home company in question. Your internet search results will likely include online websites or message boards where the company in question is being discussed. If you would like to know more about a specific work-at-home opportunity, like doing paid surveys, you may want to perform your standard internet search with a phrase like “paid online surveys.”

Another great way that you can go about researching a work-at-home company or a work-at-home opportunity is by joining an online message board. Online message boards are where internet users with the same or similar interests come together to talk and share information. Online, you should be able to find a number of online message boards that are designed specifically for work-at-home parents. You could ask a question about a work-at-home opportunity that you are interested in trying.

There are also online websites out there, which I sometimes like to refer as scam websites. These websites, like Rip Off Report or the Better Business Bureau, help to track companies that are not on the up and up. RipOffReport.com is nice, as it is run by individuals just like you. If a person gets scammed online by a work-at-home company, they can post the information online.

The above mentioned ways are just a few of the many ways that you can go about researching work-at-home jobs and work-at-home opportunities online. As a work-at-home parent, it is important that you take the time to find and choose the right work-at-home job or work-at-home business opportunity. That is why you should first do your research online.

Working from Home with Kids: How to Get Started

2007-12-17T20:37:00.001-05:00

Are you interested in working from home with your kids? If you are, you will need to find a work-at-home job or a work-at-home opportunity. While it is more than possible for you to start your own business, many first time work-at-home parents prefer working from home for someone else, at least when they first get started.

If this is your first time trying to get a work-at-home job, you may not necessarily know how you can go about doing so. Unfortunately, this is where many hopeful work-at-home parents make mistakes, sometimes even costly mistakes. Many hopeful home based workers end up looking in the wrong places. This is not only a waste of your time, but possibly even money. After a close look, you will find that not all work-at-home jobs or work-at-home opportunities are legitimate; some are scams. That is why it is important that you know the best ways to go about finding real, legitimate work-at-home jobs or work-at-home opportunities.

One of the best ways for you to go about finding work-at-home jobs or work-at-home business opportunities is by finding an online message board that is devoted to parents who want to work or do work from home. These types of message boards are nice because you will find that many other work-at-home parents share what they know. For instance, you may be able to find information on a work-at-home company that is currently hiring or even warnings to stay away from a company that has been known to cause problems.

In addition to online message boards that are devoted to work-at-home parents, you will also find traditional websites that are devoted to work-at-home parents. These websites may or may not have an online message board, but what they often do have is information on a wide variety of different work-at-home jobs, as well as work-at-home companies. What is nice about websites that are devoted to work-at-home parents is that you will find that most of the work-at-home jobs or work-at-home opportunities discussed are ideal for parents who are working from home with kids.

Another great way to find work-at-home jobs or work-at-home business opportunities is by visiting the online websites of companies. This may be a little bit time consuming, but it is a great way to learn of any well-known and reputable companies that may be interested in hiring work-at-home workers. You may want to place a good amount of your focus on companies that delivery products, like flowers. Also, a large number of the home shopping channels and networks employ employees who work from home.

You may also want to check out online job searching or career searching websites. These are websites that allow employers to place want ads online. The only thing that you need to be careful about is scams. Not all job or career searching websites check the companies that they are placing want ads for on their site. This means that there is a good chance that you could find some scams on these sites. With that in mind, just use your best judgment and you should be fine.

Working from Home with Kids: Home Office Furniture Pieces You May Want to Buy – Part 2

2007-12-14T21:43:00.001-05:00

One piece of home office furniture that you will want to look into buying is that of a home office desk. A home office desk is often the most important piece of furniture in a home based office. For many home based workers, a home office desk is the place where the most of their work is done. When buying a home office desk for yourself, you will want to make sure that your desk is comfortable to sit at, as well as easy to work at. It is also important to make sure that you choose a home office desk that will fit into your home office or workspace.

Another important piece of home office furniture that you will want to look into buying is that of a home office chair. Although there is a good chance that you could use a traditional folding chair or one of your kitchen table chairs, you may want to think about buying a home office chair. Home office chairs come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. What is nice is that many home office chairs are now made with comfort in mind. By purchasing a quality, top of the line home office chair, like a leather office chair, you may be so comfortable that you might even forget that you are working!

Another piece of home office furniture that you may want to look into buying is that of a filing cabinet. Filing cabinets are nice, as they can allow you to stay organized. In addition to purchasing a standalone filing cabinet, you may also be able to find a number of home office desks that have filing cabinets built right in. These types of home office desks are nice if you are limited on space.

The above mentioned home office furniture pieces are just a few of the many pieces that you may want to look into buying.

Working from Home with Kids: Home Office Furniture Pieces You May Want to Buy – Part 1

2007-12-14T21:42:00.001-05:00

Are you interested in working from home or have you recently started working from home? If you have, you will likely need to create a home office for yourself. Whether your home office is an actual room in your home or just a small corner of it, you will want to outfit your work area with home office furniture. Home based workers who outfit their offices with home office furniture are likely to be more productive and produce better results.

If this is your first time setting up a home office for yourself, you may be wondering what type of home office furniture you should buy. In all honesty, you will find that it depends on a number of different factors. Factors that may have an impact on what pieces of home office furniture you need to buy include the type of job that you have, as well as the amount of workspace that you have. Despite the possibility of a variance, some common pieces of home office furniture that you may want to at least look into buying will be highlighted over the next few posts.

Working from Home with Kids: Tips for Work-at-Home Parents of Toddlers – Tip #4

2007-12-14T01:16:00.001-05:00

The best way that you can make do with working from home with kids, namely a toddler, is by finding the work-at-home job or work-at-home opportunity that is perfect for you. There are a number of jobs out there that are not necessarily designed with toddlers in mind.

With that being said, depending on where you look and how much time you do put into looking, you may be able to find a work-at-home job or a work-at-home opportunity that offers you flexible hours.

Working from Home with Kids: Tip for Work-at-Home Parents of Toddlers – Tip #3

2007-12-12T10:55:00.000-05:00

If you are unable to find a reasonably priced babysitter, even for a few hours, you may want to think about making arrangements with other work-at-home parents in your area.

If you are able to sacrifice one or two of your days a week, you may be able to find another parent who can do the same. If so, you watch their kids and then they watch yours. Often times, you will find that this arrangement works great for all parents, even those who may not be working from home with kids.

Working from Home with Kids: Tip for Work-at-Home Parents of Toddlers – Tip #2

2007-12-11T20:48:00.001-05:00

If you have to work during the day, it is advised that you hire a babysitter to assist you. This, however, may be much easier in the summer time, as you can find a number of teenagers who would likely be willing to watch your toddler for you for a reasonable rate.

If you are unsure about hiring outside help, you may want to have an in-home babysitter. If you have the person in question watch your toddler at your house, it may give you comfort and peace of mind. Even once a week may be able to help. You may also be able to find more affordable rates with this approach.

Working from Home with Kids: Tip for Work-at-Home Parents of Toddlers – Tip #1

2007-12-11T20:47:00.001-05:00

If you can, try and work as much as you can during naptimes or at night. I try and only work during the day when I have a deadline to meet. Although it does make for some long nights, I love spending as much time as possible with my daughter and I find that I work better without distractions.

Working from Home with Kids: Website Update

2007-12-07T19:43:00.000-05:00

I have decided to remove my Working from Home with Kids website. I will remove the links from this blog. I just don’t have enough time on my hands. The good news is that I will be able to update this blog more and I plan to transfer some of the information over, which is good if you didn’t get the chance to see my website.

Working from Home with Kids – Setting Up Your Home Office: How to Find Discount Home Office Furniture

2007-12-07T19:41:00.002-05:00

Now that you know why you should look into buying discount office furniture for your home office, you may be wondering how you can do so. What is nice is that you have a number of different options.

One of your options involves regularly checking out some of your local retail stores. You will want to be on the lookout for office furniture sales. One of the best times to find discount office furniture is during back-to-school time. During the back-to-school shopping season, office furniture is regularly marketed towards college students. By regularly checking your local retail stores or by examining any store advertisements that come your way, you should be able to find discount home office furniture.

The internet is another great way that you can go about finding discount home office furniture. In fact, you should know that the internet is one of the easiest ways to find discount home office furniture. One of the many reasons for that is because you get access to an unlimited number of different discount office furniture retailers and suppliers. Using the internet makes it easy for you to examine multiple retailers, their product selection, as well as compare prices. With the internet, you may be able to find discount home office furniture, as well as order it, all under an hour.

In addition to buying new discount home office furniture, you may also want to examine used home office furniture. Used home office furniture is nice, as the costs are usually quite lower than that of new furniture pieces. To find used home office furniture, you will want to try to stop by some of your local yard sales, check your local thrift stores, or use online auction websites. In all honesty, you never really know when you will come across used home office furniture.

Outlined above were just a few of the many ways that you can go about finding and buying discount home office furniture. Regardless of where you choose to buy your home office furniture from, it is important that you do buy it. Home based workers who have professional home offices, even those that are semi-professional in nature, are known to produce better results.

Working from Home with Kids - Setting Up Your Home Office: Why You Should Buy Discount Home Office Furniture

2007-12-07T19:41:00.001-05:00

Do you want to work from home? If you do, you will need to either find a work-at-home job or start your own home based business. No matter how you want to work from home, you will need or at least you should have a home office for yourself. Whether your home office is an actual room in your home or just a small corner of it, your space should have a professional look and feel to it. For that reason, you will want to think about buying office furniture for your home office.

Although it is nice to know that you should outfit your home office with office furniture, like a leather office chair or a computer desk, you may be worried about the cost of doing so. If you are, do not worry. Working from home, especially when you first get started, can be expensive. However, you may be pleased to hear that there is good news though. That good news is that there are a number of ways that you can find and buy discount home office furniture.

When it comes to buying discount home office furniture, many wonder exactly why they should. The decision as to whether or not you want to buy discount home office furniture for yourself is yours to make, but why you would want to pay full price for something that you didn’t need to? Discount home office furniture allows you to save yourself a considerable amount of money. This, in turn, allows you to limit your work-at-home startup costs. This is nice, especially if you are a work-at-home parent, as money may be tight.

Checkout the next post for information on how you can find discount home office furniture.

Working from Home with Kids: Christmas Gift Idea for a Laptop

2007-12-03T01:06:00.000-05:00

A while ago, I discussed how a laptop can help you when working from home with kids. If you are unable to afford the cost of a laptop computer, you may want to think about asking for one for Christmas.

Although a bit high priced, it is also important to note that the cost of most laptop computers has come down, especially for standard models. You may want to ask your parents, husband or wife for a laptop computer.

If you unable to request a laptop computer as a Christmas gift or if you feel uncomfortable doing so, you may want to turn to gift certificates. Your parents or romantic partner may be able to give you a gift certificate to a media store or an office supply store. This can help you reduce the overall cost of a laptop.

Working from Home with Kids: The Importance of High Speed Internet Access

2007-11-21T23:17:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I outlined the importance of having high speed internet access. As nice as it is to hear this, you may be looking for more information. Outlined below are a couple of the ways that you can benefit from having high speed internet access, when working from home.

One of the many benefits to having high speed internet access, when working from home with kids, is the time that you can save. Although waiting a minute may not necessarily seem like a long time for a webpage to load, especially if you are use to the wait time, you will want to remember that it can add up. Not only can high speed internet access help to increase your time with your kids, but it can also improve your productivity.

Another one of the many benefits to having high speed internet access, when working from home with kids, is the opportunities that will likely open up for you. When looking to work from home, especially as a customer service representative, many companies require their employees to have high speed internet access.

Working from Home with Kids: High Speed Internet Access: Do You Have It?

2007-11-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

Are you a work-at-home parent or would you like to become one? If so, do you currently have high speed internet access? If not, it is something that you will want to look into.

A Great Deal on Dell Laptops

2007-11-20T00:52:00.000-05:00

A poster on www.wahm.com, a forum that I belong to, posted a great deal that she came across on Dell laptops, as well as desktop computers. I thought that I would pass it along since I had been discussing the benefits of working from home with kids and having a laptop computer.

Click HERE for the website.

Working from Home with Kids: What to Do With Your Old Computer

2007-11-08T23:24:00.001-05:00

As previously stated, many work-at-home parents can benefit from owning a laptop. If you decide to purchase a new laptop computer for yourself, you may be curious as to what you should do with your old desktop computer. You will find that there are a number of benefits to saving it.

When it comes to working from home, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan. For that reason, you may want to keep your old desktop computer, just in case. Should you ever need to send your laptop computer in for repairs, you will have another computer to work from.

Another use for your old desktop computer involves letting your child or children use it. My daughter loves playing computer games. She is almost four years old. I enjoy the half and hour or so that I can use to get work done, and she loves the fun, yet educational games she is allowed to play.

Working from Home with Kids: Tips for Buying a Laptop Computer

2007-10-29T23:01:00.000-04:00

If you are able to work from home with a laptop computer, you will want to start examining your options as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many work-at-home parents are turned off by the costs of laptops. I will admit that I was at first, but I made the decision to set the goal of owning one soon.

What you will want to do, when looking to buy a laptop, is keep your eyes out for sales. These sales can be found all year round, but they are great during the back to school season or during the holiday shopping season. Personally, I was able to purchase my laptop during the back to school time.

If you cannot afford the cost of a laptop right now, that is fine. It actually took me almost four months to save up for my laptop. I set aside a little bit of money each week, as much as I could do without. Overtime, I had the money needed to make my laptop purchase.

Of course, you can work from home with a desktop computer. But, if your job allows you to use a laptop computer, you may enjoy owning one. As a freelance writer, I find it easier to tap into my creativity when I am able to move around the house or even go outdoors.

Working from Home with Kids: Important Laptop Point

2007-10-28T23:16:00.000-04:00

If you are already employed, as a home based worker, it is important that you examine your company and what they expect of you. While most home based workers are able to use laptop computers, not all are. For instance, a home based call center representative may need to have a desktop computer.

Before spending money on a laptop computer, you will want to make sure that you can use one.

Working from Home with Kids: The Benefits of Owning a Laptop Computer

2007-10-23T17:40:00.000-04:00

If you work from home with kids or if you are interested in doing so, you may want to look at the equipment that you are currently using, namely your computer. Are you using a desktop computer or a laptop computer?

If you don’t already own a laptop computer, you may want to look into purchasing one, as they have a number of benefits.

Perhaps, the greatest benefit of working from home with kids with a laptop is the ability to move around. I can’t tell you how many times I have taken my laptop outside or to my daughter’s room. Even when she is having the time of her life playing by herself, I still take comfort in knowing that I am right there.

In addition to assisting you when working from home, a laptop can also come in handy on vacations or other unexpected trips, especially when you may have a deadline.

Working from Home with Kids: Related Article

2007-10-04T21:45:00.000-04:00

Here is an article that I wrote, which is related to working from home with kids. It discusses tools that you can benefit from using to your advantage. More will be covered on this topic soon.

Article: Working from Home with Kids: Tools You Should Rely On

Working from Home with Kids: Having a Second Computer

2007-09-27T14:27:00.000-04:00

If you are a work-at-home parent, how many computers do you have in your home? Until last year, we only had one. I purchased myself a laptop computer, as it would be much easier for me to write when I wasn’t tied down to a desk. In addition to being able to get more work done, I have found another benefit of owning two computers. One is free for my daughter to use.

If you are the parent of a toddler, preschooler, elementary school aged child, or even a teenager, your child can do so much on the computer. My daughter, who is 3 ½, loves copying me on the computer. If you open up Microsoft Word, she will go crazy. She also loves playing preschool computer games online.

Of course, I won’t let her spend too much time on the computer, but I can usually squeeze an hours worth work, from of allowing her to use the computer.

Working from Home with Kids: Related Article

2007-09-17T00:14:00.000-04:00

Here is an article that I wrote, titled “Working from Home with Kids: Jobs You May Want to Avoid.”

Please Click Here to View This Article.

Working from Home with Kids: Infant and Toddler Toy Recommendation

2007-09-08T19:58:00.000-04:00

If you are the work-at-home parent of a newborn or a toddler, you may want to take the time to examine the LeapFrog Learn & Groove® Musical Table. My daughter has outgrown hers, but it was a joy to have in the home.

What is nice about the LeapFrog Learn & Groove® Musical Table is that it is from the LeapFrog brand. This means that you know your child is getting a quality product, not to mention an educational one. My daughter loved paying with this toy and she learned so much from it.

When we first got started, we would play with it together. After some time, she wanted to play all by herself with it, as she was “a big girl!” So, I used this opportunity to get some work done from home. Another thing that you should know is that this toy has a volume button on it, which makes it nice if you are trying to work from home.

The recommended age for this toy is 6 months to 3 years. The table has detachable legs; therefore, infants can use this amazing toy right on the floor.

The LeapFrog Learn & Groove® Musical Table typically retails between $30 and $40.

There is also a product known as the LeapFrog LeapStart® Learning Table. This is one that we actually have, but I cannot tell the difference between the two, aside from a few color changes. This one is also a little bit more expensive. In many cases, it retails between $40 and $50.

Something You May Want to Look At

2007-08-31T23:31:00.000-04:00

I created a Squidoo Lens for my Working from Home with Kids projects. Please check it out. You may even want to consider making your own; they are quite fun!

http://www.squidoo.com/workingfromhomewithkids/

Working from Home with Kids: Related Article

2007-08-26T22:36:00.000-04:00

One of the many challenges that work-at-home parents face is those who do not understand the concept of working from home. Here is an article that I wrote on the subject.

Article: How to Handle Those Who Don’t Think That You Are Working

Additional information will be discussed on this topic, including tips on how you can deal with those individuals, tips to reduce the number of distractions from others, and so much more!

Working from Home with Kids Website

2007-08-18T22:02:00.000-04:00

As a reminder, please occasionally checkout my Working from Home with Kids website. Although not completely finished, it has a lot of information posted already.

Working from Home with Kids: Craft Projects

2007-08-17T22:39:00.001-04:00

If you are the work-at-home parent of an infant or a toddler, you may want to examine water color paints. Water color paints are nice activity that you can use to keep your child occupied while you work from home.

Before focusing on water color paints, it is important to keep your child in mind. We were able to give my daughter water color paints to use at about 14 months. There are some children who can do so a little bit sooner or even later. It should all depend on your child and their ability to not put things in their mouths.

What is nice about water colors is that they are relatively cheap and easy to clean up. If your child has not used water color paints before, you will want to take a few hours to spend time with them and show them how everything works. This will help to ensure that you don’t end up with any large messy spills to clean up.

Working from Home with Kids: A Must Have Tool

2007-08-13T01:14:00.000-04:00

If you are planning on working from home with kids, there is a good chance that you will allow them to do a number of projects to keep them occupied. These projects may include craft projects. Should you let your child do anything that involves crayons, markers, paint, or glue, you may want to have a box of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers on hand.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are not only good for regular cleaning chores, but they also make cleaning up messy craft projects as easy as can be. Since I have a toddler in the house, we rely heavily on Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and other similar products.

Working from Home with Kids: Craft Supplies

2007-08-06T00:02:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in allowing your child to do crafts, while you work from home, you will want to checkout some of your local store’s back to school sales. The back to school sales season is a great time to find construction paper, scissors, crayons, markers, colored pencils, and much more on sale.

In my area, Wal-Mart and Staples are well-known for their great back to school sales.

Working from Home with Kids: Craft Project for Preschoolers or Elementary School Aged Children

2007-08-02T23:00:00.000-04:00

Craft Project: Foam Bowl Hats

This craft project is one that will allow you to get some work done from home. Making foam bowl hats is ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, or elementary school aged children.

Supplies You Will Need:

Foam Bowls (the larger sizes work best)
Kids Paint or Markers
Paint Brushes (should you use paint)

Other Optional Supplies:

Pipe Cleaners
Pom-Poms
Feathers

Directions:

Decorate the Base of the Bowl

This can be done with paint or with markers. When painting, it is best if you use kid’s paints or poster paint, instead of water colors. You may also want to lay newspapers down to protect your table.

Add Other Decorations

This is where the fun can really begin with this fun craft project for kids. What you can do is have your child attach a few feathers to foam bowl, stickers, or pipe cleaners. What is neat is if the pipe cleaners are stuck through the bowl hat and then pom-poms are attached to them.

Check out some finished foam bowl hats below…..

Working from Home with Kids: Foam Bowl Hat Craft Project

2007-08-02T22:59:00.000-04:00

Working from Home with Kids: Foam Bowl Hat Craft Project

2007-08-02T22:58:00.000-04:00

Working from Home with Kids: Foam Bowl Hat Craft Project

2007-08-02T22:56:00.000-04:00

Working from Home with Kids: Craft Supplies You Will Want to Have on Hand

2007-08-02T22:45:00.000-04:00

For the next week or so, I will be focusing on some of the many craft projects that you can have your child do while you work from home. While each craft project will likely call for different supplies, you will find that many craft supplies are common among many craft projects. For that reason, I have created a small list below for your convenience. These are craft supplies that you may want to look into purchasing.

Markers
Crayons
Glue
Kids Paints
Paint Brushes
Pipe Cleaners
Pom-Poms
Stickers
Brown Lunch Bags
Paper Plates or Foam Plates
Foam Bowls

Working from Home with Kids: Craft Projects

2007-08-02T22:28:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for ways to keep your child occupied while you work from home, you may want to examine craft projects, if you have yet to do so.

When further examining crafts, you will find that most children, of all different ages, love craft projects. This is particularly true of children who are at the preschool or elementary school levels.

Over the next few days, I will be covering craft projects that your child can do at home, while you are able to get some work done. I will also include other tips. These tips will include how you can reduce craft messes, ways to save money on your craft supplies, and much more!

Working from Home with Kids Website

2007-07-29T23:18:00.001-04:00

I am updating and redoing the format of my Working from Home with Kids Website. Please check it out. The changes are almost complete.

My Website: http://www.workingfromhomewithkids.com