The relaxed pace of summer is peeking just around the corner. And it isdefinitely welcome to many of us, but the challenge and sometime stressful moments of balancing motherhood and work is not always so welcome.
Like much of motherhood, being flexible is key and planning in advance is a necessity. To help you make this summer the best it can be with as little stress as possible, here are some tips for balancing your many roles during the summer:
-- If you don't have a laptop, now is a great time to consider getting one especially with wireless Internet connection. You can work just aboutanywhere with your laptop and wireless connection. That means portability towork in any room in your home as well as work at locations in public with wireless connection - coffee shops, public parks, airports, shoppingareas, skating rinks and more.
-- Take convenience a step higher and make your laptop your desktop computer by using a docking station. A docking station allows you to still use your monitor and keyboard like a desktop without the hassle of using two computer and transferring files and emails back and forth. Laptop prices have dropped dramatically and some laptops are as low as $500 whiledocking stations start around $60. Now may be the time to make your businesswork around your busy life more than ever.
-- If you know your workload is going to be overwhelming, start planningnow what you can delegate. Perhaps, its time to hire a Virtual Assistant tohelp you in your business. There are many talented, capable VAs who cando anything from word processing to data entry, to answering calls torespond to email to much more. You can search for them and other talented home-based moms in a variety of professions at: http://www.HBWM.com/memberdir. Diana Ennen, a virtual assistant since 1985, of http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com states to start looking now andtrain them in what you want them to do to keep things running smoothly. Chances are you'll probably end up keeping them even after the summer is over.
-- Technology is a great thing. Look into what you can automate in yourbusiness. Perhaps you can set up autoresponders when someone purchasesor requests something from your website. A few sites that offer automation solutions include: http://www.1automationwiz.com and http://www.autoresponseplus.com.
Even with more portability, moms need some time to work, relax, rejuvenate or just catch a breath. So what to do with those sweet cherub-like children squealing and running underfoot?
-- Check out the summer camps in your area. These days there are campsfor just about everything from sports to art to acting to science. Checkyour local parenting publications. Many of them have summer camp guides.
-- Kid Swap? No, this isn't a bad, new reality TV series. It's an opportunity to pre-arrange some play date exchanges with your trusted friends and neighbors. Kids get to play and have fun and moms get an opportunity to catch up on work or find a little time for relaxation.
-- Consider a Mom's Helper. They can be great playmates and keep your kids occupied while you work. You may hire someone once a week, every morning or whatever your schedule and work requires.
With a little planning and forethought, you can make this summer not only less stressful but actually enjoyable and fulfilling. Take time now to get yourself ready. You and your kids will be glad you did.
10 Tips for Avoiding Home Business Scams
Starting a home business has become a wonderful and attractive alternative for parents across the country. With the advent of the Internet, email and cell phones, working at home has been a very viable option. No other alternative allows parents the opportunity to create their own hours and work around their children's schedules while earning an income. But before investing in any home business opportunity, it is wise to take appropriate steps to research the opportunity and the company. Unfortunately, there are deceitful businesses ready to take advantage of parent's deep desire to be at home with their children. These steps will help you to avoid potential problems:
Checklist for Starting Your Home Business
Once you have decided on your home business, you will need to take stepsto set it up. The following checklist should help you get your business offthe ground.
Is it Time for a Priorities Check Up?
Working from home is a dream to many people. And its true, it comes withmany benefits. Working from home enables moms to plan their day aroundchildren's needs and schedule. Having the freedom and flexibility toattend school functions, play paper dolls at 11:00 a.m. or have an afternoontea party in the middle of the living floor are all luxuries of working fromhome. Working at home is great, but be aware, priorities can getblurred.
