Skip to main content
  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print

Hot spots: Dealing with work-at-home hazards

  • Story Highlights
  • Use timer, candy, sign language to keep child quiet when you're on a call
  • Use movies, other at-home moms to fill in if sitter doesn't show up
  • Next Article in U.S. »
By Lynya Floyd
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

(Parenting.com) -- Kristie Tamsevicius, author of "I Love My Life: A Mom's Guide to Working From Home," was wooing a client by phone when her nearby 4-year-old yelled that her baby brother had a poopy diaper.

Don't Miss

  • Parenting.com: Who's watching your child?
  • Parenting.com: The six most annoying things kids say
  • Parenting.com: The scoop on baby sign language
  • In Depth: Work at Home

"I tried to ignore it, but she yelled louder," says Tamsevicius.

Some ways to deal with home-office hazards:

The problem: You're on a big call and your child acts up.

Quick fix for now: Ask your client to hold, then quickly explain to your child how long he needs to be quiet. If he doesn't tell time, say you'll be ready when he finishes reading his Dr. Seuss book, or set a timer. Or trade M&Ms for his silence.

In the future: Save important calls for naptime, or have a set of toys or a project ready for your child. If he keeps talking to you, have him draw a picture or use sign language, says Cheryl Demas, founder of WAHM.com, a website for work-at-home moms. "My daughter and I sign 'Stop,' 'Can I have more?' and 'This is good.'"

The problem: The sitter's a no-show.

Quick fix for now: Your DVD player. If you're in a bind, it's okay if your child watches Finding Nemo for the 99th time.

In the future: Develop a network of other at-home moms who can help in a pinch. Offer to repay the favor over the weekend or at night. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

Try a FREE TRIAL issue of Parenting Magazine - CLICK HERE!

Copyright 2009 The Parenting Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print