More people are turning to work at home opportunities.  Some prefer the flexibility that a home business offers.  Others, like me, want to be home with the children.  Working at home with children is not just a job, it is truly and adventure (to quote another famous job opportunity) and is not something for the weak hearted (or weak stomach many days).

It’s even more interesting around our house.  The youngest child is not even two yet, but he can get into anything and everything (and usually does).  He is especially fond of pulling out everything from the pantry.  For a while, I duct taped all the cabinets shut.  He has since figured out what that silver stuff is and just how to make it work in his favor.   Most of my constructive work has to be done when he is sleeping.

The two older boys are eight and ten, but they are just as eager to get mom’s attention.  Usually they wait until I log onto the computer to ask if they can do some school work online.  With only one computer in the house (and a dial up connection to boot) we always had to find a way to coordinate our efforts.  This year, I broke down and bought a laptop.  Not only has it been great for the children, but I can carry it along and get a little work done while I’m waiting at their many practices.

The biggest struggle I find about working at home with children around is getting a quiet moment to do anything.  I’ve adjusted my own schedule, so the first thing in the morning and the last thing I do at night is spend some time working.  I also tend to get in a couple of hours during the baby’s nap time.

Working at home gives me the flexibility to work around my family.  The key is to still do the work I need to do, even though it may be stretched out over the entire day.  Now, If only I could find a way to get paid for all the additional hours I spend “working” I would be a wealthy woman.