Tears, tantrums and joy

Working from home can seem like the perfect solution for parents - if you are considering this please read my pros and cons before you make up your mind:

Pros

>Work can be more flexible and fit in with your family lifestyle

>If you can work around your kids routines and your partner helps out you may not need childcare

>You will save money on childcare and travel costs - also on office rental if you are self-employed

>You may find it easier to concentrate as there are no work colleagues to distract you

Cons

>If your kids are not yet at school it may prove difficult to do your work around their routines.  They do not always stick to their routines and certainly do not understand that they can’t interrupt you while you are working

>There is of course children’s school holidays to consider also

>Visitors coming along your home and phone calls can also be an unwanted distractions

>You may find it more difficult to switch off from work and relax as it is in your own home

Working from home can be very successful for many parents.  It all really depends how many hours you are expecting to be able to work each day and how you organise your time.  You must be honest with yourself at the start and not expect yourself to perform miracles.  You cannot do a full day’s work at home while directly supervising young children.  You may be able to fit in a few hours and maybe some again at night when they are sleeping.  Partners and parents may be able to help out with childcare to allow you to work.  If your children are at the school this obviously makes working from home a more viable option.  You must organise your time well and be very disciplined as it is easy to get distracted with other things while in your own home.

Please visit my website at:

http://www.tearstantrumsandjoy

Most parents I talk to nowadays feel quite guilty about the fact their children don’t socialise with other children as often as they would like.  When I was younger like most children of my era my mother was at home with us all the time.  There were lots of children around our village and very few mothers drove so we were always in the village playing with the other children.

Compare that to today’s pace of life were mothers and fathers both work.  Everyone drives and is constantly going here there and everywhere along with the declining number of children being born and you can see why things have changed.  I think it is important here to take note of the changes in society as many parents do feel guilty about this and do feel like their to blame.  I also think it is wise to remember how much you valued one to one time spent with your parents.  I would imagine if you were in a big family this was quite rare and something that we may in these times find it easier to give - so look on all the benefits of today’s society

Here are some ways to jump on the child socializing wagon:

Do any of your friends have children? Plan a time to meet up as often as you can this is a great way to keep in touch.  Meet at someone’s home, a cafe etc.

Look around your neighborhood and see is there are any parent and toddler groups

If your child has cousins he gets on with make the effort to visit them - also invite them to your house even for a sleepover if you are brave enough

Find out about events in your area for family and children - most communities have Summer fairs, Children’s Christmas parties, family nights, Sunday teas etc.  These are all great ways for your child to play with other children.

Most importantly have fun and enjoy being with your child - you are doing a good job!!

Please visit my website at:

http://www.tearstantrumsandjoy.com