Is it possible to work from home when you have a toddler in the house?  I know my situation is a little different than most in that both my husband and I work from home.  That does make it a little easier on us because my husband can occasionally keep our toddler occupied while I work.  But, for the most part, most of the taking care of the toddler falls on me.  So, I have come up with a few tips that work for me to be able to get my work done while keeping our toddler happy.

1. Have a schedule, but keep it flexible.  With your schedule you need to make sure to have time for several little breaks.  Stop your work and play with your toddler for 15 minutes or so, giving your undivided attention to your child.
2. Have special toys that your child can play with while you are working.  Only bring these toys out while you are working so your child does not bored with those toys.
3. Give your toddler special jobs to do.  My toddler always opens the mail for me.  She loves to do it and it’s good for fine motor skills.
4. I try to do as much communication as possible through email.  That way if my first chance to respond to someone is at 11pm, that’s okay.  A phone call at that time is not okay. Or use a mass notification system.
5. Do your housework- dishes, laundry, dusting, vacuuming while your toddler is awake.  My toddler loves to help with these jobs.  I give her a dusting cloth and she works right along side of me.  Then when she takes her nap and goes to bed I can get my computer work done.
6. Keep in mind what really matters.  Your clients or your child?  Seems pretty obvious right?  In a few years your child will be off to school and busy with friends most of the time.  So, make sure to get lots of quality time in now, while your child still wants to be with you.

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