[hazey]

I had a chance to do some phone work out of my home, but found it hard to keep my 2yr old dd entertained for very long, and when DH came home or was home on wknds, it was hard to get him to help.

 

[annethcz]

I have a playroom set up right next to my office, so the kids are within sight and I can talk with them while I'm working. This works well for us. I've been a WAHM since my DS was born, so the kids are used to the arrangement. I can usually work about 2 hours before they start to go stir crazy. The 4 & 2 yr. old entertain each other. And they baby plays with the older kids until she starts to fuss, and then goes into the sling or backpack. I will admit that it's difficult for me to make phone calls. I have an online retail biz, and use e-mail as often as I can. If I do need to phone a customer, I tell the kids that I need them to be quiet for a few minutes, and close the door. I'd have a really hard time running a phone based business with kids around. I'm sure it could be done, but not with my kids!!!

I'll also add that in my experience, having a supportive spouse has been invaluable. There have been times when DH has really stepped up to the plate and done more than his fair share around the house & with the kids because I've been overwhelmed with orders. Anything you can do to convince your partner that your business venture is worth supporting is a good thing. When you said

Quote:

when DH came home or was home on wknds, it was hard to get him to help.

all I could think was how hard it would be to be in that position. Your DH is a parent just as much as you are... sometimes it's important to remind them of that!

 

[yitlan]

Supportive Spouse is vital to me! I used to trade babysitting so I'd have some devoted work time. I'm now looking into a Mother's Helper to entertain my baby while my toddler goes to preschool (starts in fall). I also have my MIL who comes down once a month to help out. But she mainly takes the toddler out, so I'm now having to consider help with the baby since she is now more mobile and doesn't sleep as much!

Phone calls are nearly impossible for me unless I'm alone. So I try to take care of those as soon as dh gets home. I tell him I have __ calls to make and ask him to play with the kids for a few minutes. Many of my calls are to moms who know I have kids, so they are very understanding.

 

[Kristine233]

yeah my DH isnt all that supportive either, on the weekends I just TELL him "The kids are yours, I'm going to my sewing room" Once I'm there I lock the door so I'm uniterupted. (of course I'm still available if they need me) I only spend a few hours at a time in there so I thinkhe can handle the house. If I asked him all I'd hear is "Yeah in a min, in a minute, in a minute..... "

But really I do work during the week too and I just let the kids play. Their rooms are right across the hall frommy sewing room and I have a corner set up with a little rocking chair and books so they can visit with me. Works out pretty well. Ok for the most part. Since Mac has always been my sling babyshe thnks all slings are hers and any sling I'm making MUST be her's. She cuddles the fabric and kisses the slings I'm making. So I can honestly say each one is made with love, lol.

 

[LaLa]

I do most of my work in the evenings when the kids are asleep or during those rare moments when they are playing alone nicely

 

[Piffle]

I try to do errands with ds in the day. I usually sew at night while he is asleep. My mom keeps him for me three mornings a week.

I'm thinking of sharing a babysitter with someone. I hear this is a good idea to save $$. I can have the babysitter come here and play in the yard with ds while I work as well.

Its difficult working at home but I think you need to find a good routine and stick with it!