Last week at the VAnetworking.com’s event VAvirtuosos I meet several VA moms that where interested in tips for working while the kids are home or with their babies. Well as a single WAHM I have pulled out many “tricks” and want to share my ideas with you. Hope you can feel some relieve soon!
Its summer time and the kids are freed of their school schedules. Now what is Mom going to do?
You have a huge project that is due tomorrow, but what can you do for your baby while you work?
Ladies I have some activities for you and your kiddos.
Babies
Swing. Bring in the baby swing and set it to the lowest volume. They love to swing, they are having fun while you work.
Pack’n Play. Bring this into the office so they don’t get into wires or papers. You can place a toy or set of toys in with them. Be sure they are close to you so you can closely monitor them and that the toys are not harming the baby. If they get sick of the toys try a new toy. Then take a break and have some baby-mommy time.
Toddlers
Coloring. This is what I do with my daughter when she wants to help Mommy work. I will bring her high chair in my office. Grab a few color books and them chose one, options are good for toddlers. Then give them a few colors, not too many. Be sure you watch them closely so they don’t eat the colors! I find she will color for awhile and I can get quite a bit done.
Hire a high school student. They are on summer break and would love to get out of the house and earn some money. Have them come over to the house for a few hours every day and you can get a lot done. Their rates will be significantly lower then a sitter.
Preschool. Maybe this is an option that would work for you. They will usually attend for a few hours while they play, sing and learn. This can be a good way to help their social skills and sharing! Head over to the cafe next door for a few hours of uninterrupted work.
Plastic Pool. Okay this is the best $10 investment I have made in a long time!! I can bring it in the house and fill it with balls for literally hours of play. Or take it out side and put some water in it for hours of play. I get to get out of the house for a little sunshine and work. But be sure you are watching them like a hawk…it only takes a second for something to happen.
Building Blocks. These are great for them to learn with and they will be entertained for quite some time.
Kids
Movie Theater Day. Turn your living room into the theater and your kitchen into the snack bar. I even love this one. Have some awesome snacks and great movies and maybe even invite one of their friends.
Sprinklers. Smear on the sunscreen then head outside. Don’t forget the laptop! They will stay out here all day if you let them. Maybe even take out the football or other think of other games they can play.
Legos, Barbies, Ponies and the like. You know what one your child likes. Get them out in the living room and they will be fixated for awhile.
Teens
School programs. This is a good way to keep up the education, let them have time with friends and get out of the house all rolled up together.
Camps. Find a summer program at the art center if they like art, maybe a horseback riding camp. Anything they like that your local community has resources for.
Summer Time Activities. Finding something they can do without supervision can be a scary thought sometimes, but it is possible. Planting a new garden in the backyard, making a dog house, reading a new book series (maybe a bonus system as an incentive to read more), art project. Even watching their younger siblings and playing games with them, this is a two for one deal!
Let them work for your business. This can be a great activity for you and them. Filing, organizing, data entry and other simple tasks. Depending on the child’s age and interest will help you decide what is a good task for them. You can even publish their picture on your website. They will love that!
Also one more thought for you to consider. Think of other moms that you can schedule play dates with. Try to work it around your projects and assignments so you get the most of these little breaks.
Boost your business now by getting on the inside!
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