It’s that time of year again, the time that strikes fear in the hearts of work-at-home parents. Summer vacation is almost upon us and the kids will be home. Your question of the day will no longer be:

“Do I tackle the sales letter today, find an expert to interview for my podcast, or create the new website content?”

The question of the day will be…“Mommmm/Daaaad, what’s there to do?”

OK. Maybe it’s not quite that bad. There’s even a good side of no homework hassles for three months. No morning rush. No school-driven schedules.

“But I’m losing my childcare, my quiet time for work,” you say.

This is true. And you have reason for concern, but take heart. As many a home-schooling work-at-home parent knows, giving your attention to both work and the children and keeping your sanity while doing this can be quite a challenge – but it is doable!

Whether you have one child or four, there’s sure to be a few tips here that will help you make this a great summer – for your family and your online business.

Alternatives to Day Care Centers

Let’s face it, too much togetherness even for non-working parents and kids can get stressful. Since you’re working on your business at home, it’s even more important to make use of some childcare alternatives.

For school age children, this might be some form of day camp. Check local publications, community online forums, the Yellow Pages, etc., for summer offerings such as these:

- YMCA Day Camp
- Church Day Camp
- Interest-Specific Day Camps (e.g. theatre, horseback
riding, baseball)
- Boys and Girls Club
- Parks & Recreation Summer Programs
- College Hosted Summer Youth Programs
- Community Pool Supervised Swims
- Kids’ Gyms
- 4-H
- Overnight Camps (Scouts, etc.)

Some of these may be free or charge only a nominal fee. If tuition is an issue, ask about scholarships or bartering deals.

Other alternatives may include help from a family member or friend, or a taking turns with a trusted neighbor a couple mornings or afternoons a  week.

Schedule work that requires the most uninterrupted quiet for when your children are out with others or asleep. If you don’t have a co-parent to help out, also schedule in some time for yourself, whether to have lunch with a friend or simply relax.

Most kids cherish the freedom of summer days, but they also thrive on routines. The living is easier in summer when everyone can count on routines. For example: activities for the kids while you work for two hours each morning, followed by lunch together, and then off to the day camp, while you go back to work, etc. You and your children’s mileage will vary!

Here are some tips other work-at-home parents have shared:

Schedule “just for fun” play time with child and parent into each day.

While there is the school’s summer reading list, also encourage reading for fun and personal interest. Librarians are wonderful at helping find just the right books to suit a child’s likes and dislikes. This can bring you quite a bit of interruption-free time, and you will be doing your kids a big favor.

Pack an activity box with favorite DVDs, arts and crafts, games and toys. Then bring the box out only as needed, such as during a tight deadline. From time to time, add new items. Keep it scarce so it will be a special treat that holds their interest.

No matter how eager you are to start your workday, spending some quality time with your kids first can ward off frequent interruptions later. For example, playing Candyland with a 5-year-old for ten minutes can satisfy the need for attention and the child is more likely to play alone for the next hour or two.

Give them part-time summer jobs in your business (it’s tax deductible) or around the house. While you focus on your work, they can be happily working towards earning money for a special toy or activity.

Children need down time when tired or cranky. Don’t feel bad about turning on the TV if it’s a quality program or DVD.

Signal work time by placing a sign on your office door. If you’re stationed in a family area, put it on your desk.

Often kids can get creative with coming up with things to do, but sometimes a short brainstorming session with you can help. Keep a list of activities on hand.

Plan for a special family day each week.

If you have or can get a second computer, let the children explore new computer skills through kid-friendly tutorials that teach everything from blogging to creating websites. These can be CDs or downloaded software that don’t require Internet access to run, minimizing supervision.

Plan ahead

Don’t wait till the kids have been home a week and you’re pulling out your hair, feeling frustrated and guilty. Start planning now.

You can also pave the way with your attitude. Respect yourself for the work you are doing, for the lifestyle you are creating for you and your family. Communicate this expectation of respect from the children, and remember to set an example in showing them respect.

Finally, remember to take some time to enjoy some of that summer vacation!

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