An A-Z Guide to Working at Home with Kids: C

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In our series so far, we’ve covered accepting your limitations and beginning by filling the cup. Now, it’s time to tackle the letter c. C is for creating a work space.

Decide Where You Will Work

A work space is where you keep all of your supplies for your business. Ideally, it’s a place you can walk away from when you’re not working.

You don’t have to devote a whole room to this space if you don’t have it. Of course, if you have a dedicated work space you can take advantage of some tax write-offs.

But, regardless of whether or not your space is “dedicated” to just work, it’s important to have space. I work mostly from a roll top desk in the living room.

I can shut the lid to keep curious little fingers out when I’m not working, and when I am sitting there, I’m still accessible if the kids need me.

There are times when I’ll take my laptop outside while the kids play, or sit at the dining room table. Sometimes I’ll sit on the couch and work from my phone.

For the most part though, I work at the desk. The kids know when I’m there, I’m working. If I’m not working, I don’t typically sit at the desk.

You want a space where your kids can associate with working. That helps them build routine and consistency. Try not to play at your work space, as you want them to distinguish it as being a place for productivity.

Have What You Need

In my work space, I keep my cord for my laptop, my portable internet thingy, and products I’m currently reviewing for my homeschool blog.

I have a couple of pencils and pens, a notebook for jotting down ideas, and some other basic office supplies. Since we also use this desk for other purposes, the entire thing isn’t devoted to my business. But, I have what I need there so I don’t have to traipse through the house looking for things when I’m trying to work.

Underneath is a garbage can, so I can quickly throw away things.

Declutter Frequently

One downside of having a work space that gets used by other members of the family is that it quickly collects clutter. On my desk right now are a couple of Wii games, a box of dominoes, a book my oldest is reading, and other odds and ends.

I make sure to declutter the desk frequently. Otherwise, it gets so bad that I don’t have any space to sit and work.

The kids help, and it only takes a couple of minutes to get it put back in order. I’ve learned I work better if my work space is clean, even if the rest of the house still needs work.

D is For…

I’ll be back tomorrow with An A-Z Guide to Working at Home with Kids: D. Any guesses what I’ll be covering?

Be sure to share this post with others who are working from home with kids!