Toys your kids will love


5 Ways To Be A Fun Mom

A couple years ago, my daughter told mea favorite CD. Do that a couple of times
I wasn't a "fun mom." Granted, thethroughout the day. And stay true to
comment came when I was busy withyour word - when you hear that "ding,"
something and it wasn't possible for medrop what you're doing. Let him know
to drop what I was doing and play withhe's the priority.
her. But I'll admit, the comment still3. Make lunch time a fun time. Use the
stung.hour to involve your child in making
Of course, because I work at home, theresandwiches and setting the table. Leave
will certainly be times when I have tothe paperwork in the office and focus on
say no. There is work that needs to beyour child. Ask her questions about
done and my kids need to learn that thethings she enjoys - like what she's
world doesn't completely revolve aroundnamed her latest WebKinz or what
them. But, are there times when I am sohappened on her favorite television show
consumed with my work that "no" becomesthis morning.
an automatic response to my kids' pleas4. Put him to work! We're not talking
to play? Do I need to lighten up? Have Ichild labor, here. But, if possible,
forgotten how to become a fun mom?involve your child in your work. Of
As any work-at-home mom knows, balancingcourse, the work needs to be
work and motherhood is not easy! But, atage-appropriate. A three-year old can
the end of the day, would I rather say Iput paper in the recycling bin. A five
got each of the twelve things done on myyear old is able to stamp envelopes. A
to-do list? Or that I took some time toten year old can do some filing. You may
pay attention to the needs of my child?get more work done this way, or less,
Here are five ways you can get your workbut involving your child will be
done and still be considered a "funpriceless.
mom."5. LAUGH! Take a moment to tell your
1. Take a Time Out. When your child isdaughter a silly joke. Relive a funny
pleading with you to play with her, takemoment from the past. Have a five minute
a moment to consider whether she may be"tickling spree." If hearing your
desperate for time with you. A child canchild's laughter doesn't get you
only go so long without some qualitystarted, nothing will. Besides the "fun"
time with her mom. Take a half an hourfactor, laughing reduces stress and ups
break to spend playing a game, drawing athe immune system - an added benefit for
picture, or taking a walk around theyou both!
block.Working at home and being a fun mom can
2. Set the timer. Tell your child yougo hand-in-hand. It's all about balance.
will set the timer for one hour. WhenBut when you find the scale tipping a
the timer goes off, it will be time tolittle too far on the work side, your
play. You will then set the timer forchild may just remind you that it's time
twenty minutes and play whatever it isto step away for a moment or two. And
he wants to play, whether it's matchboxdon't forget to grab that FUN hat on
cars, a board game, or silly dancing toyour way out of the office door.



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