| A couple years ago, my daughter told me I | | | | it's matchbox cars, a board game, or silly |
| wasn't a "fun mom." Granted, the comment came | | | | dancing to a favorite CD. Do that a couple of |
| when I was busy with something and it wasn't | | | | times throughout the day. And stay true to |
| possible for me to drop what I was doing and | | | | your word - when you hear that "ding," drop |
| play with her. But I'll admit, the comment | | | | what you're doing. Let him know he's the |
| still stung. | | | | priority. |
| | | | |
| Of course, because I work at home, there will | | | | 3. Make lunch time a fun time. Use the hour |
| certainly be times when I have to say no. | | | | to involve your child in making sandwiches |
| There is work that needs to be done and my | | | | and setting the table. Leave the paperwork in |
| kids need to learn that the world doesn't | | | | the office and focus on your child. Ask her |
| completely revolve around them. But, are | | | | questions about things she enjoys - like what |
| there times when I am so consumed with my | | | | she's named her latest WebKinz or what |
| work that "no" becomes an automatic response | | | | happened on her favorite television show this |
| to my kids' pleas to play? Do I need to | | | | morning. |
| lighten up? Have I forgotten how to become a | | | | |
| fun mom? | | | | 4. Put him to work! We're not talking child |
| | | | labor, here. But, if possible, involve your |
| As any work-at-home mom knows, balancing work | | | | child in your work. Of course, the work needs |
| and motherhood is not easy! But, at the end | | | | to be age-appropriate. A three-year old can |
| of the day, would I rather say I got each of | | | | put paper in the recycling bin. A five year |
| the twelve things done on my to-do list? Or | | | | old is able to stamp envelopes. A ten year |
| that I took some time to pay attention to the | | | | old can do some filing. You may get more work |
| needs of my child? | | | | done this way, or less, but involving your |
| | | | child will be priceless. |
| Here are five ways you can get your work done | | | | |
| and still be considered a "fun mom." | | | | 5. LAUGH! Take a moment to tell your daughter |
| | | | a silly joke. Relive a funny moment from the |
| 1. Take a Time Out. When your child is | | | | past. Have a five minute "tickling spree." If |
| pleading with you to play with her, take a | | | | hearing your child's laughter doesn't get you |
| moment to consider whether she may be | | | | started, nothing will. Besides the "fun" |
| desperate for time with you. A child can only | | | | factor, laughing reduces stress and ups the |
| go so long without some quality time with her | | | | immune system - an added benefit for you |
| mom. Take a half an hour break to spend | | | | both! |
| playing a game, drawing a picture, or taking | | | | |
| a walk around the block. | | | | Working at home and being a fun mom can go |
| | | | hand-in-hand. It's all about balance. But |
| 2. Set the timer. Tell your child you will | | | | when you find the scale tipping a little too |
| set the timer for one hour. When the timer | | | | far on the work side, your child may just |
| goes off, it will be time to play. You will | | | | remind you that it's time to step away for a |
| then set the timer for twenty minutes and | | | | moment or two. And don't forget to grab that |
| play whatever it is he wants to play, whether | | | | FUN hat on your way out of the office door. |