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