Working at home

Can parents really run a business out of the house while kids are at home? It's been done before, and with a little organizing, you can make it happen in your home.

On top of your task

— The No. 1 reason for working out of the house is so you can enjoy spur-of-the-moment kid time. Alas, however, work has to eventually get done. If you are on deadline and cannot stop the work you are doing to color with your toddler, tell him when you will be able to. The reverse is also true: If a client has a non-emergency request as you are about to head out to story time, reschedule. Balance priorities on both ends.

— Keep work and family commitments separate by using different colored pencils on your daily calendar. Use one color to enter work must-do's and another for family dates. Another option: Buy two separate calendars and don't forget to cross-reference them.

— The easiest way to stay on top of things is to make a schedule and stick to it. You can do business a part of each day and fill the rest of the day with family, or you can work full days every other week and make it full-on family time alternate weeks. Schedules will of course vary according to the type of business you choose.

— Your time will be limited. Think about how you can use shortcuts. For instance, if you have to run out to make a quick copy of a document, what chores can you "bundle?" Is the dry cleaner next door to the copy shop? Do you need to make copies of your son's birthday party invitations?

— Choose the kind of work that makes sense to do out of your home. Careers that involve computers, faxes and other common current technology are ideal, as are low-key crafts, artwork or writing. Freelance data entry and phone sales are two more that work well. If you are staying home with very young children, choose a business that can grow over time. As your child enters school, you will have more time for the business.

— If you aren't organized, hire a pro. Hiring a professional organizer will make it easier to manage your work space, living space and time. Since being organized will give you more time, the pro will pay for herself.

— While home businesses are accepted as quite legitimate nowadays, it will still be important to follow some "going to work" rules. Don't invite clients over if your office is wall-to-wall toys or answer the phone if someone is having a meltdown (including you). Dress appropriately for meetings outside of the house.