Working at Home During the Summer Months

While I love the flexibility that a home-based business gives me, that same flexibility can also be my downfall in having productive days. This "challenge" of mine becomes even more apparent during the kids' summer vacation. In addition to all the usual distractions when working at home (the fun stuff like laundry and cleaning), my kids can provide enough distractions (good and bad) to keep me away from my desk all day.
So I am implementing a few strategies to help me stay on top of things and get my work done.

Take Advantage of Early Morning Hours
Getting up earlier than everyone else gives me several hours in my office with no distractions. Even though I am definitely NOT a morning person, once I am up and moving, the sense of accomplishment far outweighs the missed sleep.

Assign a Few More Chores to the Kids
Without daily homework, projects and other school-related stress, I don't feel bad asking my kids to help out more during the summer. They get to sleep as late as they want (while I'm working in the office), so they can't complain, right?

Lists, Lists and More Lists
I'm somewhat of a list "freak" and it has to be a handwritten list, but the more consistent I am about making To-Do lists , the more I get done in every area of my life. I write monthly, weekly and daily To-Do lists, as well as lists for special occasions, special projects and my own personal goals. I ask my kids to write a summer goal list too - which this summer includes an enormously long list for my oldest daughter who will be heading off to college in August. Unfortunately it looks like the "Things to buy for the dorm room" list is the biggest so far!

Live in the Moments Spent with My Kids
Since my kids are older now, they don't necessarily "need" me as much during the day, but we still enjoy spending time together. I make sure that I take those breaks from my work at home and enjoy the things we do together. If I've followed my own advice and implemented the strategies above, then I can give the kids my complete attention when we are together instead of worrying about all the things I haven't gotten done that day!