[mecinna]

I am constantly on business calls with a 6 month old propped on one hip. Once I had an International phone call come through and I was in the bathroom (yes, it's true) My children are not allowed to answer the business line but my 7 year old wasn't paying attention to which phone was which and she picked up the line and said, "Hello, Price Residence." The caller asked if I was available and she said, "yes, please hold." She handed the phone to me (I had mad dashed out of the bathroom when I heard her pick up the phone) and turned back to the television, blank faced. The called then said, "Your secretary sounds so young." I just said, "yes, she is. How are you today?" I assume that with the language barrier and accent differentiations he didn't decifer "Price Residence" from "Price Products."

I am very careful not to waste nap or TV time with showers, makeup or relaxing myself. I work work work when they are preoccupied with evil things such as the TV. I try to work during nap time but I usually end up napping on my own bed.

[neider]

Mecinna, that is so funny about being in the bathroom. Your 7 year old is well trained. My kids still don't have a clue about the phone and I'm trying to keep it that way.

For me naps are the only time I have for working, and with another baby on the way work time has also turned into nap time for me. I'v thought about waking up early and working for a few hours before the kids wake up, maybe when the new baby arrives I'll move the recliner in front of the computer for the 12am,2am,4am etc. nursing sessions.

This message board and website has sparked some energy in me that I have been lacking so I am glad for it.

Thanks Natasha for the site

Colleen
babysongbird

[Natasha]

Ya, my kids are not allowed to answer the phone for exactly that scenario. I don't want them to answer it when I was trying to let it ring! LOL.

You're welcome, Colleen! Just wait, it will get better and you'll be even more excited!

[mvroon]

I really would love to hear what other moms do because this it the area I am struggling with.

I am so very very lucky to have a son who still takes two naps during the day so I can get some work done without feeling guilty. I have set up a child's desk in my office with a little chair with paper and crayons so he can "work" when I am working. Truthfully though...he is more into running around and climbing on things than sitting and colouring.

I have started going to bed earlier and waking up around 6am to get paperwork done etc...so that is my survival tip but I would love to hear others too!
_________________
Melissa Vroon
Travel Specialist
Crowfoot Travel Solutions
Tel: 403 561-1484

[Natasha]

Signing Time dvds occupy the kids well when I have an important conversation that can't have interruptions and they're educational and not cartoons, so I don't feel bad about putting them on. The music rocks and the kids learn sign language!

Until they get older, I think it's impossible to be a wahm who's doing actual business without relying on the telly sometimes. And you know what? My kids aren't hyper and they're super smart.
_________________
Warmly,

[Mommy4ever]

Cute story~

Currently, I don't work with the phone. I am debating about using a prepaid cell for business purposes. Before anyone says anything. It would used as an answering service moreso than a phone. You can receive your messages no charge from a landline. We currently have 2 prepaids, one for ds who uses transit to school, and dh. It is rare that we use more than $10 a month on dh phone,and on ds, we have a huge credit balance..lol. So I'm thinking this is a good way to control the calls. And return calls when it works for me. We'll see. I'm not at that point. But $10 is cheaper than $36 for a second line, even with the purchase of the phone, it would pay for itself in 4 months in savings.

I do work while kids are sleeping, watching a movie. I can talk on the phone when the youngest is nursing, but only if it's a short call. I do late nights and early mornings in busy times, but right now, I've redone it. I spend a couple hours working 2 to 3 times a week on products that aren't needed for a few months yet, so I'm ahead of the game for now. I even bring my work camping as everyone is busy, and the youngest naps so well out there that I get alot done in short spurts.

[Natasha]

That sounds clever.
_________________
Warmly,