With Summer coming right around the corner, it’s a great time to share some tips with you on how to keep the kids busy while you get your work done. 

If you’re children are very young, then you’re mostly out of luck.  SORRY!  The truth is, children that are younger than 3 and 4 need lots of attention  and unless you have a babysitter or grandma close by, chances are you won’t get much done.  I have a toddler myself so my ‘business day’ doesn’t even start until 10:00pm. 

PRODUCTIVE HOME TIPS

• CHORE CHART ~ Kids need responsibilities and chores are no exception.
• ADD A COMPUTER ~ Doesn’t it make sense that the kiddos would love to be on the computer as much as you?  Computers have gone down in price, in fact, you can get a brand spankin’ new one for under $400!
• SWAP PLAYDATES ~ You take mine today, I’ll take yours tomorrow.  Imagine what you could get done!
• FINGER FOOD & LUNCH BAGS ~ Always keep healthy snacks on hand for those tapeworms that live in our children’s bellies.  Consider making some lunch bags in the morning so when lunch comes around, the kids can feed themselves.
• SHOP BACK TO SCHOOL ~ Load up on coloring books, colors, markers, paper, etc.
• RENT A MOVIE  & BOOKS ~ Go to your local rental movie place and the library.  You’ll find cheap movies to keep them entertained and the books are free, not to mention, good for their noggin!
• CREATE A PLAYROOM ~  Organize a playroom that is safe and fun.  Include toys, board games, and perhaps that computer;)  Garage sales are a great place to find CHEAP toys & games!
• POPSICLES!!!! ~ Have you ever been on the phone with someone important only to hear your little one crying in the background?  Popsicles are tasteful little miracles folks.  They’re cheap and they last about 10 minutes, which is just enough time for you to finish that important conversation.

KEEPING THE KIDS ACTIVE BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY

• LIBRARY ~ I mention the library above.  You can take the children to the library and you can do some research while you’re there.  There are a million things that you read about no matter what your business or niche is.
• COMPUTER SOFTWARE ~ There are some really fun computer games out there that will keep the kids busy for hours.  Of course there should be limitations but you get the drift.
• PROJECTS & WORKSHEETS ~ There are tons of places online where you can download worksheets for every age group.  Simple projects like models can keep kids busy and make them use their brain to figure it all out. 
• JUST STUFF ~ Along with board games, coloring books and toys; I also recommend art supplies drawing books, chalk, bubbles, etc.
• SPRINKLERS ~ Let them run wild through the sprinklers while you sit in the shade on your laptop working.  Don’t have a laptop?  Get some paper and jot down a to do list, research notes, ideas, etc.  I would recommend a pool but then you would get nothing done.  Wait a minute….they can’t have all the fun….go have some fun swimming with the kids!

There are endless possibilities that your kids can do to stay busy so you can work at home productively.  Be creative and don’t forget to join in the fun every now and then!

Tags: multitasking, Productivity, working at home

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