1.) If you don't
already have one purchase a cordless phone . This is essential
so that you can move freely about the house to check on small
children or get away from older ones that may be fighting
during an important or unexpected call.
2.) Working at
home has it's advantages and disadvantages. There will be
times that you need to focus on work without being constantly
interupted. Be sure to have a stash of special things for
your children to do unsupervised during these times. Small
children like sticker books, coloring books and crayons. A
little bit older could do an art project, or play with playdough
and almost every age likes to play on the computer. (but not
your work computer, little fingers can do a lot of damage)
3.) Always keep
a pen and notepad at each telephone to jot down names, phone
numbers and other important information.
4.)Use voice
mail and caller ID to your advantage. Don't think that you
have to answer every phone call right then. That's part of
the beauty of working from home, you schedule your own work
hours and you can be there when your family needs you. You
are not a slave to the phone anymore! Having a separate business
line is a good thing when you can afford it. Be sure to create
your voice mail message when you house is quiet.
5.) If you have
small children you will need to childproof your home office.
Store paper clips, pushpins, staples and other potentially
dangerouse items out of children's reach.
