I have been runnning a home based business for about 6 weeks now and have found it hard at times with my young children - 2 years & 7 1/2 months. I have found a few ways to make it work & I hope it will help some of you.

• Try to do most of your work at their nap times
• First thing in the morning is great as in Australia ABC kids has all the good educational shows to keep them occupied
• Try to time phone calls with nap times if possible
• Crayons and paper are very handy to have close by in case you need to keep them busy while you do some work
• Put a movie on for them to watch
• Breastfeed while you work or make phonecalls
• I don't work at night after they go to bed, that is time for me and hubby, but if I really need to I can
• I don't work on weekends if I can help it - that is family time for us all
• Try and keep consistent work times so if the kids are awake they know this is when mummy works
• Always put the kids needs first - everything else can wait
• Don't stress about getting things done - it is YOUR business and you can run it at YOUR pace
• If you do party plan most people understand if you have to bring a child or you have to work around your children, don't be afraid to make this known
• Most of all enjoy what you are doing and involve your family as much as you can - this is after all to benefit the whole family!

I really enjoy my business, and my family is enjoying it too. the business I have can be run at MY pace and I don't have to do "parties" or anything like that if I don't wish to. Choose a business to suit your lifestyle and run it for yourself and your family - don't let it run you!