How to make sure you actually work when you work from home

Working at home is the ultimate test of your multi-tasking capabilities! Here are some tips for managing your time, and effectively limit interruptions from your own residential staff (especially those under four feet tall!

1. Post Your Hours. Most businesses post their hours right on the door to let people know when they will be working. Make your own "hours" and post this list on your fridge or bulletin board where your family can see it, and remind yourself to close up shop at the appointed hour.

2. Establish a No Touch Zone: create a "do not touch" pile or "do not enter" zone in your work area. If you allow your four year old child to color at your desk so you can keep them nearby, then don't be surprised when your sales report or presentation handouts are decorated with "masterpieces". Consider giving your child their own space complete with supplies.

If you do not want anyone in your work area under any circumstances, then tell your family your wishes up front. Don't wait until there is a disaster to notify them of the rules.

4. Create phone rules such as: no talking allowed, use an inside voice, or whisper when mom or dad is on the phone, screen calls during melt downs or family time, do not allow children or unauthorized persons to answer your business line or only with instruction.

Screen your phone calls during temper tantrums and other children crisis modes. This will allow you to focus on home matters when they need to be a top priority- don't worry about the caller; if it's important, he'll call back or leave a message.

5. Put Together a Special Box. During those times that you really need to focus on your work such as phone calls, writing time, etc. stash special toys in a milk crate or wicker basket and pull these out before you start the task. Special videos work for this time as well.

7. Work WITH not AGAINST your kids' schedule Use naptimes to your benefit. Instead of doing household chores, or catching up on must see TV on the TIVO get some work done.