My number one frustration as a work-at-home mom is distraction. I can have the best intentions as far as what I want to accomplish, my planner can be utilized perfectly, and I can even have my “game on” (meaning my mind is sharp and raring to go).
But without fail, a family member will need me or want to talk. If I’m deep in thought about a project, the interruption is like fingernails on a chalkboard.
Don’t get me wrong; I love my family and I love having them near. It’s not that they’re being disrespectful or don’t care that I need to work…I believe the real story is that I haven’t made the line in the sand quite clear enough.
It’s healthy — it really is — for the members of our families to learn to respect the times when we need to work without interruption. If we can’t complete a thought in our heads, we’re not going to be able to bring in any money, right? That said, we also need to make sure there’s a balance, and I’ll get to that in just a bit.
I’d like to share with you some tips that have helped me. Some I’ve learned from others, while some I’ve come up with out of sheer desperation.
1. Put on your headphones. You don’t have to really be listening to anything, just ignore whoever’s talking to you, snap your fingers to whatever rhythm you can think of, and bob your head up and down to the “music.”
Or really listen to something, if you can work with background music (or a podcast, etc.). I am, at this very moment, listening to my new favorite singer, Shawn Mullins.
2. Do you have an office or other designated room where you work? Hang up a sign that says, “Do not disturb.” Mary Engelbreit, author and illustrator, has a sign above her studio that reads, “No one gets in to see the wizard…no way, no how.”
3. Get a babysitter. If the babysitter keeps interrupting you, find another. If that doesn’t work, get off-site childcare for at least a few days a week.
4. Get off-site yourself. Go to Starbucks or the library (take those headphones with you, just in case). Wear sunglasses if you think you might be recognized. Dark sunglasses. And a hat.
5. Older children can keep younger ones preoccupied, at least for a little while. However, if you happen to have a clingy toddler who doesn’t want anyone but you…see #4.
6. If they still don’t get it, have a family meeting. Ignore the pouty faces and stick to your guns. But make it an “if, then” meeting. Tell your kids, “If I can work without interruption between (fill in the hours), I’ll play a board game with you (or take you to the park, etc.).”
7. Most importantly…give a little. Kids need their moms, husbands need their wives. Don’t be a work-a-holic, working for too many hours on end. Try to work for a set period each day and spend the rest with those you love…and who love you. Balance is key. If they feel like they’re getting enough time with you, they’ll be less likely to interrupt when you really need to work.
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