After my last post’s mention of some of the obstacles I run into working at home, I had someone (who does not wish for me to name them) ask me how I get any work done at home as a writer. This is a four-part series and I thought I would start with one of the biggest obstacle that writers run into: children, family, pets, and friends who demand or disturb you while you are working.
There is nothing more annoying than talking to a client or taking a business call and have a child or spouse interrupt you, or have the cat jump on the keyboard and send an email before your done, or be in the moment, typing out that story for all your worth and have a child demand you help them with something. Or the biggest one at my house, my hubby wanting me to see something on the Tele or help him with something, not because he needs the help, just because he wants to company.
There is nothing as potentially harmful to your productivity then having your sweet child crawl into your lap for love, having to deal with a sick animal, or friends calling wanting your to hang out and go to lunch. So how do I work around this obstacle?
I’m honest with my family and friends. Explain to them that this is your job. Talk to your family and friends about what you do. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t understand, most people who aren’t writers don’t. Tell them that this is how you make, or will be making, your money for your future. Even if it’s just a supplemental income right now, this is your business and should be treated as such.
Schedule my time. I’m not one for schedules but I’m learning to schedule time to get my ranch chores done, meals prepared, and house clean. I schedule in time to be with my darling kids and lovely spouse. I schedule my writing hours. I schedule my book design hours. I schedule time to read emails (early morning before the eldest heads to school) and time to answer them (before I end work for the day). I schedule time to hang out with friends.
Take breaks. If you are one that has whole blocks of time to write, breaks are good for you. Breaks aren’t killers of productivity, that’s a myth. Breaks actually help you out. They give you a moment to regroup before you dive in again. During these breaks I stretch and get myself water, tea, or coffee. Then it’s back to work.
Use a timer. When my kids come in wanting something, I start the timer. I tell them I’ll help them in 30 minutes, hand them the timer so they can see the time counting down to zero, wrap up what I’m doing, and then help them.
Spend time with the ones you love. When spouses or children feel neglected they act out, seeking your attention. When you schedule time to be with them and watch a movie, take them out for a walk or to the park, or just sit with them, they’re less like to feel the neglect. This doesn’t mean you can’t still be working. Watching a movie can be a boost to your creativity. Taking a book outside to read while the kids play at the park can be a book for fun (which helps the creative mind) or a business related book (which can energize you).
Let your kids imitate you. I have two of those TV dinner tables, not sure why since meals are not eaten in the living room, but I have them and didn’t know what to do with them for the last few years they were collecting dust. Now they are collapsible desks for my girls to work on. Since my office is only 3 by 7 it’s a tight fit, but it allows them to spend time with mom while she works and while they pretend to work. 
Taking phone calls. If I know that I’m on going to be on the phone for a business call, I warn them not to disturb me for a set amount of time. I might put on a movie for them ahead of time. Then I make my call. If I receive a call, I shut the door and use the timer to pacify my kids until I’m done. I might even give them a treat for being good about not bothering me. Yes, I’m not above bribing my little ones.
Treat it like a job and set Office Hours. This is more important than you think. If you treat your work like a job others will eventually do the same. It’s part of our programing. Office hours let people know that these are the times that you are working and that there is an end to your day.
Working from home may need to be a team effort for it to work. And it might take some time.
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