When you have to work, it may be helpful to set up a "work desk" for your child if he or she is old enough to enjoy it. A small table with a toy telephone, paper, crayons or markers will help your child imagine that they are working just like you.

There is, of course, always TV option, although I have often found it to be only minimally effective. If your child loves a particular video, save it for when you need some time to get things done. I don't recommend using TV as a babysitter, but there are times when that is your best option.

Make sure you do leave plenty of time to be with your child, not only to play, but to teach them. As your child gets older, make sure they learn to do appropriate chores around house. Young children often love to help, and quality time is not only playtime.

Become familiar with various resources to determine if an opportunity is legitimate. Some good ones are http://www.wahm.com, http://www.homewiththekids.com, http://www.ripoffreport.com, http://www.bbb.org, and http://www.ftc.gov.

Find out if you need to take any special classes for your job. Once again using medical transcription as an example, I had to study for months in order to be qualified for this job. Good medical transcription courses can run from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Talk to your family about your plans. Make sure you will have their support. A lack of support is an easy way to fail.

If you choose a business, you will have to decide whether to strike out on your own or join an existing one. There are many excellent opportunities either way. You can join a party plan and have regular time away from your family, which many work from home parents need or sell products or services online.

Be aware of any legal issues facing your home job or business. Some cities still do not allow home businesses, and you may have to ask for a variance. Many will require some sort of license, depending on kind of business you are starting. Check with your local city hall.

Whatever you decide to do in end, whether work a home job or a business, make sure to network with other work at home parents. They will understand issues you are dealing with even if what they are doing is different.