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full byline, hyperlinks and Resource Box.E-mail or courtesy link appreciated when you publish mailto:Joyful-Productions@comcast.net --------------------------------------- Title: A Minute Can Turn into Hours for Child of a Work-at-Home Mom
Author: Patricia Gatto
Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved
Category: Parenting/Children's Social Issues
Word Count (including Resource Box): 1,100 --------------------------------------- A Minute Can Turn into Hours for Child of a Work-at-Home Mom Patricia Gatto ©2004 All Rights Reserved. Joyful Productions
In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But in reality, it's difficult to balance needs of your family with needs of your clients.
Phones, fax machines and e-mails have no common courtesy, nor does your client really care about your personal situation. You are simply a means to an end consisting of a telephone number, an e-mail address and a 1099 at end of year. For most part, you are not afforded special considerations and must respond to their needs or your business will suffer.
Long before I began my career as a writer, I was already a work-at-home mom. I provided outsourcing solution to a variety of clients, which included bookkeeping, personnel records, reports and creating employee handbooks and mission statements. Initially my clients were leery; it was a time when home businesses were just emerging. I went to great lengths to establish and maintain my associations. Part of my success was perceived illusion was that I was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Continuously, I had to prove my home life did not interfere with their business needs or deadlines.
One day, as I absentmindedly brushed my son off and repeated phrase, "just a minute" for fifth time, I suddenly realized why he had no concept of time. That "minute" I was speaking of was hours away, at best. The business I built so that I could be at home with him was also business that was taking me away from him. I turned back to my computer to complete report I was working on and my son returned to his video game in frustration. It was then I realized my solution was only a paragraph away.
I was experienced in writing mission statements for my clients. These leadership tools are used in corporate world to define goals, values and purpose. A successful business takes commitment, resources, responsibility, problem solving, honesty and hard work. Doesn't that also define raising a child? Parenting consists of all those factors and so much more.
As in any business, business of raising a child will bring accomplishments, successes and rewards, but it will also have it's share of conflicts, disappointments and setbacks. However, when it comes to business of family stakes are much greater than a new client, a contract, a promotion or a raise; they involve wellbeing of your child.
The emotional difficulties of childhood serve to build strength, courage and character. But to a child, these conflicts may feel catastrophic if they have no one to turn to. You can help prepare your child to cope if you take time out each day to remind him how much you love him, express your commitment to his wellbeing and provide positive affirmations that help foster confidence.
