A Mom's Guide to Working From Home

Part One: Balancing Family and Career Under One Roof

By Jacqueline Rupp

If an opportunity to work presents itself (the kids are reading with Dad, the baby is taking an extra-long nap) be ready to take it. Even 10 minutes can allow you to send out e-mails or read a chapter in a book. "My kids manage my time for me!" says Statler. "I know when their playtime, naptime or mommy time is, so I work around that."

When you get a chance to work, the ability to jump right into a task is key. If you spend 20 minutes collecting your notes and files, that's time wasted. "I use a dry erase board to list all the tasks I need to get done, so I'm not wasting time wondering what needs to be done or where I left off when I have to get up and do something else," says Kelso.

"Portable workspace is an option to consider," adds Phelps. "You can work from your kitchen table. Purchase a mobile cart that will hold your supplies and a mobile filing system for paperwork." Voila, an office on wheels!

A project that can seem daunting as a whole can be broken down into smaller and smaller steps that can be completed one by one.

Create business letter templates for correspondence you often write, bookmark Web sites and learn shortcuts others in your field use.

Want to see more?

• CEO of Everything: Balancing Work and Family
• Plan B(aby): The Stay-at-Home Parenting Trend is Growing
• Moms At Work: Is Returning to Work Right for You?
• Talk about it!