« On The Road (Once) Again… | Main | 5 P’s to Preparation »
Back Scratchin’ in the Home Office
By Jeff Zbar | September 5, 2007
We’re almost a month into the school year. School work is constant, as are extra curricular activities, late-stay for club meetings, and play dates for my little one. When our three kids get home, the home office can go haywire. How can it be controlled and the situation remain organized (or at least organized chaos)? It’s about back scratchin’. I let them have their way, as long as they don’t get in mine.
It starts by setting expectations and rules. First, I keep my door closed on busy afternoons. This is a cue to them that I’m probably working. Next, my kids know to whisper when walking into Daddy’s home office. I wear a headset when on the phone (often forgetting to take it off once the call’s over). So it can be hard for them to tell when I’m talking - or just wearing a headset. I’ll put a finger to my lips if they’re to be quiet, or verbally welcome them in.
I also encourage play dates and study groups - but only if the noise is kept to a minimum. This keeps them busy, sociable and working in groups. Finally, I know when to punt. Come 4 p.m., the workday’s typically done for me anyway (since I probably was at the PC before dawn). I’ll do some paperwork, light writing or filing - and surrender to the situation.
Home office life - it’s a matter of balance. Maybe on a wobbly high-wire, but balance just the same…
Topics: Family Life, Office Organization, Time Management |