Your employer has just given you the green light to work from home. On paper it sounds great, but in reality, there are many things to consider. Today, Parents Ask expert Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Discipline Solution tells one reader how to make it work. Literally!

Q: I’m thinking of becoming a work-at-home parent. How can I figure out if it’s right for me, and if I decide to do it, how can I make it work? 



Making the decision can be challenging, since it’s hard to know exactly how things will turn out if you do set up your business at home. How great it would be to have a crystal ball to find your answer! Don’t rush your decision. Instead, spend plenty of time contemplating the following questions, and then reading the comments for each one in the section that follows.



1.  Why do you want to work at home?

Your motivation is important, because working at home requires a commitment on your part. If the benefits are important enough to you, then you will be able to work though the many nuances of setting up work at home. 


2.  What are the benefits to your child, your partner and to you?

A clear understanding of how your work arrangement fits in the family and how it benefits each member will help you through the sometimes rocky beginnings of setting up business at home. 


3.  Will your working hours and deadlines be flexible?

Working at home with a young child just about guarantees that everything will take longer than you expected. Firm deadlines and specific hours can add tremendous stress to your life. A more relaxed work pace can fit in better around your home duties. 


4. Can you stay focused and on task in the face of distractions?

When your child, the laundry, the dishes, the television, the coffee pot, and a million other distractions call, will you be able to keep your focus on your work?


5. Are you a self-starter? Are you self-motivated?

Working at home will require the discipline to take charge of your time. You’ll need to stay focused and be productive even when on days when you don’t feel like it. 


6. Will you be willing to live with a few compromises, such as a messier house and less creative menus?

As much as you think you may be able to do it all, it’s likely that some things will have to slide. It helps if you decide in advance to be more relaxed about some things. 


7.  Are you confident that you can make this work?

Too many doubts can get in the way of your success. Confidence and enthusiasm will keep you moving in the right direction. Once you decide to go ahead, then don’t let anything stop you!

Check in tomorrow- Elizabeth offers more Tips for Moms Working At Home!