Why Is The Salad Brown Confessions of a Former Neat Freak

When I rolled over in bed this morning and saw the bag of salad sitting on my night table next to me, I knew then that I had finally crossed the line. I’m not sure exactly where the line was, or even what it looked like, because it was no doubt covered with wet towels, stray socks, and perhaps, even, my oven mitt. But a line had, indeed, been crossed.

The change from neat-freak to the person I am today was slow and gradual. It snuck up on me, insidious, silent, like a bad smell that you somehow don’t notice anymore because you’ve grown used to smelling it.

In my former life, my best friend Diane called me Mrs. Applebee. I’m not sure where she came up with that name, but to her it represented prim, proper, neat, and organized. Diane made fun of me because I picked up my living room nightly before going to bed. She found it amazing that I vaccumed most every day, and made my bed every morning. She laughed because I washed, dried, and put away all the dishes immediately after every meal. She was stunned that I folded all the laundry the instant the dryer buzzed, before it even had time to cool off, and then put everything away. In the drawers.

I should have known I was getting close to the line when, a few weeks ago, I needed to bake a cake. Without giving it a second thought, I went straight to the kids’ bathroom toy tub and retrieved one of the beaters to my electric mixer. Another clue should have been when the pizza cutter went missing for several days. My teenage son was frantic (”I NEED that utensil, mom!), so I told him to check under the couch cushions. When my teenage daughter needed to use the cutting board, I nonchalantly told her, “It’s in my bathtub, next to the box of sanitary pads that Luke (our 2 year old) dumped in there the other day.”

Last week my husband was complaining that I hadn’t decorated the house yet for Halloween. “Just look around,” I told him. “There are plenty of cobwebs, why do we need to spend money? Besides, most of the decorations require a clear, flat surface on which to be set. We don’t own a clear flat surface.”

When I first became a stay-at-home mom, I was a pro. Of course, our two children were at school all day, and baby number three was on the way, so it was easy enough to keep up. Each day of the week was spent cleaning and organizing the house. The play room had bins where each toy was categorized and lovingly placed. The kitchen floor was always swept and mopped. The kitchen cabinets were organized. Most afternoons, fresh baked cookies were being taken from the oven, just as the bus pulled up to drop the kids off after school. Dinners were balancedmeat, fresh vegetables, fruit, milk. And after dinner, the dishes were all washed, dried, and put away.

But then we had more children. And then more children. And now we have six. And then I had a great idea to start my own business from home. Soon, I noticed the walls of the house seemed to be closing in. Or maybe those aren’t the walls, but just the toys and shoes and books and Legos that find their homes around the perimeter of every room in my house.

So, why was the salad sitting on my night table this morning? Because my 2 year old loves salad, and last evening he brought it into my bedroom (where I was working) and asked if he could have some. I told him no, took the salad from him, placed it on my night table (fully intending to put it away when he was otherwise occupied), and didn’t give it another thought until bedtime. At that point, my husband told me he’d put it away when he got up after the news to take the dog out.

Apparently, either the dog didn’t get taken out, or he just forgot about the salad.

Lisa Pallardy is a work-at-home mother of 6 children and 1 dog. She owns http://www.BarkTalk.com specializing in New Puppy Announcements, as well as gifts for dogs and dog lovers.

Adhesive Tape - We’re Stuck On It

Tapes People Love To Use

If you were to look in any given “junk drawer” you would probably find at least one kind of adhesive tape such as cellophane tape or masking tape. Most people own several different kinds of tape because we use different types for different jobs. Tape as we know it has been around for decades-masking tape was invented in 1925. You may own duct tape, electrical tape, basting tape (for sewing) and even floral tape. Adhesive tape has really become a part of our every day lives. We use it for everything from repairing a book to medical procedures. So, let’s take a closer look at what is old-and what is new, in the world of adhesive tape.

History

Although people have been using natural adhesives like beeswax for centuries, it was not until the mid-1800’s that American inventor Henry Day invented the first tape-like product. In the twentieth century, with the proliferation of synthetic materials like nylon, cellophane, and other products, there are now dozens and dozens of kinds of tape used for every type of task and in nearly every aspect of our lives.

A Touch Of Humor

There is a bit of “adhesive tape” humor associated with the invention of masking tape. Auto workers were looking for something that they could mark the paint lines on cars that would not damage the paint when it was removed. A scientist named Richard Drew was charged with the responsibility to invent a tape to fill the need. He made an adhesive tape that had an adhesive that was not overly sticky, but that would hold enough to do the job. The problem was that, in order to save money, the manufacturers only put the adhesive on the two edges of the tape and not in the middle. The auto workers complained loudly about this “Scotch” tape in a reference to the Scottish reputed reputation for frugality. The adhesive tape soon had adhesive applied to the whole surface.

Scotch Tape

Richard Drew invented another very popular adhesive tape as well-cellulose tape-which is also called “Scotch” tape for obvious reasons. It now comes in many different styles, finishes, sizes and even colors. You can get a matte finish, which seems to “disappear” when applied, and glossy, you can even get some with decorative designs to spruce up packages or envelopes. It even comes in a double-sided variety with adhesive on both sides. It comes in disposable dispensers, rolls that you can put in permanent dispensers, and now, even handy dispensers which allow you to take one small piece of adhesive tape at a time.

What’s Its Use?

Some job specific tapes include electrical tape which is used for repairing frayed wires or taping off ends of wires. Basting tape is an adhesive tape used by seamstresses to hold a hem or a seam when they are prepping an article for sewing. Medical tape can be used instead of stitches to allow physicians to seal an incision so that they can go back in if necessary-or to hold a cut together so that it can heal.

By Margarette Tustle. Learn more adhesive information from duoadhesive.com

Best of Halloween for Kids Safety

If you’re like most parents, you have rules about checking Halloween candy before consumption, using flashlights while trick-or-treating, and always going out with a buddy. Unfortunately, while these are great tips (and hopefully common sense) there are tons more potential hazards that come with Halloween.

One of our favorite Halloween safety sites on the ‘net is Halloween-Safety.com. It’s by far one of the most comprehensive sites, broken down into tips for kids, adults, costumes, trick-or-treating, yard haunts, parties, and even pet care. Easy to navigate, and full of information, this site is a must visit for planning a safe Halloween for the entire family.
http://www.halloween-safety.com/halloween_safety_kids.html

Another nice site about Halloween safety is LAFD.org. Los Angeles Fire Department has a nice, clean easy to navigate page on safety. You’ll find practical tips such as using make-up vs. masks (so you have full eyesight) to making sure your wigs and other accessories are flame resistant. This is another wonderful, thoughtful website and really should be checked out before heading out on October 31st.
http://www.lafd.org/hween.htm

KeepKidsHealthy.com has a brief but sound guide to Halloween safety. They do offer some good tips on checking candy, as well as costume safety and general tips. If you follow their links, you can also find information on the safety of face paint, as well as tips on masks.
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/autumn/halloween_safety.html

Help kids learn safety tips for Halloween while having fun with the Halloween safety Trivia Game by Hershey’s. Your child will enjoy selecting a character and then making choices such as what is a safe costume to wear, what they should take trick-or-treating to be safe, and who to take with them. After each choice is made, your child will be told if they had a correct or incorrect answer, why, and then will be guided through the rest of the game. At the end, they will receive a certificate that can be printed with their name. Very nice, and a great way to get kids interested in having a fun AND safe Halloween!
http://www.hersheys.com/trickortreats/

By visiting the above recommended websites, you will be ready to take your children out for a SAFE night of Trick-Or-Treating they’ll never forget!

To read more articles from the Best of Halloween for Kids series, click here. http://www.raisingourkids.com/hol/halloween/index.shtml

Amy Fleeman is a Halloween loving Mama with two great kids, a Beagle, and a husband. She lives amongst the cornfields in a tiny town in Iowa. To get tons of Free Halloween Coloring Pages and other spooky goodies, please visit http://www.raisingourkids.com/hol/halloween/freehalloweencoloringpages.shtml Looking for Baby-Freebies? Visit her other site, http://www.baby-freebies.com

Piano Lesson Knowledge Question for Kids - What’s the Musical Stoplight Called

Sometimes piano students shy away from learning “music facts” because they see them as rules they have to follow. Teaching music facts in a way that is interesting to kids offers creative perspective to children in piano lessons. This is important so they don’t fall into the trap of slavery to “music rules” to be “good students,” without learning to play creatively; or, so they don’t go to the other extreme and ignore learning musical facts altogether.

The musical symbol called a fermata, for example, means to pause. It’s kind of like stopping at a traffic light. In print it looks like a bird’s eye, but this analogy doesn’t really help students in piano know what to do when they see one. Young students will remember that this musical symbol reminds them of a bird’s eye, but they don’t remember what to do. Fermata is the Italian word for “Stop.” When the fermata is placed over a note it means to pause or stop on that note, and then resume the normal tempo.

If you think of the fermata as a musical stoplight, imagine you are traveling along in the music at a moderate to lively speed when you suddenly come to a note with a “stop light” over it that is red. What do you do? Don’t park your care and get out! Don’t run the red light! Just wait at the intersection with the car running until the light turns green, and then resume your musical journey at your previous moderate to lively tempo. The idea of a fermata is to create anticipation in the music, or a feeling that the melody is coming again, but you have to be a little patient and wait for it. This creative technique adds interest to the music that kind of teases the listener’s ear.

Now it’s true that as a parent who may find red stoplights more that just a little annoying, this explanation might sound disingenuous. But I guarantee it’s a creative idea that will work for your piano student. And who knows, when your piano student becomes a driver they may view stoplights as just fermatas there to make their journey more interesting! You’ll be making the world a better place.

For great home piano activities parents can use to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources You’ll find a treasure box filled with piano resources to create an exciting musical adventure for your child - right in your own home! Visit their website and subscribe to their f’ree internet newsletter so you can download f’ree piano sheet music and mp3s of original piano compositions.

These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bears, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here to visit PianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit tallypiano.com

Obesity Kids Study; More in the Future

A brand new Obesity Study out shows that there is a trend of kids becoming more overweight. In fact the study shows that the percentage of obese kids will increase! Oh really and we need a study for this? Who is paying for this anyway? Obviously kids are getting fatter, dah? We already know that, but somehow this is big news?

Look here is the deal if you have fat kids, it is because they eat crap, do not exercise and they are modeling themselves off of you. You see you are a fat fart parent. It is your fault. And you are fat because you do not exercise and you eat too much fattening junk food and do not watch your weight, it is your fault.

But you probably want to see an Obesity Study to prove it is your fault? You dumb fatso, look in your mirror and see that unsightly belly buldge, Dah! And since when is diet failure not your fault fatty? You better lose some weight or it is going to start affecting your health and personally you fat so in so, I do not particularly want to have increased health care costs because you will not get off your fat rear end, find a diet which works, eat right and start exercising.

Why should I have to pay for you fat rear end, as I have my own to worry about. Of course I am not as fat as you, you fatso. Sure I could lose a few pounds just as much as the next guy, but you; well you are just fat and you have fat kids and well it is your own fault fatty. Consider this in 2006; you are fat, face it!

Lance Winslow

Caring for Your African American or Biracial Child’s Hair

Part I

Caring for your angel’s tresses can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Armed with the proper education, the right technique, and, most importantly, the right products - you can master the art of caring for ethnic hair.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with hair. Because my hair was easy to manage, I began styling my own hair at an early age. Using my long locks, I taught myself how to french braid and soon became a styling expert (or so I thought). As I matured, my interest in healthy Black hair peaked. I learned which hair care ingredients were good for my hair type and which ingredients were not. I learned how to shampoo, condition, and properly handle my hair. Most importantly, I learned to love my hair. With the proper care, your child will love his/her hair too!

Over the years I’ve read, seen, and experienced unbelievable acts of ignorance regarding ethnic hair care. It is my attempt to provide a few basic tips and tricks so you will avoid common pitfalls

A Few Things You Should Know

Black hair is extremely fragile. A gentle touch is required to avoid unnecessary breakage and hair loss. Therefore, always use a wide tooth comb or pick when combing the hair. Avoid fine tooth combs as they snag and pull out curly/kinky hair. Invest in a quality brush; natural boar brushes are the best.

Curly/kinky hair needs moisture, moisture, and more moisture! Consider this when purchasing hair care products. Avoid drying products such as hair spray, mousse, holding gels, etc. Opt for moisturizers, leave in conditioners, and styling lotions.

All products are not created equal. Just because a product claims to be created for “curly hair” doesn’t guarantee that it will be suitable for ethnic curly hair. Products created for Nicole Kidman’s curly hair may not work for Angela Bassett’s. Caucasian hair tends to produce more sebum (oily secretion created by the sebaceous gland) than Black textured hair; therefore, Black hair requires more oil. Read, no, scrutinize the ingredient list. Look for natural oils and quality ingredients. Remember, the ingredients are listed in order of volume.

Common Mistakes Made When Caring for Ethnic Hair

Error #1 - Over shampooing - Black hair should not be shampooed every day, or every other day for that matter. Instead, shampoo your child’s hair every 7 days max! We recommend shampooing 2x a month. I know this may confuse those who shampoo daily; however, you must remember that Black hair needs oil, and because it distributes less sebum, frequent shampooing can dry out the hair and scalp.

Tip for getting through “shampoo-less” days: Rinse hair with warm water, apply conditioner, and rinse well. This will give you a clean start and provide added conditioning and moisture without stripping away protective oils.

Error #2 - Under conditioning - Proper conditioning is one of the most important steps for healthy hair. Unfortunately, most do not take the time to adequately do so. I recommend giving your daughter a deep conditioning (with heat) once a month, especially during the winter season.

Error #3 - Using the wrong products - We’ve discussed the need for natural oils for Black hair. However, you must know that not all oil is good oil. One misconception that plagues African Americans concerning hair care is the use of grease. Grease (thick pomade-like product that usually contains mineral oil and/or petrolatum) is commonly used to moisturize dry hair and scalp. Do not use products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum. Both of these cheap oils clog pores, rob the hair’s moisture and can retard hair growth. Natural oils are the best bet. Jojoba and coconut oil are great conditioning oils. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E; potassium, and scalp soothing sulfur.

Error #4 - Combing, detangling, and styling faux pas - To avoid pain, tears, and massive hair loss when combing out kinky hair, part the hair into four sections. Get a tight grip on the hair (not to hurt your child) and start combing at the bottom and work your way up to the top, section by section. If her hair is extremely thick and coarse, secure the combed out section with a pony tail holder to avoid further tangling. You should always use a moisturizer when combing her out hair, doing so will help to soften the hair and ease comb-ability. NEVER USE WATER TO “WET” THE HAIR!

Girls and ponytails seem to go hand and hand. Here are a few tips to avoid pig tail disaster. Do not use rubber bands to secure her pony tails, instead use elastics and covered bands. Rubber bands can cause undue breakage and damage. Remember to ALWAYS remove the pony tail holders before bed time. Make sure you braid (or twist) the hair completelyall the way to the ends. Exposing the ends to environmental elements will guarantee split ends. I recommend adding a coat of leave in conditioner to the ends before braiding for extra protection. Remember, the ends are the oldest and most fragile part of the hair. They require extra attention.

I hope these brief tips will encourage you to invest in the health of your child’s hair.

What You Need:

Wide tooth comb or pickthe wider the better.
Natural bristle brush.
Hydrating shampoo.
Moisturizing Conditioner.
A daily moisturizer - this will add needed moisture, and ease comb-ability.
Natural oils to apply to the hair.
Cream hair dressing for light control of frizzes.
Elastics for securing ponytails

Mahisha Dellinger
President/CEO
866-999-CURL
http://www.curls.biz

“Superb hair care for multi ethnic women”

Exercising With Kids — Tips For Parents

Making exercise a priority is a challenge for everyone. And for parents it can be especially difficult to find time to workout because of the full plates that they often juggle. When summer arrives the juggling act becomes even more tricky with kids home from school and involved in extracurricular activities.

But, finding time for regular physical activity is so important that it should be a priority placed on your calendar, just like your kids’ softball game. A parent needs to exercise not only for themselves, but also for their kids benefit. It’s important to set a good example. If your children never see you engage in fitness or if they hear you complain about working out, then they are going to have a negative image of exercise. Let them know that you workout to stay healthy, to be strong and to have more energy and stamina (so you can keep up with them)!

The big question is how to make it a priority that fits in your schedule. Well, it’s actually easier than you may think. With a little planning you can find ways to incorporate workouts into the time you spend with your children. Regardless of what age your children are, there’s a way to find time to workout (often even with your kids)! Here are some tips based on the age of your children.

Age: Infant through pre-school

• Fit in exercise time while they are napping. Try a home exercise video, walking or jogging (if you have a treadmill), jumping rope.

• Occupy them for even 15 minutes with a video or toy while you do some toning exercises like squats and tricep dips.

• Grab your stroller and go for a brisk walk*. Or, buy a jogging stroller for more flexibility. With a jogging stroller you can walk faster, jog or even run at a fast pace. And, for veteran rollerbladers, you can even use the stroller for some skating time.

• For younger children, you can use a back carrier to transport them while walking. This can burn even more calories as the extra weight makes it more challenging.

• Turn on some music and dance together. Toddlers love dancing, especially when their parents joins in.

• Push your kid on a swing. And, after every push complete one squat.

• Use an infant carrier or bike trailer to enjoy a bike ride together.

Age: Grade School

• Try rollerblading or skating together.

• Spend an afternoon at a park with a playground, but don’t spend the whole time relaxing on the sidelines - join in on the fun. Spend some time swinging to help workout your legs. Try making it across the monkey bars - even just once (it’s a great upper body workout and you’ll be amazed that your kid does it with such little ease). Try some pull-ups using a bar on the playset. Do some tricep dips on a nearby park bench.

• Play catch with a ball or get a small group together for a kickball or softball game.

• Make Saturdays family bike outing day.

• Involve your kids while you strength train. Let them count your reps out loud for you and/or clock your rest time in-between sets.

• For pool outings, don’t just spend time soaking up the sun. Walk back and forth in shallow water while your kids have fun splashing about.

• On rainy days that force you inside, walk or run up and down the stairs. You might even make it a contest to see who can finish 5 complete rounds first.

Age: Teenagers

• Register for a fun run (or walk) event and spend time together training for the event.

• Purchase a family gym membership and workout together weekly.

• Play tennis or basketball together.

• Consider joining a community volleyball or softball team that includes enthusiasts of all ages.

• Don’t just sit and cheer your kids at their sporting events. Every few minutes do some walking or jumping jacks or squats.

• Implement a daily family walk each day before or after dinner.

• Work together in the yard raking leaves, planting flowers, trimming trees.

So, with all the above recommendations, you no longer have the “I’m a parent - I don’t have time to workout” excuse. If you implement these activities for just 30 minutes three times per week, you can easily burn an extra 450 calories or more! Plus, working out sets a great example for your children that will teach them at an early age how important (and easy) it is to make physical fitness a part of daily life. Exercising with your kids also provides the extra bonus of spending quality time together.

About The Author

Lynn Bode, author and certified personal trainer, offers her services online through WorkoutsForYou.com. Workouts For You provides affordable online exercise programs to help even the busiest of people lose weight, tone-up, build muscles, increase stamina and more via the Internet. Let us guide you one-on-one through your fitness journey. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample workout.

info@workoutsforyou.com

The Importance of Planting Technology Seeds in Children

Computer technology is being used in every aspect of life today. From educational facilities to businesses, and even in the home computer technology is prevalent throughout society. There seem to be no boundaries; computers are used by both the young and old, male and female, learned and unlearned.

For these reasons, children should be exposed to computer technology as early in life as possible. Planting technology seeds in young children will help them prepare for their future and become familiar with the influence of technology on our society.

Learning about Technology at School

Most public and private schools have computers and offer computer-focused classes to help children learn how to use a computer. In a middle-to-upper class area, a school might offer not only computer classes, but also have computers in other classes for the students to use on a daily basis to write reports, take tests, etc. Some even have online computers for learning about the Internet. These students are able to use the computer often and gain skills in the process.

Unfortunately, not all educational facilities are created equal. In poor areas, schools are often limited in their technological resources. They might offer a few computer classes, but computers are not a part of the every day learning process. These students may graduate having little or no computer skills.

All Graduates Face the Same Technology-based Job Market

It’s important that children from all walks of life gain computer skills through school or home because they will all face the same job market as they become adults. They will all be competing in a technology-focused job market that demands computer skills as a minimum employment requirement.

College Benefits

Planting technology seeds in children will benefit them tremendously when they are ready for college. Many college courses are taught with the assumption that a student already has basic computer skills. Those without computer skills will be required to learn computer basics while in college. This may limit their ability to enroll in other classes that may have helped them secure a higher-paying job. Students who already have basic computer skills can enroll in the classes they want without a handicap.

Improving Skills in English, Math, Typing and Other Subjects

Children with a computer in their home can take advantage of software that will help them improve their learning skills. Fun exercises are used to help kids learn as they play. Parents can join in and spend quality time with their child. A computer in the home can help with homework as well.

Internet Technology Benefits

Children can also benefit from learning Internet technology skills from a young age. Parents and schools have the ability to teach children the good qualities of the Internet and how it can be used for research, business and other helpful purposes.

Teaching children about technology from a young age offers many benefits for them and society as a whole. Technology is here, and it’s not going away. The more skills children can learn today, the better equipped they will be to face the future.

Shanda Harper, CEO
GetContent.com

Enjoy the Feel of the Islands with a Hawaiian Luau

Not many people would scoff at the idea of attending a Hawaiian Luau. The feel of the islands, with the palm trees swaying in the wind, cool breezes brushing across tanned bodies soaking up the sun by the pool are just the ultimate in pleasure. The feel of the islands, the smell of the islands, and the taste of the islands are all within the confines of your own backyard.

Where do you begin? If you have a pool, you can decorate around the pool so that it looks like a tropical island paradise. Add the essence of tropical fruits, drinks, and other food delicacies, and you’ll feel like you have been transported to the Polynesian Islands. If you add some hula dances with authentic grass skirts and leis, you’re surely going to feel a taste of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

A Hawaiian luau is not your typical backyard barbeque fare of hamburgers, hotdogs, and steaks served with soda or beer. Tropical drinks such as punches served in coconuts and pineapples are common at the luau. Many dishes are oriental in nature such as fried rice and teriyaki beef; however, some additional spices and ingredients have been added to give it a taste of Hawaii. In addition, common at luaus are tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangos, kiwi, coconuts, and limes.

The luau would not be complete without the tropical sounds of the islands. You will not find rock or Top 40 for a luau because you need the sounds of the islands to make your luau authentic. With the right decorations, food, costumes, and music, your guests will certainly relax and dream that they have been transported to the Polynesian Islands for an evening of bliss. If you’re not sure what kind of party supplies you need or where to find them, a search of the Internet will provide several places where you can purchase supplies and find menus and recipes that will make your luau successful.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Luau Party Supplies, party planning tips, menus, recipes, free party games to help complete your event.

Working From Home Even With the Kids Around

Picture this. You’re sitting in your office working. The phone rings and caller ID tells you it’s your biggest client. You grab their file so you can get the information needed to do the last part of your assignment. You pick up the phone and start talking. Then it happens. You child comes running into your home office crying about a lost toy. What do you do now?

Working from home sounds like a wonderful compromise for the mother of a young child. You can save the cost of daycare, get to watch your children grow, and even earn money to help support the household.

The reality of it is it takes a lot of work to keep your workload current, your kid’s needs met, and your household running smoothly without alienating your child, or missing an important deadline.

It’s proven parenting fact that your kids won’t need you until you are on an important call, or nearing a crucial deadline. Then they will yell, cry, or otherwise demand your attention while you are trying to get, or give necessary information. It can be very frustrating being interrupted while you’re on a roll. So how do you keep your kids busy and out of your hair without feeling like a terrible mother?

Doing your job with your kids around isn’t easy. But with a few helpful hints, and some creativity, you can get a lot of work done and still spend time with your kids.

The first thing you should do is invest in a good quality headset for your office phone. You’ll want it to have a mute feature, and an adjustable volume control. The mute feature is great for when your child starts yelling for you; just let your caller know and click the button. You can deal quickly with your child and still remain professional with your client.

Plan some easy crafts for your child to do each day. Crayons, markers, coloring books, something simple your child can do while you’re talking. Also, keep a box of age appropriate construction-style toys for your child near your desk. They are wonderful tools for creative children and when that important call comes in, all you have to do is ask your child to build you something special for some quiet business time.

Another helpful thing is to keep a box of old toys and favorite treats by your desk. When the phone rings, pull out an old favorite of your child’s and watch them quietly play while you talk.

A way to get your child to respect your telephone time is to use a timer when you’re on the phone. Set the time to keep track of how long you’re on your phone call. Then be sure to spend that much time with your child later on. If you respect their time, they’ll learn to respect yours.

Give your child their own work space. Use a small table and chair as their desk. Then you can outfit your child’s work desk with age appropriate items; paper, colors, scissors, glue, even an old phone you don’t use anymore. Many times, children want to be just like mommy, and that’s why they try to get into the middle of everything you do. If you give them their own assignments, with their own space, you will find they are quieter when you are trying to get your work done.

As a last resort, use a video or DVD as a distraction. Keep some movies your child likes to watch, or ones they haven’t seen yet, to keep your child entertained during that important call. Remember it’s not good to let your child watch TV all day, but a half hour or so won’t hurt.

If none of these hints work, you may just have to go into a spare bedroom or the bathroom and close the door. And learn to talk fast.

You can get the job done, and spend quality time with your kids, if you just learn to plan your time accordingly. And find creative ways to keep your child entertained during the day.

Dawn Arkin is a Stay-At-Home-Mom who writes while caring for her two young children. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Facsimile.Com/ which is a site for Fax Machines.