Childproof Your Home Office

From Parenting, September 2005
By Bethany Kandel

Every work-at-home mom has a tale about chocolate milk spilled on important documents and files destroyed by crayon scribbles. To protect your work:

1. Sweep important papers into a drawer or basket to put up on a high shelf at the end of the day, especially if your office is in a part of the house your child can access all the time.

2. Keep your child occupied when she wants to be near you while you're working. Besides having a box of toys handy, set up a small table so she can "work" just like Mom, without touching your stuff. Supply paper, tape, pencils, and some junk mail. An old phone or keyboard will also help keep her away from the real thing. Give her a file box or low shelf for "special papers" so she won't go for yours.

3. If your child can read, post a few simple rules in your office:
-No food or drink
-No answering the phone
-No touching Mom's stuff without permission

4. Secure the trash can with a latched lid or safety clip so he won't make a mess or throw out papers you need.

5. Back up important computer files weekly.

6. If you have a separate office line, you may want to turn the ringer off when you're not working and just let your voicemail catch those calls...so no little hands are tempted to answer it for you.

A couple of random thoughts...

I've been reading and listening to a lot of materials on prosperity and business-building. I recently listened to an audio by Jim Rohn. Something that he said really struck me...

One more random bit...you might find some handy organizational items at one of my favorite websites. Check out Knock Knock. Click on "Goods" and then "Pads"...love them!!!

Be prosperous and expect good things!
~Jenny