Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

I have the opportunity to work a few days from home and keep my current job, thus avoiding the LONG commute a couple of days per week. My alternative is to work much closer to home (for more money even!). I do like my current job and the idea of spending more time with my son is very attractive, but I am not sure what kind of quality time it would be if I'm working, and whether I'd just be more stressed out trying to "prove" myself at work. Does anyone do this, and if so, what are your thoughts? Thanks.

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

Are the hours you can work flexible? I'm only able to get anything done when she is asleep.

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

I think it depends on the kind of work you do and how old your DC is. I tried doing some work from home a few times and it was nearly impossible with Roman wanting to get into everything.

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

I've been doing it since my son was born, and agree it depends on the type of work you do, how flexible your job is, and what stage your baby is at.

When DS was an infant I could only do things while he napped, and saved most everything for at night and my workload was much less. I've since taken on more, he will play on his own for a little while and I'll run and check email. But mostly I get my computer work done at night. I can still field phone calls during the day, transfer the phone to my cell, etc.

Sometimes its stressful, but I wouldn't change a thing!

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

I have a pretty demanding job, a lot of conference calls, document review and drafting, etc. Some things I can do at night but the people I work with would need me throughout the day too. My son is 6 months old and rarely naps, but is pretty well behaved. I think it will definitely be stressful, but I don't want to pass up an opportunity to avoid having a nanny or day care (because if I change jobs I will be in the office 5 days).

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

I work from home and I do most of it when she is sleeping but she is also good about entertaining herself and I get things done during that time as well.
But I can also do my work after she goes to sleep as well and on weekends, it doesn't have to be necessarily during biz hours...

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

Alexa I've been working from home 2 days a week since returning from maternity leave. My DD is very well behaved, doesn't really nap and can entertain herself for hours, but I will be honest I feel it is VERY stressful.

I need be accessible between 9 - 5. I often feel that I am ignoring her and she's trapped in the house (or on the deck). When I'm on a call and she starts crying I HAVE to ignore her and it kills me. I end up doing my project work at night after she goes to bed, so those days feel like they never end. I feel guilty that I'm not giving either 100%.

I don't want to say not to do it, because I would NOT give up my 2 days with her for anything!!! I'm going to try to hire a mother's helper/sitter so that she always has someone to play with when I'm busy. I still intend to care and play with her when I can.

If that doesn't work I'm going to go part time. I just can't be a full time working mom. I miss her too much and my DH isn't around to help. It's just too much for me emotionally and physically.

FM if you have any questions or want to talk.

Message edited 5/5/2007 12:08:46 PM.

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

I have been working from home since my daughter was born. Its pretty stressful depending on the week and the workload. I only answer to my bosses but there are two of them and they are pretty demanding consultants, however they realise that I am not able to work within the m-f 9-5 time frame and they are okay with that.

I find that now the weather is nice that I feel guilty if DD is stuck indoors but I try to schedule time for play outside in the morning and afternoon and my husband is great fo taking her out when he gets home.

It would really depend on the type of work you do, conference calls could be a problem as unless your child is like clockwork and you can schedule them around your sons nap they could be a problem. Also I found the older my DD got the harder it became as she wanted me more.

Could you hire a mothers helper?

Could you give it a go and if doesnt work out go back to the office fulltime?

Can your husband help out in the evening?

I have to admit my relationahip with my DH has suffered because of it as I am working it seems until 11.00pm at night sometimes and I work part of the weekend also..but he knows its only short time and we need the money so we are both going to suck it up for now.

I have to say being able to see my DD when she wakes up from her nap every day, having lunch with her, watching her interact with her toys, etc etc is worth everything to me so I am happy overall.

Good luck with your decision

there are a few WOHM and SAHM on this board so if you need to vent we will be here.

Message edited 5/5/2007 12:35:15 PM.

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

I have to agree with a lot of what was already posted. Its do-able, but it can be stressful.

If you have deadlines and conference calls, that will add to the stress.

I have Ella with me almost every day, either working from home or at the "office" (which is in my parents' house, so its like working from home). Sometimes Al works from there as well to give me another hand. But I'm often counting down the minutes until my mother comes home so I can actually get some stuff DONE.

That said, having so much time with E definitely outweighs the negative for me. I suggest looking into a mother's helper for a few hours a day/week and trying to schedule meetings during the times you have help.

Re: Is it possible to "work from home" and watch your child?

Thank you all so much for your honest responses! You basically confirmed what I suspected - that it would be stressful and I'd end up doing more work later at night. If I'm going to be stressed and tired and if I get someone to come help me watch him then what kind of quality time am I spending with him anyway? That is why I feel like I may as well work full time at a new job and just eliminate the commute, which will give me more time with him in the a.m., and at least in case of anything, I am not several hours away. But I think my issue is that I don't want to feel like or seem like a bad mom for giving up the chance to be around my son more.