A Minute Can Turn into Hours for the Child of a Work-at-Home Mom
A Minute Can Turn into Hours for the Child of a Work-at-Home Mom
In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But in reality, it's difficult to balance the needs of your family with the needs of your clients.Phones, fax machines and e-mails have no common courtesy, nor does your client really care about your personal situation. You are simply a means to an end consisting of a telephone number, an e-mail address and a 1099 at the end of the year. For the most part, you are not afforded special considerations and must respond to their needs or your business will suffer.Long before I began my career as a writer, I was already a work-at-home mom. I provided outsourcing solution to a variety of clients, which included bookkeeping, personnel records, reports and creating employee handbooks and mission statements. Initially my clients were leery; it was a time when home businesses were just emerging. I went to great lengths to establish and maintain my associations. Part of my success was the perceived illusion was that I was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Continuously, I had to prove my home life did not interfere with their business needs or deadlines.One day, as I absentmindedly brushed my son off and repeated the phrase, "just a minute" for the fifth time, I suddenly realized why he had no concept of time. That "minute" I was speaking of was hours away, at best. The business I built so that I could be at home with him was also the business that was taking me away from him. I turned back to my computer to complete the report I was working on and my son returned to his video game in frustration. It was then I realized my solution was only a paragraph away.I was experienced in writing mission statements for my clients. These leadership tools are used in the corporate world to define goals, values and purpose. A successful business takes commitment, resources, responsibility, problem solving, honesty and hard work. Doesn't that also define raising a child? Parenting consists of all those factors and so much more.As in any business, the business of raising a child will bring accomplishments, successes and rewards, but it will also have it's share of conflicts, disappointments and setbacks. However, when it comes to the business of family the stakes are much greater than a new client, a contract, a promotion or a raise; they involve the wellbeing of your child.The emotional difficulties of childhood serve to build strength, courage and character. But to a child, these conflicts may feel catastrophic if they have no one to turn to. You can help prepare your child to cope if you take time out each day to remind him how much you love him, express your commitment to his wellbeing and provide positive affirmations that help foster confidence.Just as you keep focus on your business goals and rise to meet your company's mission statement, keep focus on your personal goals as a parent. Run your family business with the integrity and respect of a healthy, thriving corporation. Define your ideals, set plans to action, keep communications open and reward success. Encourage individuality, praise creativity and share the wealth. Be positive and proactive. The business of family is one to be celebrated and cherished. It may not be listed as a FORTURNE 500, but it is the most important business of all.A PARENT'S MISSON STATEMENTThe purpose of this Mission Statement is to express my love, support and commitment to you. As your parent, I promise to help you achieve your dreams and goals by providing you with a safe and nurturing environment. I respect your opinion and I encourage your creativity. I will be there to praise your accomplishments and comfort you in your disappointments. I promise to accept you as you are, support your decisions and honor you as a special and unique individual. You have the right to a safe and happy childhood and as your parent, I am committed to providing this to you.TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOMEThe luxuries you dreamed of as a work-at-home mom can quickly lead to burdens unless you are organized and scheduled. This schedule consists of a balance between business and family and activities should work in harmony with your child's needs, not against them.Define your work area and organize it so valuable time can be spent on the task at hand.Determine quiet times, such as early morning or after your child goes to bed. Use this period to complete tasks that need the most concentration.Set a start and finish time for your workday.Allow a full day off from work each week and stick to this schedule as much as possible.Start each morning by talking with your child about the day's events. Include your child in these plans. By informing him of your activities, he will be comforted in the knowledge that there will be time for him.Remember that you are entitled to breaks, lunch, vacation time and even sick time. You are the boss.When it comes time for your break, stop working, compliment your child for his cooperation, and spend the next block of time enjoying the moment.Record an "out to lunch" message and set your phones daily. Even if you are sitting at your desk, do not answer the phones. Your clients will become accustom to your schedule.If you need to run an errand, but are concerned about missing an important call, don't wait around stressing, forward calls to your cell phone.Consider hiring a babysitter a few hours per week to read or play with your child or do a special craft.Most of all, remember your priorities as a parent and your commitment to your personal mission statement. When your child needs to talk, be grateful he or she is turning to you. Keep the lines of communication open, there will come a time when they need you for more than a glass of milk and a snack. And when that time comes, they might not be able to wait, "just a minute".About The AuthorPatricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.compgatto@ptd.net
A One Minute Meditation
A One Minute Meditation
Maybe learning to meditate intimidates you, and in any case it's tough to find the time for daily meditation. The solution to both problems is an easy meditation you can learn right now, that will only take a minute to do each day.An Easy Meditation TechniqueBreathing through your mouth expands your chest, but if you breath through your nose you'll notice how your abdomen extends. You see, nose-breathing causes the diaphram to pull air to the bottom of your lungs. This delivers a good dose of oxygen into your bloodstream and brain. It also tends to relax you.Breathing through your nose is healthier, and it's the basis of this one-minute meditation. You simply close your eyes, let the tension go out of your muscles, let go of your thoughts (to the extent possible), and take four slow, deep breaths through your nose, paying attention to your breathing.Is Meditation This Easy?You're not likey to get you into a deep meditative state with this simple exercise. You will get benefits, though. These will almost certainly include a clearer mind and a reduction in stress.Try to develop a "trigger" for your meditation. You can do your four breaths when you get into the car, for example, or right after lunch each day. A trigger is a place or time that reminds you, so your meditation becomes a habit.Some may say this isn't "real" meditation, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying the relaxation you'll get from this technique. You can always pursue deeper meditation later, if you wish. In the meantime, remember that not everything has to be difficult to be of value. Why not do an easy one-minute meditation right now?Steve Gillman writes on many self help topics including boosting brainpower, losing weight, meditation, habits of mind, creative problem solving, learning gratitude, generating luck and anything related to self improvement. You'll find more at http://www.SelfImprovementNow.com
8 Minute Dating – For Singles with No Time for Small Talk
8 Minute Dating - For Singles with No Time for Small Talk
You will get to a certain age where, no matter what city code you live in, you will not be content with the date or dates you are currently having. If you're dating without success and your big event or events are turning into dating flops, then perhaps it's time to 'save time' and find a fast, free, fun, good or make that great, group of singles who are looking for the same thing you are.It's time to join people who actually want to talk to you and buy YOU a drink. If you've been left on the curb and have just about given up on love then it's time to make an 8 minute speed date and meet your match, be they male or female.
8 minute dating isn't like normal dating where you spend minutes and hours thinking of what to say and before you know it, the night has gone by. Yeah the last 4 hours of uncomfortable silences were great. If this sounds like one of your dates, read on.8 minute dating is one of the new ways to date for people who seem to have no time for going out every night or weekend. It's the same as 5 and 3 minute speed dating except the length of the date is different. These 'speed dating' events are held offline around the country by various companies. At 8 minute dating events, you have 8 one-on-one dates that last 8 minutes each. If you meet someone you would like to meet again then the 8 minute dating company provides the contact information for both parties.
Surprisingly 90% of people meet someone who they would like to go on a date with again. Now, this shocked me because when you think about the hassle you usually have to go through just to get 1 date, getting 8 dates in 1 go seems like a no brainer and a serious time saver.Admittedly only 60% of BOTH singles want to see each other again so don't take it too hard if you like someone but they don't want to see you again. Hey, it's gona happen anyway, you might as well speed up the process instead of wasting your time going to a bar, night after night and spending lots of money for weeks only to find out said person 'really isn't that into you'.With this in mind, 8 minute dating seems to be looking better and better all the time. But is it safe? In a word yes. 8 minute dating is usually held at a restaurant or some sort of public event and is hosted by the company on the night, so you won't be going for dinner with strangers by yourself in an unknown environment. Also, said companies keep your contact details confidential until you meet someone you wish to see again. At that stage it's up to yourself weather to continue with the company or organize your own personal date.What are the benefits of an 8 minute dating event?1. It's faster than a normal date and you meet real people who you never have to see again if you don't wish to, without hassle.2. Everyone's here for the same reason, to meet someone, so you're guaranteed not to chat up someone's girlfriend or boyfriend by accident.3. You only have to talk for 8 minutes. If you don't like the person, you only have to endure them for 8 minutes 
4. 8 dates in 1 night, this is not going to happen in a bar. Serious time saver.5. There are mingle periods during most events where you can talk to anyone there. So if you get landed with 8 lemons by accident, this will be your chance to stalk, err I mean talk to Mr or Miss right.6. Most companies hold competitions on the night to liven things up.Ok I'm interested, how do I go about going on one of these 8 minute speed date things then?1. First you need to find a speed dating company that holds offline events. Most online dating sites don't do this as they're aimed at 'online dating', not offline events, although there is the occasional one that does. Follow the link at the end of this article over to our dating review site and you will find 8 minute speed dating sites listed there. By registering with one of them, you'll be well on your way to those first 8 dates.2. Usually registration is free but you'll have to pay to attend an event. This is well worth it and cheaper than going on 8 separate dates. Also it's safer, as you'll be in a controlled, public environment where staff will be on hand at all times, plus your details are not told to anyone until you decide.I wish you the best of luck.Jonathan Striem is a freelance writer and part time webmaster. When he's not building web sites he's checking out new dating sites that appear on the net.To see them visit the sexy dating website.