School Started Now Get Back to Work

This summer has been a whirlwind flying by faster than a bullet train. Today was the first day of school and I welcome the normalcy; the dinner hour, the bedtime routine and all that goes along with school, well except for the homework. But seriously it was a hectic summer that consisted of a layoff, packing, a move, unpacking, another layoff, unemployment, job searching, a business launch, summer camp, a business closure (not the same one), several trips to the emergency room, an almost drowning, a serious diagnosis, a large contract, a trip to BlogHer, a discovered allergy and so much more.  So I welcome back-to-school with open arms, I’m ready for normalcy.

However, this year is a little different than the last and previous years, because this year I am working from home. I’ll be picking the kids up from school without after-school care and working on homework and other activities on my own.  Which is probably not a big deal to some, but my daughter seems a lot more willing to do homework when I’m not around. She apparently listens to other adults, because “they aren’t her mom.” Yes she said that.

I actually wasn’t sure what to expect on the first day of school, but the kids did great, I did great. I prepared lunch, their outfits and backpack the night before. We got to school early, we met teachers and old friends and best of all there were no tears shed by anyone.

While they were happily at school, I was happily working. I hammered out blog posts, listened to teleconferences, participated in meetings and organized editorial calendars. I was able to get so much more done than I did when the kids were home for the summer. Aside from it being the most hectic summer ever, I never had any time to work on anything and I’m still trying to dig my way out of mountains of emails, product reviews and site launches. With them out of the house I am finally able to complete a thought without hearing, “Mom where is my…” I am able to get the most important projects finished and out the door, so when the kids get home I can focus my time on what matters most, them.

I know it has only been day one, but I am confident that working from home will make this year less stressful and more enjoyable. And if it doesn’t, I already checked with my son’s school, I can pay for after-school care monthly or daily, just in case.

I’m looking forward to a great school year, let’s just hope it moves a little slower than a bullet train.

Are you working from home? Do you have a sitter? How do you entertain the kids while you are working?