Running a household is a mammoth task in itself, but if you're working from home as a parent, the juggling's only just got started. The home office is often the perfect solution to child day-care, but that work-life balance can be tough. Read on for a few tips on how to get it right.

Time management

Time management is often cited as a core employment skill and it's no less important in the home. The best place to start is to schedule in everything that has to be done at a specific time. So factor in breakfast, the school run, nursery and after-school club pick-ups.

Next, work out some time slots for your business or freelance work. Whether you have an online retail store and need to shop hanger size cubes, or you administrate for a virtual company and have to respond to all those emails, a clear framework will give you much more control over both your home life and career.

Then you can work out the household tasks such as laundry, dishes, vacuuming and cleaning. Some of the larger tasks can be put on the rota for just once a week, leaving you more free slots in the day. If you have older kids, don't be afraid to delegate chores to them. You're working and looking after the house at the same time, so it stands to reason that you will need help and support from the whole family.

Work space

Distraction is one of the main enemies of the home-worker, particularly if there are children involved. Even if you don't have a spare room or study to use as your office, designate a work space which is entirely separate from the 'play' space in your home. If you're working up in the bedroom at your desk, you won't be worrying about tidying the lounge, at least not until you've scheduled in a quick clear-up.

Similarly, try to minimise other distractions such as social networking sites and personal calls. Use the answer machine and pencil in a time at lunch or the end of the day to catch up with friends and family.

Time and space for yourself

There's no doubt that it's a hard job keeping work and home afloat, which is why it's all the more important to step back once in a while and give yourself a break. Schedule in a quick massage, read a book for half an hour or even just enjoying a well-earned bath while someone else looks after the kids for a change.

It's easy to get swept up in your dual roles as home manager and provider but a few good habits and some organisation can make things a lot smoother. Make sure you're using technology to its full advantage as well; many mobile devices like smart phones and tablets offer diaries and organisation apps which are specifically designed to help you compartmentalise your work and life accordingly.

AUTHOR BIO:
Monica Haubert has been running her own start-up company from home for four years, Business-wise, her area of interest has always been the world of online fashion and retail: to learn more click here.