Well, my kids are starting the second week of summer vacation.  I have to keep working at my business and my six and eight year-olds need to enjoy their time off.  For weeks leading up to the last day of school I’ve been thinking of how to handle this dilemma. There are tons of Day Camps in our area.  Last year they spent two enjoyable weeks at the YMCA camps.  So, I have options.  Yet by the start of summer vacation they were enrolled in only one week of a half-day camp.  Why? Am I nuts?  It’s strange but I feel like I don’t want them to be too scheduled this summer.  We have enough of that during the school year.  I was looking forward to having more time with them.  So, that leaves them at home while I try to work.

One benefit to being a business owner is you can often set your own hours.  So, I am setting work around the kids this summer.  Oh, I’m sure there is at least one more week of camp (full-day) in the stars for them this summer.  But, I’m testing my ability to balance home and work.  We've got to practice what we preach. Our website, Smart Moms Online, is geared for moms seeking balance.

Of course I don’t want the TV to baby sit. So, TV is limited. They play, do workbooks, play, do craft projects, play, read and play.  We can go to the museums, library or bookstore, the pool, malls, movies and get together with friends.  One activity a day keeps us happy.  That way, I get them out of the house for a few hours. I’m spending that time I craved with them and I can get back to work later.  They won’t feel deprived and I won’t feel like a bad mom.  My work gets done.  I can make it to an early morning networking group and still get back to take them on an outing.  If I have to be out for an hour or more and my husband can’t help out, I can arrange for a sitter.  They love sitters.  So, that’s my grand plan.  Only one week gone.  I’ll keep you posted.  Will I be able to balance?  -Michelle