Ugh. Can't Wait for School to Start

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the challenges faced by participants, particularly parents, when trying to manage their work responsibilities while dealing with energetic children at home. Participants share their personal experiences and humorous anecdotes related to this struggle.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration about being unable to make phone calls due to her children’s behavior while her husband sleeps.
  • Another participant shares a lighthearted suggestion to send the children to the park to expend energy.
  • Several users mention their experiences of children becoming disruptive as soon as they attempt to make phone calls.
  • One participant notes that she has used her children as an excuse for not making calls, acknowledging her nervousness about phone conversations.
  • Another participant recounts a humorous memory of her child becoming unruly during her phone calls, highlighting a common experience among parents.
  • One participant describes a strategy of working outside while keeping her children occupied, which she found effective.
  • Several participants reflect on the shared experience of managing work and family life, with some finding humor in the chaos.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies to manage children while working, and no clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach to handle interruptions during phone calls.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of parents, particularly those involved in direct sales or home-based businesses, navigating the challenges of work-life balance during the summer months.

Who May Find This Useful

Parents and consultants within the community who are looking for relatable experiences and shared humor regarding the challenges of working from home with children present.

krzymomof4
Silver Member
Messages
1,682
Okay, so I get back from my meeting last night pumped up and determined to make something of myself. So I make a list of people I want to call. Now I can't make any calls because the boys are acting like they have lost their minds. DH is sleeping so he is no help and took the only quiet room in the house!!
 
Shove the boys into the room with Dad. :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Oh I would never hear the end of that. Especially since he works 3rd shift.
 
Ugh....I work for a school system....don't rush the summer!! We LOVE the kids, but need to become refreshed!! Heck, my vacation from school was spent going to conference! I work 11 months and am in no way ready for September!!!

Can you hire a teen to bring them to the park to run off some of that energy? How bout a bottle of whiskey...or two bottles...one for you and one for the kids?!?!?!:eek:

Hang in there...I can't imagine your frustration!
 
Leslie,
I sooooo hear ya!!!

I had a msg from another DS person recently and her kids were screaming in the background. She apologized at the end of the msg. I had to laugh and say to myself "I'm so glad it's not just me!"
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
When they are quiet, you can hear cartoons running in the background. It never fails when I get on the phone, someone is trying to kill the other one, they start making the dog bark (really loudly), or they are getting into something. I have tried bribing them, which occasionally works, but I guess it is a plus to other stay at home moms that you can be crazy and still have this business:D
 
I was joking about handing them off to Dad. I figured that if he was sleeping now, he was probably 3rd shift.
Any parks and rec programs in your town that you can send them to for a couple of hours a couple of times a week?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Not that I would trust and doesn't cost a fortune!! Maybe I am also using them as an excuse because getting on the phone makes me a nervous wreck!:eek:
 
Thank God I'm not the only one! :) I try my best to keep my boys occupied with something while I make phone calls and I will wait for a few minutes and their fine, quite and content. But wouldn't you know, as soon as I get on the phone, is when all heck breaks loose! :p
 
krzymomof4 said:
Maybe I am also using them as an excuse because getting on the phone makes me a nervous wreck!:eek:
And the hidden truth rears it's ugly little head!

How old are they? Can you trust them to walk to the corner store (as a group) to pick up a gallon of milk or some other errand? Or, heck, lock them in the backyard for 30 minutes. <giggle>
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
We live in hickville, USA. Plus our neighborhood isn't the best to leave kids unattended. I do realize that I have a 13, 11, 6 and 4. But I swear the older ones are just as loud screaming at the younger ones "mom is on the phone..SHUT UP!"
Now I am listening to a serious debate between my 11 and 6 year old about whether Tom and Jerry can understand each other because neither of them talk.

Ann..SHH...I was hoping you wouldn't notice
 
CookwithChristy said:
Thank God I'm not the only one! :) I try my best to keep my boys occupied with something while I make phone calls and I will wait for a few minutes and their fine, quite and content. But wouldn't you know, as soon as I get on the phone, is when all heck breaks loose! :p
They are doing so much with stem cells, DNA, cloning, etc....why can't they take this gene out of the mix. EVERY child that has been born since the phone was invented does this. Mine is 17 and he is out of the habit now, but I do recall the wonderful memories of him turning evil when I was on the phone!! Can't wait to return the favor to him someday!!!:D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
The girls haven't started calling yet (Thank God!!). So I haven't had my opportunity to embarrass them yet.
 
this is something I have struggled with since I began my buis. At conference I realized that I have used it as an excuse (along with many other things!) I saw so many people having sucessful businesses with the same obsticals as I have but yet they just do it!
I have made a comoitment to myself to just do it! If the kids are arround I will say if I am on the phone with someone something like "I apoligize ahead of time if my children interupt but I would love to chat about your show (or whatever) for a few minutes if this is a good time"
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
I might have to try that, now to stop using the excuse that why bother calling, no one will probably be at home LOL
 
etteluap70PC said:
this is something I have struggled with since I began my buis. At conference I realized that I have used it as an excuse (along with many other things!) I saw so many people having sucessful businesses with the same obsticals as I have but yet they just do it!
I have made a comoitment to myself to just do it! If the kids are arround I will say if I am on the phone with someone something like "I apoligize ahead of time if my children interupt but I would love to chat about your show (or whatever) for a few minutes if this is a good time"


That is such a good idea. I've set myself up on our 3 season porch (my makeshift office) and closed myself out here tonight with every intention of making CCC's. The kids still come out here even though I told them I have to work. Not to mention my husband has even come out "just to say hi!!!"
Needless to say it's too late for phone calls now.
I so needed to do this tonight, Iam SO bad at picking up the phone.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
I got off my butt and made 3 calls. One booking, but not until October. She is going to be recovering from surgery. Left 2 other messages.
Try to do it all again tomorrow.
 
PLEASE DON'T SAY THE DREADED S WORD!!!! (I'm a teacher)
 
On saturday I did something cool... It was georgeous weather so I wanted to get the kids outside so grabbed my contact info and went outside and sat at the picnic table and did my calls. The kids played on the swings etc. I thought if they were going to act up I would bribe them with big pushes on the tree swing to leave me alone long enough to call my customers. They were great though!
 
baychef said:
They are doing so much with stem cells, DNA, cloning, etc....why can't they take this gene out of the mix. EVERY child that has been born since the phone was invented does this. Mine is 17 and he is out of the habit now, but I do recall the wonderful memories of him turning evil when I was on the phone!! Can't wait to return the favor to him someday!!!:D

Wow, you're lucky. My dh still does it!

I've always said, if I want to have a meaningful conversation with any male in my house (they are ALL male, btw), all I have to do is get on the phone.
 
Too Funny Sandy!!!!

Also soooo true!
 
You could use the penny trick. Well, in today's economy it might need to be the dime or quarter trick.

Anyway, there this old joke/story about the dad who wanted some, er, quality time with mom one afternoon. He threw 99 pennies in the backyard, then told the kiddos when they found 100 to come and get him and he'd take them for ice cream :o

You could play for phone time instead of quality time ...
 
krzymomof4 said:
We live in hickville, USA. Plus our neighborhood isn't the best to leave kids unattended. I do realize that I have a 13, 11, 6 and 4. But I swear the older ones are just as loud screaming at the younger ones "mom is on the phone..SHUT UP!"
Now I am listening to a serious debate between my 11 and 6 year old about whether Tom and Jerry can understand each other because neither of them talk.

Ann..SHH...I was hoping you wouldn't notice


I totally love tom n jerry. Especially the ep where jerry's in the little hula skirt! Kills me every time! :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tips for preparing for the back-to-school season?

Start by creating a checklist of supplies needed for each child, including notebooks, pens, and any specific items requested by their teachers. Organize a family calendar to keep track of important dates like school events and deadlines. Additionally, consider setting up a designated study area at home to help kids focus on their homework.

How can I help my child adjust to the back-to-school routine?

Gradually transition your child's sleep schedule a week or two before school starts to ensure they are well-rested. Establish a consistent morning routine that includes time for breakfast and getting ready. Encourage open communication about their feelings regarding returning to school, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel anxious.

What are some easy lunch ideas for busy school days?

Prepare simple and nutritious lunches such as wraps with turkey and cheese, veggie sticks with hummus, or pasta salad with vegetables. You can also involve your child in the lunch-making process to make it more fun. Consider batch-preparing meals over the weekend to save time during the week.

How can I make the transition back to school more exciting for my child?

Plan a fun back-to-school shopping trip where your child can pick out their supplies and new clothes. Organize a small gathering with friends to celebrate the end of summer and the start of a new school year. You can also create a countdown calendar to build excitement leading up to the first day of school.

What should I do if my child is struggling with school-related anxiety?

Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and validate their emotions. Consider reaching out to their teacher or school counselor for support and resources. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, can also help. If anxiety persists, consulting a mental health professional may be beneficial.

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