If you work at home with kids, you might sometimes feel like chucking it all in and looking for a day job. But it might surprise you to find out that lots of parents work at home and somehow manage to get stuff done even with their cute little distractions underfoot. Here are some of the ways you can stay productive when you work at home with kids.

Your Own Space

First of all, you need your own space to work in. This should be a room of the house or a part of a room that's designated as your work area. Keep the kids out of here and make sure they understand not to bother you when you're there.

You also need to designate work time and keep it separate from the time you spend with your kids. If you mix the two, this sets a bad precedent. You'll have a hard time getting them to leave you alone. Work time is important but also make sure that when it's family time, you're not rushing to the computer to check your email or chat with clients.

Learn Better Time Management

When you work at home, everything seems to be a constant time pinch. How can you manage to get anything done? The only way to get work done at home is to become a master at time management. This is tough at first, but you'll eventually develop strategies that work for you.

One great technique for time management is called time boxing. This means that you create a 'box' for each task or project you have to do today. Decide how long it will take or how long you'd like to spend on it and then schedule it. Although you should try to stick to your schedule, be a bit flexible as well for times when your family needs you.

A surefire way to improve your time management is to monitor and log your time. Keep a detailed log of everything you do for a few days and you'll get a realistic idea for time budgeting.

Keep Them Busy

The best way to keep kids out of your workspace is to keep them busy. Set aside one room in the house as their play room and fill it full of everything they enjoy. TV works as well, but it's much better to keep them active. If they're actually doing something and not just glued to the tube, they'll be more likely not to bother you.

One great way to keep them busy is to give them 'work' to do. For smaller kids, this might mean buying them a toy computer and little desk so they can work just like mommy or daddy. You can get them involved in projects, like drawing pictures or making something. If they're older kids, give them some chores around the house to do.

Be There When You're Needed

When you do spend time with your family, be fully present with them. Don't think about work. If you spend plenty of time with them and indulge them enough, they'll be less likely to need attention from you when you're working. There are also times when you have to let them distract you. It's good to accept the fact that you won't have total control over your schedule, especially if they're little.

Working at home with kids is tough, but it's not impossible. You may have to work in the early mornings or late at night, but there are always ways to get it all done.