What on earth are you doing on the computer all night? Does that sound familiar? If it does, you're probably a WAHM or an internet junkie. Oh, but aren't those one in the same?

Maintaining a work at home business can be just as time consuming as working outside the home. At least when you worked away from home, the kids and hubby didn't expect your time because you weren't there. Now that you're at home it's so easy for the family to dart in and out of your work area with questions and issues that require your "immediate" attention. For example, where's the peanut butter or have you seen the 'King Kong' DVD? Mind you, if you don't stop what you're doing and come to their aid immediately, the Earth will stop spinning!

Let's talk about ways to make it clear to your family that this is a business that requires your complete and undivided attention during business hours.

First, let the kids and hubby know exactly what it is you're trying to accomplish. Share with them how important it is to you and them. Once your family realizes you're not just online shopping on ebay or looking for quick recipes they'll value and respect what you're doing.

Now it's time to establish working hours and stick to them. If you're planning to work into the evening, let your family know. Establishing your "business" hours ahead of time will cut down on the countless interruptions. My husband and I have a system. If he knows I will be working on the business on Wednesday and Sunday nights, he either takes the kids out for a boy's night or keeps them occupied in another part of the house while I'm working. This way I don't feel so guilty for not coming to their aid. Plus, it gives him more quality time with the children.

Another excellent idea is to ask the family for their input. Make your business a true family affair. Knowing that your opinion matters always gives you a sense of ownership in any endeavor you set out to accomplish.

And most important of all - don't lose sight of your initial goal. We all choose to start a home based business for a number of reasons. The most important reason of all is to spend more time at home with your family. With time management, breaks, and making things fun your home based business can turn into a true family affair!