Private Office or Open-Door Policy

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a bedroom to be all mine to set up as an office. I long for the quiet I would have. I could concentrate without interruption. No children would be tugging on me constantly asking for something.

I took the step once to move one of my desks into my own bedroom. I tried in vain to write from there. I set everything up. I sat there for only minutes at a time, usually pulled away by the need to see what the kids were up to.This simply wasnt going to work.

Next, I took a section of our living room and made it mine. My desks were set up in an almost square with only a bit of space as a doorway. From my position I could see where the kids were at all times. No worrying about whether or not they were sneaking outside or eating before dinner while I was writing. This has worked out so much better.

Each day, I am able to write AND spend time with my children. I have
recently re-arranged my office so as to open it up more and this has allowed my youngest children access to come sit on the floor and read while I work.They are free to ask questions if I am not "really" writing, which means if they dont see the word processing program open, I am not REALLY writing.

I have spoken with several at-home writing parents who have tried both
private and open offices. All weigh the pros and cons as to what works best for them. Households with older children are probably better off and easier to have the private office. But those with young children, at least six and under, need to be able to be with their children while still working.

Janet says, "I have to write at the kitchen table because I cant work in my office during the day. So I just use this time to write long-hand and then type it in my computer later, like during naps or after bedtime."

On the other hand, Sherry says, "Theres no way I could get a thing done if I didnt have my office. My kids bug me from the time I step out of my room in the mornings till I tuck them in at night. My husband keeps them busy several times throughout the day so I can work without interruption."

No matter which approach you take, dont let having the children underfoot keep you from doing what you should. Make use of whatever space you have to make your own. Add childrens books and crayons if you have to. In the end,the masterpiece you create will be worth whichever decision you make.

About the author

Angela Giles Klocke

Angela is the publisher of THE WRITING PARENT, the zine especially for
parent writers (TheWritingParent-subscribe@egroups.com) and owns her own publishing business, Klocke Publishing
This article was previously published at her Suite101.com site and is
reprinted with permission.FREE E-BOOK FOR WRITERS MARK MY WORDS: More Write Advice see details below

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agklocke@klockepresents.com
http://www.klockepresents.com/