If you are a parent in business, you know there's nothing children like more than attention, and the less they get, the more they want.  And you know what? They really deserve the attention they seek.

It's natural that they want to spend time with you, to play and experience the reassuring security of knowing that you're there. The problem is that children never really seem to get enough attention, and you, as a business owner, have to work every hard to make a go of your business. If you have kids and a home-based business, inevitably you'll have to balance the needs of your children with those of your business. The decisions you make early on in dealing with this natural conflict can have a dramatic impact both on the ultimate success of your business and on your relationship with your children. Kids do eventually grow up, and as you may be surprised to find out, you will someday be working away for hours at a time without interruption. Until that day arrives, however, try these suggestions for handling your children and business: Keep them busy If you're going to let your kids hang out with you in the office, set them up with things to do: an easel for painting, lots of crayons, paper, glue, scissors, or whatever else keeps them busy and creative. Here's a tip, though: make sure that whatever you give them to keep them busy does not require your constant intervention or attention. Avoid anything that may result in a big, sloppy mess. Involve them in simple work tasks Nothing is more boring for most adults than folding letters or brochures and stuffing and stamping envelopes. Guess what? Your kids probably won't find those things boring at all. Not only will they enjoy helping you, but they will also feel that they are doing something important and worthwhile. And, of course, they are.