You’d planned to take the afternoon off from work, sent the sitter home early, and already changed into your comfy ‘Mom’ clothes, when your cell phone rings. Wincing as you answer it, you realize that your afternoon plans  just changed, because you told your assistant to only phone if there was an emergency. While you’re listening to the details of the trauma unfolding back at the office, in walks your little daughter, demanding your immediate attention. And the internal struggle begins again, as you desperately wish you could clone yourself in order to meet the demands of your business and still fulfill your most-important role as ‘Mom!’

In a quest to ‘be all things to all people’ entrepreneurial moms frequently overload, overburden and over-stress themselves. But, some preliminary planning and forethought can make unexpected emergencies a little less stressful.

Most entrepreneurial moms are, at some point, faced with the reality that they’ll have to take their child into the office on occasion. While this may not be an ideal situation for Mom or child, there are ways to make the experience more bearable for all concerned! 

Plan ahead for the fact that you may have to take your child to the office for a few hours from time to time.  Designate a ‘kid-friendly’ area in a quiet, safe place in your office. Gather together books, puzzles, crayons, Play-Doh, and other ‘quiet’ toys that are accessible to your child in his ‘kid zone.’ Designate a cabinet in the office and stock it with juice boxes; bottled water; non-perishable snacks; wet-wipes; spare clothes in case of spills or accidents; DVDs (if you have a TV in your office); a nap mat, small pillow and blanket; and a ‘duplicate’ of your child’s special stuffed animal.

HINT: Allow your child help you select some of the toys and snacks to keep in his special cabinet. And, on occasion, put a new surprise or treat in his cabinet for him to find on his next visit. This will create a positive anticipation of the times when he’ll accompany you to work, and will allow him to enjoy his time while you get some work done.

*And, if you’re lucky, you’ll be back at home, and in your comfy ‘Mom’ clothes, once again, having averted the impending catastrophe that interrupted your afternoon!

Bio: Mary E. Davis is the author of THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MOM: Managing for Success in Your Home and Your Business.  With over sixteen years experience as an entrepreneur and a mother, Mary has written this book to guide and teach women the life-balance skills necessary to become successful in both entrepreneurship and motherhood, in today's fast-paced world.  Her book includes information about starting, branding, managing, promoting and growing a business, while also raising productive, well-rounded children.  In addition to writing, Mary is managing her own interiors & flooring business.  A Florida native, Mary currently lives in Cocoa, Florida with her husband of over 20 years and their two teenage children.  www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurial-Mom-Managing-Success-Business