If you work at a home based business, perhaps you need to set some hours of operation?

One of the things that bothers me the most is when the kids make a mess in a place that I recently cleaned. I've had to give up ownership of all clean places in my house.  That floor I just cleaned is not mine.  The counter top is not mine. The bathroom is not mine. 

If I give up ownership, then it's not as stressful to me when someone walks in with muddy feet across the kitchen floor.  Unlike when I own the kitchen floor, my mouth will suddenly scream, "Why are you walking across MY clean floor?"  When ownership has been eliminated, I can calmly say, "GET OUTSIDE!"  Okay, maybe that doesn't work.  But you might try it anyway.

Sometimes we can cause more stress when we're reducing stress.  One great stress reducer for me is to be able to commiserate with a friend. It works great for about 15 minutes, but if I end up talking for an hour and a half, I am then so far behind schedule that I feel like a failure.  I need to find a good balance in that area.

Having a schedule is a great way to reduce stress too.  If you have a clean up schedule, then you know that even though you're walking over Lego's now, you won't be in three hours.  That should help a bit.

If your kids are like mine, they sometimes get into moods with each other when they are bickering a lot.  I've found a great cure for that.  I will tell the oldest child in the bickering group, "Okay, I'll arm wrestle you.  If I lose, then you have to stop fighting with each other."  Sometimes all the kids need is a little fun diversion. 

Sometimes all Mom needs is a little fun diversion. When was the last time you went out with your husband?  Don't wait for him to plan it.  Get on the phone, hire a sitter, and go drive through Burger King!  If you really want to splurge, go walk around Wal Mart and dream of redecorating the house.

And finally, when the kids are really driving you crazy, bring out the ice cream and have a party!

In addition to devoting herself to her husband and the eight children she home schools, Terri also enjoys writing and speaking to offer encouragement to women in an effervescent, humorous way. Visit her Web site at www.ignitethefire.com or e-mail her at terri@ignitethefire.com.