If you want to be more productive working from home, getting into a routine and consistently getting work done is imperative. Finding that groove is attainable for the majority of the year, but then summer rolls along. Now, because your kids’ schedule changes, your schedule changes. There are more distractions and likely more demands for your time. It may take a little extra effort at first, but if you can create a summer schedule that works for you and for your kids, you will finally be able to be productive in the summer as well.

At times it can be easy to feel guilt when working from home with children. If you are working hard, then you could occasionally feel as if you are neglecting the kids. And conversely, if you are spending time with the kids, you might feel guilty that your work isn’t getting done, or getting done to your standards.

Here are a few tips to help create that schedule that works for everyone in the family when you want to be more productive working from home:

Work in short blocks –

Especially when you have smaller kids, working in 20-30 minute blocks, for example, will allow you go get some things done and be able to balance the needs of young children

Let people know –

Let clients know up front that you have kids in the house. Explain that there could be additional noise and/or distractions. This way nobody is surprised.

Be flexible –

I am all about keeping a tight schedule. However, when it’s summer and kids are running around, all bets are off. Have your idea what you’d like the schedule to look like, but maintain flexibility and be willing to change course if necessary.

Look at the schedule week by week –

At the start of the week, lay out what the upcoming events are for the week. Set a few priorities based on the most pressing issues upcoming.

Be consistent –

For the most important values, be very consistent. If you have a block of time where there is something important that must get done, make it a habit.

If all else fails, use a BRIBE –

You heard it. Using a bribe can be super valuable with kids. Find whatever their currency is, and offer to get something for them if they can cooperate while you get done the most important items on your docket.

Susan Sly is a best selling author, work life balance expert, speaker and entrepreneur. She has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television and the CBN. Susan is the mother of five children and resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.