For many moms juggling a full-time job and a hectic home life, working at home seems like an unreachable fantasy. They imagine days working in sweat suits, being at their children's beck and call, cooking hot dinners on a regular basis and discussing important business strategies via e-mail while the little ones quietly watch a Barney video.

The good news? Working from home is definitely a reachable goal. In fact, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, approximately one-fifth of all working mothers with children younger than 18 worked part time or full time from home.

The bad news? The fantasy is just that, and the realities of working at home include some major drawbacks. However, most work-at-home moms (WAHMs) agree that the payoff -- the ability to contribute financially to the family while being a "hands-on" parent to their children -- makes navigating the problems worthwhile.

Deciding to Work From Home
Former teacher Cheryl Duksta of Buda, Texas returned to her teaching position when daughter Alison, now 3, was 4 months old. "I decided to work at home because I had a hard time juggling my teaching career and the demands of an infant," says Duksta. "My school and the kids there needed more than I could give at the time."

So she turned in her yardstick and chalk for self-employment, doing freelance editorial work. "When I began freelancing, I had some obstacles related to having a child," says Duksta. "For one, prospective clients were hesitant to give work to a mom. I think they perceive WAHMs as people who want to first stay at home with their kids and will always give their kids first priority, at the expense of the client. Even though my child is my first priority, I had to hide the fact I had her to get some crucial first jobs."

But once she established herself, Duksta -- and her clients -- became comfortable with her status. "Once the clients knew I was a professional, they had no problems with my parenting status," she says.

So, do you think you prove yourself as a professional, even when your office is in the corner of a family room and your "partners" whine for juice while you're on an important call? Well, then the "work at home" option may be for you.

Of course, not all work at home situations are the same. Many moms negotiate with their employers (or former employers) about doing some of their job functions from home, in a telecommuting situation. Others solicit work outsourced from established firms, in a freelance situation. Still others take the ultimate leap of faith and establish their own business.

What's Right for You?
How do you know which situation is right for you? Well, the first step is to do your homework. If you think a telecommuting set-up is possible, approach your employer and sell him on the idea by telling him what's in it for him. Most employers are willing to try something if they think it will benefit their business in the long run. This is the best way to "test the waters" concerning working at home, since it allows you to maintain your relationship -- and paycheck -- with an established employer.

If you're considering freelancing, start building up a stable of clientele. Start establishing a network of clients, and don't be afraid to ask them for their advice, their input -- and their recommendation to their associates. A good word can go a long way to increase your workload.

There's a lot to be said for being your own boss, but there's a lot of work involved, too. Although there are many opportunities, there are also numerous scams, so be sure to research the business you're considering and remember -- if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

The Balancing Act
OK, so you've decided on a business, did your research and preliminary marketing, and maybe even drummed up a customer or two. How do you keep yourself motivated, your momentum going -- and your children quiet -- while you work?

Establish A Routine -- It's easier to separate the "work" and "home" aspects of your daily life if you establish a regular routine or working hours, no matter how flexible they may be. "[Setting up a work schedule] was a bit difficult," admits Kim Meredith*, a mom of two who does much of her work as a personal assistant from her Kennewick, Wash. home.

Her position requires her to run errands for a radiologist as well as complete some of his paperwork. "I try to do most of my 'at home' work during the day, while the kids are in school," she says.

Most children will respond when they know what to expect, so establish a set of working hours (early morning while they're engaged with Sesame Street or during their nap, for example) and do your best to stick to them. "My children know I have to work. I talk with them about it often," says Shirley Kawa Jump, a Fort Wayne, Ind. writer and mom of two. "We stick to a schedule, particularly for the younger one, for meals, naps, etc. I also have a ready supply of arts and crafts and favorite movies for when I need to make a deadline."

Secure Reliable Child Care -- Working at home allows you more time with your children, but many women would only be able to afford that time when the work is completed. Searching for part-time childcare can help guarantee an established set of "work" hours, and a degree of professionalism while talking to employers, contractors and potential clients.

"My daughter goes to preschool for five hours a day. I also do work during the evenings when my husband is home," says Duksta. "During school breaks, I try to hire a sitter to watch her and play with her while I work. If not, then I try to negotiate a deal with my daughter: 'I'll play with you for an hour; then I get an hour to work.'"

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate -- If you think that working at home will give your more time for housework and cooking, guess again. The most successful WAHMs know that the work is a top priority -- even if that means working surrounded by this morning's breakfast dishes, or realizing that you didn't make your bed until after dinner.

So how do you keep some peace of mind while combining a business and a family under the same roof? Delegate! Don't be afraid to ask your family for help if you need it. "My husband and children are extremely supportive of my work, and they all help out as necessary," says Jennifer Galvin, a columnist for The Boston Herald who works out of her Mountain View, Calif. home. "Thank goodness my husband can cook, or we'd probably all get real tired of frozen food!"

Work is Just That -- You may have established a workday, and you even have your little one's cooperation, but that doesn't mean the rest of the world understands. "It's hard to make family and friends understand that just because you're home doesn't mean that you can socialize," says Duksta.

Others may think that because you're not "at work" you're free to run errands, gossip over coffee or babysit their children while they work. Make it clear that you're working -- even harder than you did when you punched a time clock -- and you're unavailable for socializing or other activities that aren't work-related.

Put Technology on Your Side -- Invest in voice mail or a good answering machine to assure that your business phone is answered promptly and in a professional manner. If you're spending time with the kids, turn off the ringer on the phone and allow the clients to leave messages. Then, when the children are napping and household noises are a minimum, return the calls. Clients pay professionals -- and there's nothing professional about discussing your next project while a little one cries for chocolate milk in the background.

Get Your Lifelines In Place -- Working at home is often lonely. You may miss working with adults, discussing the events of the day, strategizing about different solutions to problems. Establish a support network before you dive into the work-at-home situation. Seek out professional organizations or Internet "working women" communities and become active with them. Sometimes the only thing between you and total insanity is two words -- "I understand." Seek out those who do.

Despite the drawbacks, working at home can be extremely rewarding, if you establish yourself as a professional who comes through for the customer (despite the grape jelly stain on your sweatshirt!). "My writing allows me a very special privilege: to be the main person caring for my children, the first to kiss a boo-boo, the last to say goodnight, the first to hand them a cookie," says Kawa Jump.

"Of course, not everything is handmade and most dinners are from a Crock Pot to give me more time, but when they are here, I am here, too," she says.

Part four of this series covers childcare, work schedules and making returning to work a smooth transition for you and your family.