Balancing work and family if you happen to be a stay at home dad can be extremely challenging. The dilemma stems in part from the fact that you’re always available. Think about that for a moment. If you’re someone who works at home, a subconscious perception will exist in the minds of others that will suggest you are always available. As you can imagine, this establishes a foundation that is built on the premise that you are constantly accessible and available for any reason at all.

You really need to create clear boundaries. This is harder to do if/when your children are particularly young because they will obviously need a little bit more attention. However, as your children get older, creating more solid boundaries is not only necessary, but it will also help ensure that you are able to get some work done so you can continue to provide for your family.

Speak your wife and children. This assumes your children are at least old enough to understand what you are trying to say. Talk to your friends as well. Needless to say, any extended family members who visit you on a regular basis should probably be brought into this conversation as well. Explain that just because you don’t go to a formal office every day does not mean that you are available for small talk and for constant interruptions. Most of your friends and family will understand what you’re trying to say to them.

Your wife and children will more than likely be extremely supportive. Whether or not this will translate into their abiding by the rules you establish will depend on a variety of factors. You should really consider converting one of the spare bedrooms in your home or apartment into an office. This is important because it will provide you with a place where you can go where everybody else in your family will know that you are working and that you cannot be interrupted.

Here’s the bottom line: it’s your responsibility to establish clear boundaries that will enable you to get the work done that needs to be done, so you can later be free to spend time with your spouse (if any) and children. That’s the secret to striking a good work/life balance — you need to be sure you’re making time for work and for your family.