Work-at-home moms do not have an easy 'schedule' like some people think. Though work at home, and their kids are just there with them, it's still a tough balancing act to do. More often than not, moms need help in caring for their children.

The question is whether you need to have a full-time or part-time child care service provider. Knowing your schedule helps, but still, there are instances when, even though you work full-time, you may still need only part-time child care service.

Part-time babysitter

Having a part-time sitter is probably the mos convenient and economical solution to your dilemma. The sitter will be around only when you need help - provided of course that you find someone whose schedule matches yours. The down side is that part-time care givers usually have less training, and therefore, are less reliable.

Full-time babysitter or nanny

A full-time babysitter or nanny is your best option if your kids are still very young, let's say toddlers to preschoolers. Nannies will keep kids from disturbing you, plus drive them to and pick them up from school. A full-time nanny or babysitter also the solution to child care-woes during school days and when your child is sick.

Live-in nannies

For the average work-at-home moms, a live-in nanny is more child care and expense than what they really need. Also, most families do not have enough space to accommodate another person nor the desire to have one in their home. But if your work requires you to do a lot of traveling, this is probably at good option.

A family member or friend

Grandparents or aunts, who have the time (part-time or full-time) to look after your kids, or close friends whom you can "kid swap" (looking after each others' kids in rotation) with, is probably your safest and most convenient option. You only have to discuss beforehand your expectations, schedules and parenting philosophies in detail.

Other options

Your other options may include sending your kids to pre-school, a daycare center or an after-school care. These options defeat the purpose of staying at home: to spend time with your kids. Plus, your kids will be spending the next few decades going to school and working, right? Why start so early? On the plus side though, your children can learn important academic and social skills in pre-school or daycare is just a couple of weeks that they may not learn at home.