Do you have an X Box in your toolkit as an Alpha WAHM? You should, and here is why. An X box can give you a window of uninterrupted time that is independent of what is on television, whether you have stocked up on books at the library recently, when the children’s other parent will be available, or if you can find a sitter. It requires no electricity, no supervision, no clean up, and just a bit of creativity and pre-planning on your part.
First, to be clear, I’m not talking about the popular gaming device. Instead, I’m referring to a box (or bag) of games, toys, books, and activities that is hidden away until X happens. If your offspring have access to a computer other than your work computer, you can also create an X file of computer games and activities.
Depending on your circumstances, X may be a client phone call when you need absolute silence from your children (plopping them down in front of the TV just won’t work). X may be an emergency trip, being confined to bed because of illness or injury, or a pressing deadline you are facing.
Pull out your secret stash of goodies. Let your children enjoy these novelty items until the crisis has passed then pack them away again. If this idea works for you, consider stocking multiple X boxes—a sick day box, a travel box, and seasonal activity boxes—to keep things fresh and new.
What to include in your X box is entirely up to you, the person who knows your children and their interests best. You also know what activities would keep them occupied for about three nanoseconds, so choose accordingly. Some good choices might be
A deck of cards along with a book of card games
Play Doh
Matchbox cars
Books to read or make into Matchbox car ramps
Puzzles and a puzzle mat
A stacking block game like Jenga
A memory match game
A solitary game like Set
Favorites in our family were Talking Puzzles, where the conversation bubbles on the puzzle pieces actually led to their placement, and a magnetic globe with pieces for each country in the entire world. Kitchen science items were also a hit.
Restock your X box as your children grow and their interests change. Pick up interesting items at book sales, school fairs, novelty shops, and yard sales. Do a short-term swap or a trade with friends who have children close to the same ages as yours. Use a service like FreeCyle.org. Ask family members to be on the lookout for unique finds.
Begin creating your X box now and look forward to uninterrupted time later. You’ll be glad you did.
About this Alpha WAHM Blogger: Debbie Lynn Butler is the eBusinessButler™ serving authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs. She specializes in ghostwriting articles, blogs, e-books, newsletters, and Web pages for those who want to shine online. She is also the founder of AVA Professional Support Services and author of Online Presence Content Creation and Copywriting to Attract Your Ideal Customers. 
