The Safe Home Office

Talk about land mines! Staples, paper clips, pens, pencils, thumbtacks—even the caps for pens and markers should be kept out of reach of little hands (and mouths). Keep such items in a locked drawer. This may seem to be a lot of trouble—a colossal inconvenience—but remember the reason: that little bundle of energy who keeps disrupting your concentration as you try to work is more precious than a convenient paper clip. (That's why you're at home!)

Keep waste cans in which you toss anything but paper tightly covered, and avoid storage chests: While you're focusing on business, your child may look at the chest and think she's discovered a cozy place to hide or curl up for a nap. Window blind cords are just as dangerous in the office as they are in the rest of the house. Take necessary steps to safeguard your child.