My kids drive me nuts sometimes. They haven't learned (...yet, but they will) that when the typewriter case is open and they hear mad pecking, then do not bother me. I have a hard enough time concentrating without having to get cups of milk, grab the 18 month-old before she heads out an open door, etc.
It's not just my kids, though. My wife caught herself asking me to do something without even thinking that I was writing. I think she felt bad about asking, too, since I just quit trying after that. I wasn't getting anywhere. Getting to write only part of a sentence at a time isn't very productive.
This problem is somewhat systemic. I used to work at home as a computer programmer; I freelanced, and did sundry contract jobs. Often, the fact that I was sitting in front of the computer wasn't enough to deter the cries for help. Don't think I mind helping out, because I don't. I understand how hard it is to keep everything going in a family as large as ours—and if I'm just sitting there anyway…
Is it a question of validity? I know people tend to not take artistic endeavors seriously, even though I approach my writing with the same professionalism I show towards any job I do. To me, it's just another part-time job. To everyone else it's… To tell you the truth, I don't know what they think it is.
Boy do I know what that's like. That's why I started becoming an insomniac/night owl. NO INTERRUPTIONS!
I also found that sleep deprivation does not make you a nice person. So now I drag my son for a very long walk (it's my only exercise time) either right before or after dinner and the wee one goes off to sleep like clockwork.
I know you can have them all hipnotized and conditioned not to disturb you. I know a guy with group rates :o
If you think it's tough now, wait till school starts. I think you, the library staff, and the custodians will all be on a first name basis, like I was.
Hang in there, it does get better.
It is hard to allow someone to just do something, whether they are writing or taking the motor out of a truck (I think you know from where that comment comes ;). It's the human condition to be needy just at the time it is most inconvenient for others.
I write while kids are watching a movie (if I'm not watching with them) or at night- I prefer night. Our kids are in bed by 8:30 p (little ones that is) and that gives me plenty of time. Kick those little fellars into the sack a little earlier...(stop saying "Yeah right!" You have to make things happen if you want to write!)