For many parents, juggling family life with running a business can be a challenging balancing act. However, with careful planning and commitment, it is possible to successfully manage both. Here are some tips for parents looking to combine parenting with entrepreneurship.
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Set Realistic Expectations
Accept that you cannot be in two places at once. There will be times when your business needs you and times when your family needs you. Try to manage expectations – both your own and those around you. Recognise that you cannot be 100% present for every school play or business meeting. Finding a balance is key.
Get Support in Place
Having a good childcare setup and trusted support network is essential. This could include extended family, friends, childminders or nannies who can step in when you need to be focused on work. For your business, hiring skilled and reliable staff or contractors can help take some pressure off your shoulders. Outsource or delegate tasks where possible.
Create and Stick to Routines
Structure and routine will help you juggle the many demands on your time. Set regular work hours when childcare is in place. Schedule business meetings during school hours when possible. Have set family time in the evenings or weekends. Being organised and planning ahead is vital. Sticking to consistent routines will also provide reassurance for any children.
If you are fostering in Norfolk, accept that your foster children must come first and have systems in place to ensure you’re always there for them when they are not at school or nursery.
Be Flexible When Needed
When juggling business and parenting, you need to be adaptable. Accept that plans may change, deadlines may shift, and school events crop up last minute. Build in some flexibility to accommodate unexpected events. Communicate changes to your team. Let clients and colleagues know when you may be less available.
Make Time for Yourself
With so many responsibilities, it’s easy for self-care to slip down the priority list. But preserving time for yourself is vital. Regular exercise, seeing friends or taking a long bath all help manage stress. Even 10-15 minutes of alone time refreshes you to be more present with family or focus on work. Don’t feel guilty about prioritising yourself sometimes.
Involve Your Children
When suitable, involve kids in the day-to-day workings of your business. Older children can help with admin tasks for pocket money. Bring younger ones to client meetings occasionally so they understand what you do. Set time aside to explain your work to them. This helps children feel included and teaches valuable skills.
Outsource Household Tasks
Consider paying for domestic help – cleaning, grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, childcare pickups/drop-offs. This saves you time and reduces daily stresses. Even small tasks like getting a grocery delivery frees up precious hours in your week. Outsourcing chores allows you to focus energies on family and your business.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Accept that some days you’ll nail the balancing act, other days will be a struggle. Don’t dwell on the inevitable messy home or delayed business project. Look at the big picture and celebrate your overall ability to successfully combine parenting with entrepreneurship. Pat yourself on the back for juggling so many responsibilities. You’ve got this!
