Parenting while trying to grow your business

If you are honest with yourself, you will readily admit that owning a business is nothing like what you initially expected. More often than not, things do not go exactly as you planned, and it takes a lot to keep control, right? Trust me; it is my life every day. It seems that there are fires everywhere, and I am the only one with an extinguisher. Add a child into the mix, or four in my case, and everything will be more interesting.

For entrepreneurs, who are also parents, know, it is challenging enough to raise a child; let alone grow your business at the same time. Both are demanding and take up a lot of time. While caring for both might seem difficult, but it is possible. Here are a few tips to assist you in this never-ending journey.

1. Prioritize tasks and be more productive

Being more productive is the most effective solution is for you to achieve more in less time. Follow these instructions on how to organize tasks, then create a goal on how many you need to accomplish for the day. Don’t overbook yourself. You need time to eat and take a few breaks throughout the day.

While many of us believe we can multi-task, it is not the case by any means. New research indicates that our brain cannot handle multitasking; in fact, it can be harmful to it. Hence, concentrate on one single task at the time.

2. Don’t be afraid to work from home

For my business, working from home was the only way of life. I would be working on the field most of the day. By the time I was done with managing the workers, I still had to do a lot of paperwork. Instead of spending another two or three hours at the office, I would go home to enjoy the family and wait until the children went to bed to start working again.

Strive to compartmentalize, and when you have family time, do not mix it with work, which takes me to the next point.

3. Make time for the children

Create times that you completely unplug from everything. Turn off your cell phones, computers, and anything else that can distract you. At times, you will have to sacrifice your desires to have time with them. Remember, they will grow up, and you will have missed all that time with them.

4. Perfect balance is unattainable

Do not feel guilty if you have to work late some days. It is impossible to achieve a balance that will take care of the family and your business without any sacrifice. You have to understand that some days are going to be all about business, and other days more focused on parenting. Keep in mind that both need your time and attention, and neither one can go long without it.

5. Hire help when needed

When running a business — aside from all the tasks you have to accomplish and spending time with your family — you cannot forget house chores and honey-do lists. If you are feeling a sense of sinking, I highly suggest hiring more help. Whether it is to do the books, answering the phones, or clean your house. In fact, a new study suggests that hiring maid services could save your marriage. Hiring someone to do house chores can be just as important as hiring a new employee.

6. Involve your kids in the business

Following an old-fashioned style, putting your kids to work for the family. I have taught my oldest child to use photoshop, enabling him to do some graphics to fit my needs.

Additionally, besides teaching the children the operation aspect of projects I work on, I also explain the business process of it. It has proven to be very helpful, not only giving them the feeling they are part of the business, but also a bonding time.

7. Be flexible

Flexibility is one of the perks of being a business owner. You can dictate your schedule as you please. Technology can assist you in many different ways. Scheduling meetings, changing appointments, and having emails while away from the office will come very handy on many occasions. I have been able to place all of my files on the cloud and can access it from anywhere. Therefore, I don’t have to be at the office if there is a pressing issue to be handled.

8. Compromise

While sticking to a schedule is a good practice, there are times you will be required to make last-minute changes. Your family might need you more than your business, or vice-versa. Be open to those exceptions and understand that compromising is just part of the process.

9. Don’t forget your spouse

Last, but not least, do not forget your spouse. When you are busy trying to juggle between growing a business and growing children, your spouse tends to get the short end of the stick. Remember that your mate is more than just a partner. Get he/she involved in the business, even if he/she doesn’t physically work there. Transparency can go a long way. Take the time to nurture that relationship. Having a good marriage is very rewarding.