Business and Children - How to Have
Them Both!
By Lee Lister
To start with your children need to know what you are doing when you
are in front of the computer or on the phone and they also need to know
why you are doing this instead of paying attention to them. Tell them you
are working to make money to pay the bills and buy things that they want
like candy or treats.
Secondly you need to learn how to compartmentalize your life � I know
easier said than done. Close your business down for a few hours a day and
make this your children�s time. Special times when they come in from school
(or in the afternoon if they are not yet that old). Some time to get them
relaxed and ready for bed. Make sure that the children know about these
times and that you keep to them. I got quite adept at working for a few
hours after my daughter went to bed. Or in the morning before they get
up if you are more of a lark.
Lastly, impress upon your children that when you are on the phone or
talking to people at your house/office that they have to be quiet. Not
only is this good business but it is good manners from them.
Within your home make sure that your children have some stimulating
toys and activities to keep them interested and busy whilst you are busy.
Start them on a hobby � probably best not to be a musical one if you have
a lot of phone calls. I undertook a lot of my studying and work, with my
daughter working alongside me, writing, drawing and reading � in what she
called �her work�.
If your children are a little older, make sure you have an office with
a door that can cut out the noise. If your children are younger or you
don�t have the luxury of space, designate a work area and ensure that your
children know that your reports are not for writing on. If they are old
enough give them their own workspace close by.
In summary for your youngsters � make sure they feel wanted by you,
understand why you are doing what you are doing, have access to stimulating
activities and are well mannered. Make time for them every day, whatever
you are doing.
On the client side, this is a little easier, as I am assuming that they
rarely come to your home. (If they do then put part of your house aside
for client conversations and do not let the children in there.)
Make sure that you have good voicemail facilities. If you are spending
time with your children, switch them on. Get back to your clients as soon
as you are free again. If you respond quickly to your messages, your clients
will merely think that you are busy � not a bad thing.
If you visit your clients then you are going to need child minding facilities
so try and undertake all your visits on the same day. Exhausting but cheaper.
Marketing and report writing, designing etc can all be done during your
�non children� time in your office.
I gained my degree and set up my business as a single mother of my young
daughter. It is hard work � it�s tiring but so rewarding, so good luck.
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