Before finalizing the decision to start your own business, get a "buy-in" from your family. It's surprising how few people discuss in detail with their family the possible impacts of owning a business. Create a list with your family of the pros and cons of starting your own business. Then continue these conversations on a regular basis to assess what is or isn't working for everyone.

Compile a schedule that includes your business commitments as well as the activities of each family member. Evaluate your calendar for openings and schedule or delegate your to-dos to prevent tasks from being overlooked. That includes tasks as simple as running to the cleaners. Don't overdo the multitasking because you'll be less productive, and the quality of your work could suffer if you spread yourself too thinly.

Working for yourself requires you to wear many hats. Coupled with family commitments, you can find yourself completely overwhelmed. So plan ahead to relieve the stress of hectic mornings. Lay clothes out the night before. Begin preparing weekday lunches on Sunday by placing small bins in the refrigerator for each day of the week. Fill each bin with luncheon goodies, such as chips, cookies and fruit. If your child needs milk money, include that in each bin so you don't have to hunt for change. Each night before you go to bed, grab the contents of the bin and place them in a lunchbox.

One benefit of both parents working is the opportunity for children to learn responsibility. Have the kids pitch in with age-appropriate jobs. Create a checklist for the kids: Brush teeth, brush hair, make the bed and feed the dog. This can be done on a reward basis. Measure their contributions to the household on a chart and factor that into their allowance. You can also reward children with "chips" for chores and good behavior. They also can lose chips for not doing chores or for exhibiting bad behavior. In our home, each chip is worth 50 cents. Every two weeks, the kids cash in all their chips for money.

Make time for everyone in the family to relax. For example, make meal time family time. That means no TV, no phone calls and no multitasking. This time is for sharing your day with one another. It's a wonderful way for everyone to unwind and enjoy each other.

Keep communication lines open with your children's teachers and caregivers. Staying on top of issues will reduce stress down the road. Also, hearing positive things about your child's progress provides uplifting topics for dinner conversation. If you like to participate in your child's classroom events but can't fit them into your work schedule, try being involved based on your availability. When you know you'll have free time, contact the teacher and ask whether you can assist in class.

The key is not to get overwhelmed. Take time for yourself, delegate when possible and manage your to-do list so you can live a balanced life.