When I was a kid, the onset of summer was nothing short of paradise. As an adult--juggling family and my business, not to mention all those extra summer social obligations--the season can be nothing short of a headache. All the predictability and routine I've carefully cultivated over the winter months promptly goes out my newly opened window.
School's out, which means established hours for work and personal time no longer exist. If you have kids old enough to fill their own free time, it’s a bit easier. But with younger kids who still require near-constant parental attention, you are facing a bigger challenge.
So how do you spend the time you need with your family while keeping your business moving forward? And how do you carve out a little "me" time so that summer doesn't pass you by? Here are some ideas that have worked for me and my family, as well as for other mom entrepreneurs I know--ideas that won’t eat up all your newly earned profits.
Create a child-care co-op. "Share" child care with a friend, neighbor or sister. This not only makes financial sense, but it's also fun for the kids. For instance, you watch your sister's kids for three hours on Monday and Wednesday, and she’ll watch yours for three hours on Tuesday and Thursday. This gives you free time, while keeping the kids occupied and entertained. This also works for "date night." Set up an every-other-Friday-night babysitting co-op with the neighbor, for example, so you and your partner have time to catch up as adults, even if only for a two-hour dinner or a stroll along the beach.
Consider summer camp. Although camp can be expensive, civic programs offered through your city or county generally are more affordable. Even half-day programs can give you the time you need to work on the business. Plus, if your child wants to improve his or her skills in a particular activity--such as basketball, tennis, theater or dance--summer camps can be a great opportunity to do so. That makes it a win-win for the whole family.
Control your schedule. When I first started in business and began scheduling meetings, I bent over backward to say "yes" to whatever time and date the other party proposed. Over the years, however, I have learned it’s OK to say that a date or time doesn’t work for me.
I’ll counter by suggesting two or three alternative options that do work. That way, if you have only a three-hour window each day before you need to pick up the kids, you won't be scrambling to find child care to accommodate that inconveniently scheduled meeting.
Lean on your spouse. Men aren’t mind readers, so be direct and ask for what you need. If I have an important deadline or I need a chunk of time to answer e-mails, I might say to my husband, "Will you please take the kids to the community pool for two hours?"
Then use this time for yourself--whether it's to work, exercise, meditate or whatever it is that helps you be more productive. (Some of my best business ideas pop into my head when I’m walking on the treadmill.) Remember that sometimes you need a break to maintain a positive state of mind--and that can benefit not only you, but also your family and your business. Don’t forget about you.
Forget perfection. When you’re faced with 10 tasks a day and you only have time for seven of them, something has to fall by the wayside. Take heart--the laundry may pile up, but everyone will survive. Or turn certain tasks into a team effort; you'll get the help you need and teach your children the value of teamwork at the same time.
For example, if I have several loads of just-washed-and-dried laundry piled on the couch, I’ll get everyone to lend a hand. My 4-year-old will fold washcloths and hand towels; the 6-year-old will sort the socks; and my husband and I will fold the rest together. As a bonus, you get to spend time together and catch up on the day’s events.