Small Business and Children

[TCCTN]

This morning I woke up a little overwhelmed. I am so thankful for this business I am growing but I would be lying if I didn't say sometimes it was overwhelming. I am the stay at home parent to 2 little girls ages 3 & 5. My 5 year old will start kindergarden at the end of July and they do go to a little church preschool program a few days a week currently. But it still can be hard balancing my in home business, the kids and the demands of taking care of the home. ( one week I had the air conditioner stop working, our hot water heater bust and wasp coming in through our attic access in the span of 3 days, somehow I survived and can laugh about it now)

What works best for us is a schedule. We recently moved a few hours away from our friends and family for my husbands work. It has been quite the adjustment as we use to live directly across the street from my inlaws who were such a help to watch the kids during my busy times and to help me when my husband was on business trips. Since moving I have found a schedule is more important than ever.

For example this morning the kids are playing at a craft table while I prepare and package todays orders to go to the post office. They love to go to the post office and give the packages to the lady at the counter. Then we are going to stop by the park for a while were out and spend some time together.

I'd love to hear how all the parents are balancing kids, home and business! share your success with us.

ETSY somehow new how I was filling this morning, I opened my email to see this message from them (i think the article also applies to older children)....


https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/5-tips-for-balancing-business-and-baby/45083754579

[Former_Member]

Wow! Sounds like you are quite busy, Katie.. And moving from family must be rough.. I work full time at a hospital, and keep house.. My husband started a new job in August that has crazy hrs.. So I'm keeping busy myself.. But I'm going to get more inventory ready to put up.. May I ask what church you go to? We also attend church..:) a Baptist church... Well that's good that you have a schedule to go by.. Enjoy your kids as they grow up soo fast! We don't have children but have a new baby in our family.. I'm going to make more things and see what happens!

[Former_Member]

I am struggling at it! I have a very rambunctious 18 month old, and I'm 36 weeks pregnant! I make flower crowns, which require some pretty dangerous tools that I can't really use around my son, he's much too quick, so I can't work on things unless my husband is home, and sometimes even then I can't work unless my son is asleep 😪

[KnotsnKneedles]

Since starting my shop, I have really begun to recognize "time wasters". You know those little things that aren't important, not really enjoyable but you do them mindlessly anyway. Maybe you guys don't waste time like me. Lol. I have 4 boys (10, 9, 8 and 3). I homeschool. So being good at managing time is essential if I'm going to make this work. I have a morning routine to ensure that all the essentials are taken care of. (House clean, dinner plan if not started, homeschooling). I also try to take advantage of times when they are at music lessons or baseball practice. My husband is also a huge support and often let's me have some time to work on orders.

[TCCTN]

Eguenia- Yes, busy but it normally all comes together. They go to school at the Church of Christ. Since moving we are still trying to find a home church and have been visiting different churches in our area. Our previous home church my husband had been to since he was a child and it was a southern baptist church. I was raised in the methodist church.

Ebbie- I can understand my girls love to get in my crochet needles and I am teaching myself to knit so I try to keep them out of my needles. Also, my 3 year old when she was about 1.5 half took my craft scissors and gave her hair a trim. I do a lot of my crochet work at night once they go to bed as well. Congrats on the new baby coming soon!

Anita- WOW! you are amazing! I would love to homeschool and have gave some thought to it, my parents would love me to homeschool but I am not sure if I could do it. I have so much respect for you!

Thank you all for sharing!

[Former_Member]

Katie- wow! That's cool! We searched around for a church also. For a while my husband was pastoring a very small baptist church as well as working a full time job. But was too much. So now he is working 1 job.. We ended up going to a larger Baptist church.. I am currently working on another pillow with very pretty design... I think I'll finish tonight.. I'm a slower sewer, but I find that i do a better job if I take my time. It's nice getting to know you! 😊

[Former_Member]

Ebbie, I wish you the best of luck! My sister just had her baby a week ago .. Was right around where you are currently... I give you credit ! It's not easy keeping up for me & we have no children!!

[Former_Member]

Anita, sounds like you are constantly busy, too. I wish you much success! I have a hard time keeping up myself because I work full time & my husband works crazy hrs. But I do best I can..😊

[Former_Member]

Hey guys! It's nice to hear all of your stories of how you balance life and your business. I have a 5 year old son, work full time outside of the home and am working on finding time to build my business. It's actually been a great stress reliever to make my jewelry as I love working with my hands.

[Former_Member]

Thanks ladies!

My son does the same thing with my crochet needles 😂😂😂 I actually broke down and bought "him" a few larger ones and a thing of yarn so that he would leave the ones I actually use regularly some lol