As a parent, balancing business and family life is a difficult act that many of us know all too well. It’s a daily juggle between the hours of 9-3, often wishing for just a few more hours to get everything done. Between early morning routines, school drop-offs, managing a household, and being present for your children, while also catering to the needs of your clients and customers, it’s a relentless cycle. And in those quiet moments, we often battle with guilt when things don’t go as planned.

I remember the early days in business all too well: working 12-16 hour days on weekends with a newborn. When, my son was just a month old, I spent a weekend working from 7 am to 8 pm, then went back at 1 am to pack down a wedding! And starting Golden Brands I found myself again hustling with crazy work hours. 

There have been many sacrifices, often leaving me riddled with guilt. But I’ve learned a lot about boundaries, work-life balance, and avoiding burnout. And yet, I still of course find myself in challenging situations from time to time.

Over the past 8 years of being a business owner and Mum, I’ve put a few good practices into place to help navigate this time in my life that I wanted to share with you.

Top Tips for Parent Entrepreneurs:

1. Set Realistic Boundaries: It’s crucial to define clear boundaries between work and family time. This might mean setting specific work hours and sticking to them as much as possible, or having a dedicated workspace to separate your professional and personal life.
2. Quality Over Quantity: It’s not always about the amount of time you spend with your family, but the quality of that time. Be fully present during family time, whether it’s during meals, playtime, or bedtime routines. Try to let go of that guilt you might be feeling!
3. Outsource and Delegate: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks, both in your business and home life. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant or getting help with household chores, outsourcing can free up valuable time.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Your well-being is paramount. Carve out time for self-care, be it a quick workout, a hobby, or simply a few minutes of quiet reflection.
5. Connect with Like-Minded Parents: Join communities of parent entrepreneurs. Sharing experiences, struggles, and successes with those who understand your situation is incredibly validating and helpful.
6. Accept Imperfection: Embrace the fact that there will be days when not everything gets done. Being flexible and kind to yourself during these times is crucial. Aim for 80% with your work rather than having to always have everything 100% perfect.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our community at Golden Brands is a testament to the collective strength and resilience of parent entrepreneurs. We’re here to support each other, grow together, and celebrate our triumphs, big and small.

As we edge closer to February 9th, our doors will be opening again. It’s more than just a membership; it’s an opportunity to join a supportive network that understands the unique challenges of balancing parenthood with business aspirations.

Let’s navigate this crazy adventure together, supporting one another every step of the way.

Lisa

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