Lessons in Freelancing From 6 More Children’s Books

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Last spring I wrote a post sharing lessons in freelancing I picked up while reading books aloud to my kids. I discovered freelancing tips are all around us, if we’re willing to think about life a little differently.

Well, I’ve been thinking.  And I wasn’t disappointed. Here are six more children’s books I’ve recently read to my kids, and the important takeaways I gathered for my freelance business.

The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown

I recently discovered this book as part of my daughter’s curriculum. The author shares the most important thing about several items. While she also shares other facts, she repeats the most important thing at the end of each page.

My daughter enjoyed reading this book to me, and is currently writing her own important book.

Lessons in Freelancing:

What’s the important thing in your business? If it’s like mine, your freelance business may have multiple facets. But, it’s important to know what to focus on at any given time.

Sometimes I’m working hard trying to land new freelance writing clients. Other times I’ve got that part of my business sort of on autopilot and I’m focusing on something else.

Keeping in mind what’s important each day helps us stay focused and put our attention where it matters most.

If you’re trying to grow a freelance business with a family, this is essential!

Dear Deer by Gene Barretta

Have you ever read this book? We’ve been talking a lot about words with multiple meanings in our homeschool, and this book offered plenty of examples.

The author uses homophone pairs on each page, along with adorable illustrations. There’s a mousse eating moose, cows in a good mood as they mooed, and plenty more.

Lessons in Freelancing:

Words are important, and it’s essential to use the correct ones. This means you should take time to read what you wrote aloud to ensure you didn’t type it’s when you meant its, or dear when you meant deer. 😀

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

This was one of my favorite books as a child, ever since my second grade teacher read it aloud.

A boy loves a special tree, and the tree loves him. The boy spends much time playing with the tree, eating its apples, and sleeping in its shade.

But, as the boy grows, he spends less and less time with the tree. Each time he comes back, he’s at a different life stage and his needs are different. The tree willingly gives him whatever he needs, apples, branches, and even the whole trunk. Just when the tree thinks it has nothing left to give, the old man assures the stump it’s just what he needs to rest on.

Lessons in Freelancing:

Where should I start? I thought of three freelancing lessons from this book!

Lesson 1:

Our business needs change as we grow. Baby businesses require a little different care than more mature ones. Don’t be afraid to look at things from a new angle, and adjust to meet your changing needs.

Lesson 2:

Giving is important in your business, but it’s also possible to give too much away so you longer recognize your purpose.

When the tree was just a stump, it didn’t have the apples, leaves, and branches to share anymore. It couldn’t give anything to the boy (man).

So share with others, dish out sound advice when you can, but remember you’re running a business. You do need to move into paid products and services at some point!

Lesson 3:

Thankfulness.

As a freelancer, it’s easy to be discouraged during times of famine. I had an amazing first two quarters this year, but quarter three didn’t go how I would have liked.

But, I’m learning to be thankful even during the hard times. And getting plenty of opportunities to practice that thankfulness.

The Napping House by Audrey Wood

Everyone is sleeping at the napping house. Until they’re not.

I love the word choice in this book!

Lessons in Freelancing:

Pick your words carefully to show instead of tell. Don’t use a $1,000,000 word when a nickel word will do.

There aren’t a ton of words in this book, but you can tell the author thought carefully about each one. There’s a snoring granny, a slumbering mouse, and a dreaming child.

Those words show. They add variety instead of simply saying “sleeping.”

Too often I get wordy in my writing. I try to tell instead of show. And it’s an area I’m working on improving!

Smelly Socks by Robert Munsch

A fabulous book from my favorite children’s author, Smelly Socksis about a girl who refuses to take her beautiful new socks off. As you can imagine, they get pretty gross. Especially after she wears them for weeks on end.

Lessons in Freelancing:

Sometimes while we’re feeling comfortable in our freelance business, we’re actually getting stinky. We might try out a new style of blogging and decide it’s amazing and bright.

But, when we keep doing the same style over and over again, it gets old.

So reevaluate what you’re doing, and don’t just keep doing something just because it’s easy.

Also, listen to feedback. Other people tried to tell the girl her socks smelled. But she didn’t listen.

I know there are plenty of trolls out there who are only complaining to complain. But, if the feedback is coming from someone you know or respect, or is being offered kindly, take time to listen.

Stone Soup

Here’s a classic I enjoy having my kids act out. We start with an empty pot and a stone. Then the kids take turns adding different “ingredients” to the pot. Unless we’re really making soup, we stick to blocks and toys for carrots and potatoes.

Then we stir it all up and proclaim it delicious!

Moral of the story? You can do more together.

Lessons in Freelancing:

Sometimes my little blog over here seems like an empty soup pot or a stone. I don’t seem to gain any traction, or be able to ladle out delicious soup for others.

But, as I guest post on other blogs, create enticing freebies, and offer valuable information, I start growing. I offer what I have, and when mixed with what others have, it creates something wonderful.

Working from home can seem isolating and lonely at times. It’s important to collaborate, and to work with others who are also on this journey. Together, you can do more!

Read Any Good Children’s Books Lately?

These books are ones we’ve read recently. I’d love to hear what children’s books you’re reading at your house.

Have you discovered any freelancing lessons in them?

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Lisa Tanner

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Lisa Tanner is a former teacher turned homeschooling mom with 11 kids. She's also a successful freelance writer. Lisa enjoys helping other busy moms find time to start and grow a side hustle of their own.