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Many mompreneurs have a fear that their business is somehow damaging their children. That because they are pouring time and energy into something besides their children, they are doing them a disservice. Mama, let me encourage you – that is not true. Your business is good for your kids!
Do you struggle with mom guilt? It’s something I’ve definitely had problems with!
In my mind, I can always think of so many ways I could be a better mom to my kids. And on that list is typically by not having to work, and being able to spend more time with them.
I’ve gotten myself into some pretty low funks because of this mompreneur guilt.
I’ve even contemplated quitting. It’s so easy to dwell on the negative thoughts and feelings and let them boil up inside before they come bursting out.
But, when I really stop to think honestly about the situation, instead of letting my imagination run away with me, I come up with a more accurate picture.
I realize that having my business is not destructive to my kids. In fact, it’s pretty beneficial for them.
And mama, your business is good for your kids too! So don’t let the guilt get you down. Instead, focus on some truths. Like these six incredible reasons that your business is good for your kids.
1. Your Business Helps Your Kids Learn Responsibility
You can only do so much before you get burned out. If you’re trying to juggle all the cooking, all the cleaning, all the entertaining, and all of your business, you are going to be overwhelmed.
Before you started working, you may have tried to take care of everything. Maybe you even thought you should because you wanted your kids to enjoy their childhood.
But, helping with the care and upkeep of the house is a good thing for your kids. It helps them learn to be responsible.
And who doesn’t want their children to grow up to be productive, responsible adults?
Starting a business helps you to realize that you can’t do it all. It forces you to delegate.
And to realize that your kids really can do more than you thought was capable.
As they pitch in, they’ll be learning essential life skills. They’ll know how to clean their college dorm room, or tackle a pile of dirty laundry.
And, more importantly, they’ll know that they are not entitled to have clean clothes just magically appear in their drawers. Or a cupboard full of clean dishes.
Understanding that it takes work to make those things happen is so important!
So if your kids have a couple of extra chores since you are working your business, don’t fret. As long as they’re doing age-appropriate work and aren’t doing everything, they’re still going to have a pretty amazing childhood!
2. Your Business Teaches Your Kids How to Be an Entrepreneur
When you’re making money from home, doing what you love, your kids are watching you. And they’re beginning to see that growing up and getting a job isn’t the only way to live life.
You’re sowing seeds of entrepreneurship, that they may grow in their own lives.
You are teaching your kids that you really can create your own job with the skills God has given you. You’re showing them that they can look for needs in the world, and use their skills to provide solutions.
As you work, and talk to your kids about it, you are teaching them about marketing. And business ethics. You are showing them why it’s important to have a business budget.
If you integrate your kids into your business, and teach them about it purposefully, you’re giving them an even more solid foundation for future business growth. You are inspiring an entrepreneurial spirit in your kids!
3. Your Business Helps Your Kids Financially
Money isn’t everything. But, it does make things simpler. Here’s a personal story of how my business has helped financially:
When I left the classroom to homeschool, our income was cut by two thirds. We stripped our budget down to the bare bones, and definitely didn’t have much room for extras.
My business income has allowed me to remain home (instead of finding another classroom job), and contribute financially. We’ve used my income to help:
- Get out of debt!
- Fund some day trips
- Invest in our backyard (and that gives the kids a place to go play while I’m working, so double bonus! :D)
- Upgrade some things around the house
- Go rollerskating
- Get started on deputation
The income I generate, in a nutshell, has been life changing. We are no longer completely broke. We can enjoy life a bit more.
It is such a blessing for the kids to have a little more income as a family. There’s more wiggle room for some fun family activities.
What could your family do if you could earn an extra $1000 a month? Or $2000?
You don’t have to grow a crazy online empire worth millions to make a difference for your kids right now.
And earning consistent money each month as a freelance writer or virtual assistant is very, very doable!
4. Your Business Allows Your Kids to Spend More Time with Others They Love
Starting a business can allow your kids to spend more time with other people they love.
Here’s how this has looked in my family:
When I launched my business back in 2015, my husband was working long hours at a job over an hour away from our farm. He left before the kids woke up in the morning, and he usually got home after they were tucked in.
They didn’t really see him except for on the weekends. And he was exhausted, so the weekends weren’t a ton of fun.
Well, a couple months after I started, the Lord opened the door for my husband to accept a lower paying, but local job. The money I was making covered the income loss, and has slowly increased since then.
We all enjoy having Daddy around more! (And it’s been great for all of them to spend more time together occasionally while I finish some work in the evenings!)
Is there anyone special your kids get to spend extra time with while you work? Can they spend a little time with Grandma while you get some work done?
Building relationships is a definite benefit!
5. Your Business Gives You Confidence
Launching your career will make an impact on your life. It will push you out of your comfort zone and force you to believe in yourself.
If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either!
When you start a business, your confidence will grow. You will interact with new people, market your products or services, and learn so much.
And here’s the thing…
When your kids have the example of a confident mama, they will become more confident as well.
6. Your Kids Will Have Time to Develop Their Talents
When you’re growing a business at home with your kids by your side, you simply cannot entertain them all day. They must learn to self-entertain. One great way to do this is to give them time to explore their interests.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Purchase some basic supplies, check some books out from the library, and create a YouTube playlist that you’ve approved.
While I’m working on my business, my kids have practiced:
- Writing
- Sewing
- Drawing
- Painting
- Carving/Whittling
- Taking pictures
- Reading
Teach them that they can learn on their own. That they can create. And that they can enjoy learning outside of “school.”
Learning to develop their interests at a young age will give them a definite head start in life.
How Do Your Kids Benefit from Your Business?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
And if you’re struggling to make time for your business as a busy mom, my course Balancing Diapers and Deadlines can help!
Note: This post was originally published in May of 2017. It’s been expanded and updated to better help you see how your kids benefit from your business!
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.
