Family/Work Balance: Balancing a Family While Starting a Business or Two

Why do most people start their own business? More than likely it's one of three reasons: To be financially free, to be their own boss, or to have more time with family and do the things they love to do.

Whatever the reason, the starting stages of a business are extremely demanding and stressful. One question that seems to always come up is, "How do I balance time between family and the business?" If you are like me, you are starting a business, but want to minimize the short term time loss with your family.

If you feel stressed out and like you are in over your head at times, good. That means you are being persistent and driving towards a goal. Always remember one thing, enjoy the journey. It's not about the end result. It gets frustrating at times not seeing progress or goals met, but think about what you are learning and the steps you have taken to get to where you currently are.

Here are three tips to help you through these demanding times.

1. Set priorities. You have to make a decision on what means the most to you. If everything in your life is a priority, nothing will be. Spend the majority of your time on your first, second, and third priorities. If something comes up that doesn't fall within those priorities, don't spend any time on it until you have completed your tasks for your first three priorities.

2. Make a schedule. My husband and I have two small children, ages 2 and 1. Our kids know when it's time for a nap and time for bed; we've had a schedule since the time our oldest was born. We don't have any problems with them falling asleep. They know what we expect and we stick to it. We aren't so rigid that we don't change once in a while, but then it's a treat. The time you spend on your business should be the same way. Tell yourself and your family that you plan to spend X amount of time working on a particular issue or project. Then spend only that time on it, regardless if you completed it or not. The issue will be there when you come back to it. Remember that Rome wasn't built over night and your business won't be either.

3. Take breaks. Don't think if you step away from the computer or take thirty minutes to grab a bite to eat and take a short walk, that everything you have just worked on will disappear on you. I've realized taking thirty to sixty minutes and going for a walk with my kids, has greatly increased my focus and has lowered my stress level. Fresh air does wonders for your mind and your body. Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs will happen when you return with a fresh mind.

Remember, time is one thing you will never get back. You need to spend it wisely. It's the one thing that it seems everyone around us wants of ours. Ultimately, you are in control of where you spend your time. One thing to think about, what do you want to be thinking on your death bed, "I wish I spent more time working" or "I wish I would have spent more time with my family"? When in doubt, spend your time with your first priority.

Elizabeth and her husband Eric Shoop are the owners of First Kids Furniture. Not only do they sell unique furniture for kids, they also provide some great resources for parents! They're also the visionaries for Build On The Rock Ministries.