Many of us have gone into business to allow us more time to spend with our children, but do you involve them in your business with you? Even when you have young children getting them involved can lessen some of the stress of trying to balance home and work.

The simplest way to involve your children is to explain to them in age appropriate terms exactly what it is that you do. As your children grow teach them a little more of what you are doing and involve them in little aspects of your business. As your children begin to understand what it is that you do and more importantly why you do it, you will see their respect for your business will increase.

For my business, it was important that my children (6 and 9) said more than “my mom plays on her computer all day” when asked what I did. My son will proudly tell others “my Mom is a Virtual Assistant and helps her clients run their businesses”. He can even answer the question … “A Virtual what?”!! I also, try to get my kids involved by discussing my day at dinner in general terms. I tell them about new projects and clients and about meetings that I have attended. They understand the meaning of running a small business and the sacrifices and rewards that are all a part of keeping me “at home” and available to them.

I am sure that once you take the time to include your children in your business they will gain a new respect for what it is that you are doing and why you have chosen to do that. My children know that if they do not support me and respect my “business time” then I may have to give up my business and get a “job” outside the home. They are not willing to sacrifice the things that being a small business owner has provided to them such as mom being home every night after school.

Just as importantly it will be fundamental that you let them know that family time is important too and you can do this by not focusing on anything but them during family time. Once you begin to get your family involved in your business and a factor in your success, you will be well on your way to creating a truly thriving business and having a true balance of home and work.