Kellie Rastegar is Co-Founder and Creative Director at Rastegar Property Company.
Combining the intricate roles of entrepreneurship with the ceaseless demands of parenthood can often feel like juggling fire. On one hand, there’s the unpredictable and dynamic world of business; on the other, the beautiful yet equally challenging realm of raising children.
As a parent entrepreneur, weaving these dual threads seamlessly into the fabric of daily life requires strategy, resilience and a touch of creativity. Here’s an in-depth guide—a culmination of strategies—for those brave souls looking to balance the entrepreneurial spirit with the heart of a parent.
1. Mastering Time: The Art Of Scheduling
A synchronized dance between family and business begins with effective planning. Lay out your week, making sure to balance board meetings with school plays and client calls with bedtime stories. By allocating time meticulously, you not only prevent overlaps but also ensure that you’re present in both roles with equal vigor.
2. Tech To The Rescue: Technology Is Your Ally
In our digital age, a plethora of tools beckon to simplify the chaotic life of the parent entrepreneur. Need to synchronize family outings with business commitments? Apps like Cozi have your back. Business tasks piling up? Platforms like Slack or Trello come to the rescue. Dive into this digital toolbox to craft a life where business and family coexist harmoniously. Whether it’s calendar apps like Google Calendar to synchronize family schedules or productivity tools like Asana to streamline business tasks, technology can be your ally.
3. The Art Of Separation: Setting Clear Boundaries
Demarcate distinct boundaries between family moments and work commitments. Multitasking, while an often-praised skill, can dilute the quality of our engagements. Hence, setting boundaries is crucial.
If you’ve merged your home and office, try to designate specific zones and hours for work. When it’s family time, resist the lure of the buzzing phone or incoming emails. This compartmentalization ensures that when you’re with family, you’re wholly there and vice-versa. It also helps convey to the family that when you’re in this zone, it’s “work mode.” But equally vital is to unplug from your business during family time.
4. Cultivate A Village: Community Is Your Pillar
Navigating the dual paths of business and parenting can sometimes feel isolating. But remember, there’s a community out there. From family members willing to babysit to fellow parent entrepreneurs ready to share experiences and strategies, leaning on this network can provide emotional relief and practical assistance.
Therefore, lean on family, friends and professional associates. This vibrant network can step in and offer help, ranging from babysitting during an impromptu business commitment to providing invaluable business counsel. Consider diving into parent entrepreneur communities for mutual support and insights.
5. Self-Care: Refilling Your Cup
Amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities, carving out moments for self-care is non-negotiable. This isn’t just about the occasional spa day; it’s about daily rituals that refuel your spirit. Whether it’s a morning meditation, a chapter from your favorite book or a walk in the park, these moments of solitude and reflection can reenergize you for the challenges ahead.
I constantly make it a point to prioritize myself. You are the nucleus of both your business and family, so self-care is paramount. Beyond occasional indulgences, inculcate daily rituals. A few minutes of deep breathing, becoming engrossed in a book or a brisk walk can rejuvenate you. In my office, I make it a point to take daily walks, meditate and practice deep breathing to recharge and stay centered/grounded.
6. Teamwork: Embrace The Power Of Delegation
This one is my favorite tip. No one can, or should, do it all. Similar to my other point about relying on your network of family, friends and professional associates, your company’s team members can also help you. In business, identify tasks that can be handed over. Maybe it’s time to hire an assistant or delegate tasks that don’t require your expertise to other employees.
Similarly, at home, sharing chores or leaning on your partner or extended family can streamline daily routines, making life more manageable. Get into the habit of sharing the load. Recognize that you don’t have to manage everything single-handedly. Sharing chores or responsibilities can bring relief and ensure things run smoothly.
7. Milestones: Celebrate The Journey
Life, in its essence, is a mosaic of moments. Amidst the hustle, pause to cherish both business achievements and family milestones. Whether it’s landing a significant client or witnessing your child’s first bicycle ride without training wheels, these moments are reminders of why you embarked on this dual journey. These highlights will serve as reminders of why you embarked on this dual journey and the successes you’ve achieved along the way.
The journey of blending entrepreneurship with parenthood is paved with challenges, but it’s also rich with rewards. With the right strategies, a pinch of patience and a dollop of dedication, I believe that parent entrepreneurs can indeed craft a life where dreams thrive and families blossom. Embrace this dual role with passion and grace, and watch as you create a legacy of love, success and inspiration.
Marrying parenthood with entrepreneurship is indeed an intricate dance of dedication and agility. Challenges may surface, but with these seven strategies at your helm, my hope is that you can sail through with grace, cherishing the joys of a flourishing business and a nurtured family. Again, take time, embrace the journey and create a harmonious legacy while doing so.
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