Balancing Business and Family: 9 Tips From Entrepreneurs
By Brett Farmiloe
Running a business is already a tough job with the added stress of being a parent. In this article, nine mothers share their top strategies for striking a balance between playdates and payrolls.
How to balance business and family
1. Manage your energy, not your time
"Creating meaningful work-life balance is less about time management and more about energy management. Getting intimate and honest about what brings you energy and what drains you of it, and then unapologetically taking charge of your well-being by setting boundaries to protect your needs, is the key to creating sustainable 'balance.' Meaningful balance is about the quality of our actions and the quality of our presence, and that applies to being a mom as much as a CEO."
—Yana Carstens, Lively Lion Wellness
2. Build a strong support team
"I started my company to have more time with my new baby and only child. Previously, I was working 70 hours a week as a manager, which left little room for family time. As a CEO, I now set my own schedule, and I make it a point to be unavailable during my off-hours, which has been wonderful for spending time with my now four-year-old. To achieve this flexibility, I built a strong team and established processes that don't require my daily input. Additionally, having a personal assistant manage my calendar and prioritize tasks has been a game-changer."
—Givona Sandiford, Melospeech
3. Involve kids in the business
"As a mom and CEO, I've tried all sorts of strategies to capture 'balance.' Setting work boundaries was my initial go-to—I was NOT going to be that mom glued to her phone at lacrosse games. I brought in help to do household chores and delegated more at work. But the real game changer? Involving my kids in my business.
"Opening up space for them in my work made a difference. We talked about my business challenges over dinner, and I sometimes let them listen in on sales calls. Their fresh perspectives not only brought such value, but also bridged the gap I felt when work seemed to pull me away from them. This strategy not only enhanced my business but also deepened our relationship."
—Beth Nydick, Beth Nydick Media
4. Be flexible with time management
"Try to be as flexible as possible. For me, this involves getting up early to tackle work tasks before the kids wake up, working during the kids' nap times or when they are occupied, and working after hours when the kids are in bed for the night. Maintaining a flexible schedule, even if that means working early or late hours and being willing to change your priorities as needed, is key—even if it means scaling back."
—Keira Rumble, Krumbled Foods
5. Establish routines and schedules
"As a working mom of three children, I firmly believe in getting as much ready as possible the night before so that the morning scramble isn't as chaotic. We all pack our backpacks with homework and any other essentials before bed. We choose our clothes and get them ready before we go to bed. We even pack lunches so they're ready to grab on our way out the door.
"By establishing routines and schedules in work and home life, you will find that your days are not as chaotic, and you will be spending quality time with your family while achieving your work goals."
—Carla Perl, Slumberland Solutions
6. Turn off phones
"I prioritize being present by switching off cell phones during dedicated family time and fostering meaningful connections without distractions. Turning off my phone also reduces my stress and allows me to relax, reducing strain on my family relationships. It also helps to prevent me from doing what my kids call 'phubbing,' which is snubbing others when my phone dings or overreacting to being interrupted."
—Heather Eason, SELECT Power Systems
7. Be flexible
"Balancing the roles of being a mom and a CEO of my own company can be challenging, but I've learned to be flexible and adaptable. Unexpected situations always happen, so being able to pivot and adjust my schedule or priorities accordingly has been crucial.
"Finding a balance between being a mom and a CEO requires intentionality, organization, and effective communication. By prioritizing flexibility, I've been able to navigate the demands of both roles more successfully and lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally."
—Anna Blood, Blood Law PLLC
8. Leverage remote work
"Working remotely has been a game changer for me. It's like having my cake and eating it too—I can keep the business going while still being there for my family. We moms, we kind of evolve into multitasking ninjas, juggling tasks left and right with some sort of supernatural skill.
"The ability to work from anywhere means that I can transition between my responsibilities as a CEO and a mom without having to compromise on either. Throughout the day, I can alternate between attending to business needs and spending quality time with my family. This flexibility is invaluable."
—Esther Buttery, CLIQ Marketing Content
9. Embrace stability over balance
"You don’t need to be Wonder Woman to everyone at the same time. Something must give; showing your superpowers in a new business pitch, for example, means you’ve filled that bucket for the day, and it’s okay to remove the guilt of bringing the same energy to every task. Women are often framed as needing to do everything, which is a false notion that sets us up for failure.
"Don’t overthink about accomplishing everything. Often, we get distracted by the sheer overwhelmingness of trying to balance our lives. Instead, think of the 'mini wins'—what did we achieve in the last hour or today?"
—Suzanne Perez-Bernal, ANDER & Co
About the Author
Post by: Brett Farmiloe
Brett Farmiloe is the founder and CEO of Featured, a platform where business leaders can answer questions related to their expertise and get published in articles featuring their insights.
Company: Featured
Website: www.featured.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
