Interview

  

Being interviewed by Hazel Theocharous of Expert VA and Host of ‘The Small Business Show’ radio program on Sydney’s 2RRR on 18th July 2012

http://goparents.com.au/audio/2RRR_Interview.mp3 

From the interview, I am sharing with you:

3 tips on how to create a balance between your business and parenting

Parenting and running your own business are two fantastic challenges. However, if you are a businessman/woman and a parent at the same time, striking a balance between running a successful business and looking after your family can be a challenge.

I’m sharing with you three tips on how to achieve harmony or balance when running your own business and juggling parenting at the same time.

Before I go continue, I would like to stress that the term “balance” differs from one person to another. It all boils down to your own values, beliefs and priorities and commitment.

The three tips are:

1. Energy Management
2. Priorities
3. Delegation of Duties

Energy Management

Be clear of what you want to achieve, how you would like your day to look like and set the intentions on how to achieve that.

For example, you have a very busy day ahead and you’d like to focus clearly on your project and to finish it by a certain time, but also have time and energy for your children later on.

You start by setting an inner intention – you would like to feel calm, focused and energetic to handle the day. Your outer intention is take the next step to fulfill the inner intention, such as to do a half hour of meditation and gentle exercise early in the morning and have a healthy breakfast for energy.

Priorities

There is only so much you can do in a day, so list out your priorities:

Must do list

Allocate a specific time frame for it. However, be flexible if you have family issues that take precedence.

Allocate time for the family

No matter how busy you are, this is a must! Be PRESENT when you are with your children. Focus fully and really enjoy your quality time with them.

Home chores

Focus only on the ones that are important. The rest can be done during the weekends or contract them out.

For example the important chores are:

– Prepare proper meals for the family. Save time by preparing them in advance.

– If you have some house chores to do, get your children to help you with some easier house chores as an interactive time with your children. Example: washing plates together, putting the spoons and forks back into the drawer…a fantastic way to connect with your children.

Socialising

This is especially tricky when you work from home. Be very disciplined about your working hours and your family time. Make it clear to your friends what your working hours are.  I know it can be difficult; however, if you are serious in business you will have to draw the line. And if they are truly your friends, they would like to see you succeed as well.

Delegation of duties

Do not hesitate to contract external resources to help you make things happen.

Examples:

·       Hire a nanny or carer to help with child minding if you have urgent projects to finish.

·       Hire a domestic helper to keep the house clean.

·       If you have older children, and do not have time to coach or guide them with their homework, contract external tutors to help them.

I’m sure your intention of running a business is to enable you to have more control of your life and do something that you are passionate about. If you adhere to the basic principals mentioned above, you are on your way to achieve great things in your life.

  Lay-Ean Eng

Parenting Life Coach and founder of GoKids and GoParents.
Lay-Ean coaches parents: In order to find harmony in their lives, they must first find the clarity in themselves and to find the confidence to be the person and parent they set out to be.
https://gokids.com.au | http://www.goparents.com.au