Merging Family and Work |

Merging Family and Work

Posted by Alyssa Gregory On December - 31 - 2009

As we get ready to dive into 2010, we’re making our resolutions, identifying our goals and getting ready to make the year a great one. One common resolution small business owners make is to find a way to spend more quality time with their family. This is a big challenge, especially for those of us who work from home and constantly fight the work/life balance issue.

But there is a way to merge the two facets of your life — family and work — to create a harmonious solution. Depending on their age, your children may have some understanding about what you do, at least from an observer’s perspective. By opening the door to them and giving them an opportunity to get involved in your work, you are sharing an important part of your life and letting them see a whole new side of you.

Here are some of the biggest reasons to let your kids have a hand in your work:

It lets them see how you work.
It teaches them responsibility.
It lets them experience the pride that comes with completing a project.
It gives them an opportunity to learn about business.
It helps them appreciate what you do every day.
It allows them to spend some quality time with you.

The most important thing is age-appropriateness, so here are some ideas for each age group:

A toddler can…

Put paper in the recycling container
Carry files to your desk
Help you open and close file cabinet drawers
Stack books in piles

A school-age child can…

Fill your pencil holder with new pens and pencils
Alphabetize your files
Collate and staple reports
Stamp letters and seal envelopes
Count pages and inserts

A teenager can…

Shred documents
Type letters and memos
Mail packages
Enter data in a spreadsheet
Purchase supplies
Complete online research
Scan photos and documents

Once you have determined what tasks are appropriate for your child to do, make “working” with you fun. Start small with jobs that are quick and easy so they don’t get overwhelmed, and let them set the pace. Some ways to add excitement for your kids include:

Paying them for their time
Letting them pick what they would like to do in the office
Creating “work hours” especially for them, once or twice a week
Telling them what a great job they are doing

You can even set up an area in your office where they can do their own homework while you work. And don’t forget to turn off the business mentality and remember it’s not about getting as much done as possible; it’s about learning more about your kids and sharing a special time…just between you and them.

Written by Alyssa Gregory
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