Does your family support your business? Do you have any helpful hints so other WAHMs can get the support they need?
My husband isn't overly supportive of my business. But our kids love it that my home business allows us more time together. I never miss school plays or music programs, and I don't need a boss' permission to go. My kids have told me that even on the WORST days, when I'm so busy that I rush through sandwich-making for their lunch and toss them a bag of chips, they'd rather have it this way than be at a daycare every day. I'm here to soothe hurt feelings, bandage scraped knees, and share their little joys throughout each day. If I'm on the phone with a client, they've learned to quietly show me or write me a note that they slip in front of me. We don't have it all perfected, but we're getting there!
My kids are supportive...until they want to go to the beach! They are seven and ten years old and think my life is one big picnic. However, the green stuff keeps the air conditioner on in 95 degree weather, popsicles in the fridge, and the phone on the hook. we are in the process of learning that mom needs work time...I am labeled by my children as "no fun".
My husband is the best. He always supports in in any business venture I my look at. I work out of the house right now as well as take care of my children. My husband is always there to make sure things run easy for me. When he comes home he makes sure the kids leave me alone so I can finish any work I might not have had a chance to do. When I come up with another business idea or want to expeand my business now he is the first person to say if you will do the work and think it can work and if its that important to you I will give you the money. He is the best when it come s to support. The kids on the other hand .....
When I started my home business, I knew with my husband working a 12 hour work week and 4 small children I would need a ton of help. So I sat the children down and told them that WE have a new business. I let them know that it is my there business as much as theirs, so they would need to help. We wrote out the business plan together and then went over the time schedule I would need to run it. They know which times Mom is available and which times to keep themselves busy. I also offered them an incentive. We sat down and made out a goal statement. Their's, mine, and a family's. We then decided which goal we would meet first. Of course, Disney won out. So now they know, they have to help around the house if I am to make the money to get them to Disney. I don't have to be on their backs much any more, I just say do you want to go to Disney or not? They run to unload the dishwasher and take out the trash, fold the clothes and dust. You can make smaller goals as a night out for ice cream or a movie they want to see. It works. Just involve them in the business and they take great pride in helping. With my first check we went to Friendly's and they could order whatever they wanted. The best part is they learned to make out a goal statement and work towards achieving their goals, helping me to achieve mine.
My family is very supportive of my South Carolina Avon business. My oldest daughter gets me new business, my youngest daughter helps me stamp and prepare my new catalogues and separate orders, and my husband is a virtual Avon salesman for me! The baby only tries to climb in the boxes, so he has some training to go!
