Working at home with kids: When’s the best time to start?

Working at home with kids is a great way to balance parenting with a career but it can also bring a host of challenges. What is the best age for your children to be when you start your business?

Every stage of childhood brings its own nuances so it’s important to think this through so that your decision is reasonably well informed.

Pregnancy to one year old

Whilst this can be a great time to get a start out on your own, it’s worth considering how well you’ll cope with two major changes in your life at one time. Some people embrace change readily and thrive on variety; others find it daunting for too much to be different too quickly.

If you have the time to establish your business before your baby arrives, this will give you the chance to iron out some of the teething problems before you’re sleep deprived.

One to five year olds

Toddlers are a lot of fun but they are totally unpredictable! They are noisy and very busy. They need plenty of stimulation and when they want your attention, they’ll make sure they get it. These are precious years with lots of ‘firsts’, with your baby starting to talk and walk and really beginning to interact with you in a way that allows you to see their own personality shining through. They’ll start to enjoy interacting with other children, which will eventually free up your time. But even if they do have a friend to play, don't expect them to be self sufficient for long at this age.

Five to 12 year olds

If there was an ideal time to start your business, this is possibly it. Your child's time is more structured and generally speaking, they will have developed the social skills to play independently for longer. They might be involved in after school activities where you can share some of the ferrying with other parents.

Be realistic about how much work you commit to during the school holidays. I still try to halve my working hours during the break to give me time to really catch up with my daughters.

Teenagers

Many people mistakenly think that this is the best time to launch a new business venture. For me, nothing could have been further from the truth. My children needed me more in their teenage years than ever before. Admittedly, this won’t be the same for everyone, but keep in mind that teenage problems are bigger and take more time to resolve.

Key considerations include:

Noise. Babies and toddlers are noisy! They cry, they have tantrums and often their games are loud so think about how soundproof your office is. Maybe you can create some flexibility about where you take phone calls when things get too noisy.
Sleep deprivation. Most new mothers are exhausted at some point in the first few years. Be realistic about how much you commit to and if possible, schedule time where you can catch a daytime nap.
Hours of business. If you have the flexibility to choose, don’t overdo it in the early stages. You want to enjoy the first few years of your child’s life. Things change so quickly and it’s wonderful to feel that you’ve experienced it first hand.
Child care. Don’t feel bad about leaving your child in someone else’s care. Put some real effort into finding the best quality of care as soon as you know that you’re pregnant. In some cities, there are long waiting lists for childcare centres. Don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions about what is right for you. If you feel very strongly about getting a nanny but friends or family are telling you a crèche is better, trust your own instinct. We’re all different and only you know what’s right for you.
Give up the guilt. Motherhood and guilt go hand in hand. Feeling guilty won’t make you a better parent so cut yourself some slack. Just do the best you can.
Give your child attention early. If you’re working from home and your pre-schooler is around, schedule your day so that you spend one on one time playing with them early. Get them involved in an engaging activity that they really love. After you’ve spent a good hour fully committed to meeting their needs, a toddler will often be able to amuse themselves for an hour or so after.
Where can you get help? Think about what you can delegate to others.

What has been your experience with working at home with kids? If there was a time that worked best for you, let us know by adding a comment.

Kate James works with her clients to help them clarify their personal values and strengths so that they can determine a life direction that feels like the perfect fit.

16 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 | Next» View all»

My experience is similar to what you have outlined - but now our children are adults and have left home. My daughter was four when I began working for myself - she is now 24. I designated a special play area in the office with her own desk and couch, so she could 'pretend to be working' if she chose, or sleep/rest, and the door opened outdoors into a secure grassed play area . This worked well with both her and a friend I looked after regularly. On looking back, I do agree that the teen years were the hardest. There are so many more demands on your time - physically and emotionally. I would schedule time throughout the day for them, then make up the work time at night after bedtime. I know this is not everyone's preference, but it worked very well for me and meant I could drop everything if I had to, and return to it later in the day, making sure my clients didn't lose out either. Our children know that we will talk to them whenever they need us, so that the lines of communication are always open. Now, I schedule occasional time for elderly relatives who need to get to doctor's appointments and the like. It still works out and I make sure deadlines are met. I just have to be very organised. If I was asked, "would I do it all again?" Absolutely.
Also, scheduling time for networking breakfast or lunch occasionally is really important for home based businesses and keeps you in contact with the business world. Karen from Springwood NSW
Thanks Kate, this is definitely one of those 'forward to a friend articles'! As a work from home Dad - and one who's fully involved with the joys of family - the only way I coped through the first few years was to get my office professionally soundproofed and to move the door handles up a bit, out of reach of small hands! Robert Gerrish from Flying Solo | Read my articles
Any advice for someone with 2 small but active dogs who bark in the middle of really serious business phone calls? Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Grant - I think Dr Harry would say they are trying to get your attention (smile) ... just like toddlers who think that mummy or daddy is talking to them, and do not comprehend what a phone is, so they play up. New strategies for occupying the dogs whilst on the phone could be a good idea - I've heard BarkBusters has good results too. It would probably surprise us all of how many of us have animals in the office with a similar dilemma. Karen from Springwood NSW
Love it Karen, glad to know that I'm not the only on who experienced some of that!! My kids are 4 and 2 and I would most certainly say it can depend on the type of business you have. If you are predominately online, then the younger years are probably the best to start as they don't move much!!
If you need to talk with customers or are on the phone a fair bit, then in my opinion, after 5, when they can understand when mummy has to make that call!
Great topic Karen!! Emma from DivaPromotions.com.au from Brisbane, Australia
Thanks for all of your comments. Karen - it's reassuring to hear you say you found the teenage years challenging too...there's something comforting in having someone else acknowledge it! Kate James from Melbourne | Read my articles

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