Mom Invented

Dear Tamara,

How do you balance running a business and being a mom?

- Meredith, Rye, NY

Dear Meredith,

No matter where a mom works, finding balance seems to be the million-dollar question these days. But starting and running a business presents an additional set of challenges -- there is more risk, so you are more personally invested in your work's success. Unfortunately, the belief that running your own business will free up your time is only a myth. As your business grows, it demands more and more of your time. What it does offer, however, is more flexibility and the rewards of entrepreneurship.

That flexibility may include working from home and creating your own hours. I often work after my girls go to sleep, in order to spend more time with them. Other business-moms have told me that they value working for themselves because they call the shots -- they can bring their kids to the office, or be home when the kids come home from school. And even if they need babysitters to help out during work hours, the kids can still be nearby.

Here are some additional tips that may help you find that ever-elusive "balance" -- especially when life gets hectic:

Prioritize the moment. Sometimes pressing business issues will be your first priority. Other times a sick child, recital or school event will take precedence. The key is constantly evaluating your obligations to family and business.

Keep one calendar. Write down all business and personal appointments in one place. Otherwise you'll end up double-booking and creating havoc in your already-busy life.

Turn off cell phones, computers and TVs once in a while. Make family time count.

Schedule personal time. Whether it's an hour at the gym or 30 minutes reading a book before bed, be sure to take some "me" time for yourself. Schedule it like you would a meeting.

Give yourself a break. Remember that you are doing the best you can. Don't cave in to guilt or beat yourself up based on other people's judgments.

Tagged as: parenting advice, work life balance, working from home, working mom