Does Your Kids Understand That You Work at Home?
A Home Business Article Contributed by Marsha Maung
Does Your Kids Understand That You Work at Home?
The line between work and home is blur when you choose to work at home. You don't have a clear boundary between home and work - so, often, you'll see SOHO owners tripping all over themselves just to establish a routine for their business. That's not unusual and if you're facing the same problem, you're not alone.
One of the toughest things that I had to do when I first started out as a work at home entrepreneur is this - I had to tell my kids that I was working, whether they understood it or not at that time, is beyond me. But today, they fully understand the way this home works - that I work at home.
Explaining about Your Work at Home Choice
Some kids, older ones, may ask you a thing or two about working at home. For example, they may be curious as to why you're not driving OFF somewhere else to work like their friends' parents. All their friends have parents who work away from home and they might wonder why you're not. You should sit down with your older kids (and younger ones too, if they want to sit in) and explain in a very brief and simple manner why you have chosen to work at home and how it will benefit the family. You can also touch a little on the things that you do when you're working.
Will They Understand the Concept of Working at Home?
It depends on your child's age, capability of understanding the concept of freedom, choices and business. It also depends on your kids' perception of the world around them, their intelligence and emotional stability. It's important for us not to expect them to understand it totally and completely immediately. They will initially be a little stumped as to why you're no longer going out to work and can ask you embarrassing questions like, have you been fired?
If you are, it's alright to tell them so. They will understand it. Don't be afraid that your kids will look down on you because you've been fired. In fact, they'll launch personal attacks on the boss who fired you privately. Your kids will still think you are their hero even though you have chosen to work at home.
And if you're not fired from your job, they may have questions like, why did you quit? Nobody quits just like that! Explain the reason behind your decision, the advantages, and tell them that you have thought this over for a long time and have done your research on this. You're now prepared to be your own boss.
Should Your Kids Work at Home with You?
There are 2 issues here: should your kids be encouraged to start their own home-based business on their own - just like you? And should your kids get involved in your home business?
The general rule of thumb is this, if your child can understand the concept of running a business, making money, saving, investing and borrowing, then he/she can run his or her business from home. As long as he/she is not doing anything illegal, it should be alright. On the condition that they give priority to their studies.
If you want your kids to get involved in your home business, by all means, go ahead but don't expect them to do everything right. Give them things that you know they can handle and pay them an amount for the work that they do for you. Like sending mails to the post office on their skate boards or buying milk for their baby brother.
