Being an Entrepreneur with Kids: Juggling Diapers and Business Deals

By keeping a sense of humor through it all, you’ll not only make the journey of parenting and entrepreneurship more enjoyable, but you’ll also inspire those around you to find joy in the chaos too. Ah, parenthood. A roller coaster of sleepless..

Yukio McDonough
April 9, 2023 • 12 min read

Ah, parenthood. A roller coaster of sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and the sweet sound of little voices yelling “MOM” or “DAD” at ungodly hours. Now, throw in being an entrepreneur with the constant hustle of trying to build a successful business and it’s the recipe for a stand-up special. This one is definitely in top 10 of grownup problems.

But in all seriousness, I know what you’re thinking: how on Earth can I balance the chaos of parenting with the demands of entrepreneurship? What are those super skills it takes to be an entrepreneur with kids? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through the world of juggling diapers and business deals!

Embrace the Crazy (prepare to be a little crazy too)

First, let’s get one thing straight: both parenting and being an entrepreneur are unpredictable adventures. So, my number one tip for you? Embrace the chaos! If you’re crazy enough to have kids, you may be crazy enough to enjoy the rollercoaster of being a business owner. The sooner you embrace it, the easier it’ll be to roll with the punches and the closer you are to being an entrepreneur who’s crushing it.

In the words of a wise philosopher (aka, me), “if you can’t control the chaos, dance with it.” So, don’t be afraid to shake your head and laugh at yourself when your toddler streaks naked behind you during an important Zoom call announcing they just flushed a doll down the toilet trying to help it go potty. Trust me, it’ll make for great business stories at the next family gathering.

Find Your Support System (and your wine glass)

As they say, teamwork makes the dream work, especially when your dream involves conquering the world of business while dodging Lego minefields and late-night feedings. So, when you’re trying to do both, it’s essential to surround yourself with people who can help you stay afloat and have a good laugh along the way.

First, start building your “Dream Team.” This squad could include your partner, family members, close friends, or even fellow entrepreneurs who understand your unique struggles. Create a group chat, where you can share your daily wins, vent about your challenges, and even swap babysitting duties when necessary.

Next, get involved in local parenting or business communities, either in person or online. You’ll be surprised by how many people are in the same boat as you. Connect with them, share your experiences, and pick up some new tips and tricks to make your life a little easier.

Lastly, don’t forget to show your appreciation for your support system. Let them know how much they mean to you by organizing a dinner, sending a thoughtful text, or even planning a fun outing (kidding about the fun outing, unless you got a great baby sitter on your team!) After all, a little gratitude and laughter goes a long way in keeping your squad strong and motivated. You don’t have to navigate the wild world of parenting and entrepreneurship alone!

Prioritize Your Time (and taking out that stinky trash)

If you’re like me, you’ve got at least 99 problems, and finding enough hours in the day is definitely one of them. So, how can you make the most of your limited time without cloning yourself? (I tried that once, but my clone refused to change diapers, so back to the drawing board.) It’s all about prioritizing!

Start by making a list of your most important tasks (both parenting and business-related) and tackle them first. Once you’ve checked those big tasks off, move on to the smaller ones. And remember, it’s okay to let some things slide – nobody’s expecting you to be a superhero and CEO of the Year. If your kid’s lunch consists of a PB&J sandwich instead of a five-star, Instagram-worthy meal, it’s all good. They’ll survive – and so will your business.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your multitasking. I try to kill two birds with one stone whenever possible. Like getting in a good workout while picking up the toys that miraculously explode across your house everyday, go squats!

So, grab your cape (or your favorite pair of sweatpants) and start prioritizing. With a little strategy and a sense of humor, you’ll be juggling parenting and business like a pro – even if it means occasionally wearing mismatched socks to a client meeting. Hey, we’ve all been there!

Learn to Delegate

Repeat after me: “I am not an octopus, and I cannot do everything myself.” (Though, honestly – having eight arms would really come in handy when you’re changing a diaper while your daughter is making a splash pad out of the kitchen floor and you’re trying to get to a meeting.) As much as we’d like to be superheroes, we’re only human. And that means we need to learn the art of delegation.

In the business world, this means working with the right team members and trusting them to handle their responsibilities. As a parent, it might mean asking your partner or a family member to pick up the kids from school so you can focus on an important deadline. Remember, you don’t have to do it all – and you’ll be better off for it! Knowing when to ask for help and choosing the right people is one of those essential skills to be an entrepreneur.

Systematize at Work & Home

In the wild rollercoaster ride of parenting and entrepreneurship, having systems in place for both work and home tasks can be a game changer. It’s like having a secret weapon to help you stay on top of things and maintain your sanity, even when you’re life starts to resemble a real-life sitcom, because it is, trust me.

Here’s how you can systematize your work and home tasks without losing your sense of humor:

Use digital tools: Embrace technology to help you stay organized. Apps like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar can keep your work and home tasks on track – just make sure you don’t mix up your calendars, or you might end up inviting your clients to a parent-and-toddler potty training class.
Create routines: Establish routines for both work and home to streamline your day and reduce decision fatigue. Set aside time for checking emails, doing laundry, or prepping meals. Bonus points if you can make a game out of it – like seeing how fast you can fold laundry or how many emails you can answer in between the incessant demands of your children.
Batch similar tasks: Combine similar tasks to boost efficiency. For example, set aside time to make all your phone calls, reply to emails, or tackle household chores in one sitting. This way, you can get into a groove and knock out tasks like a champ – even if that means occasionally conducting a conference call while folding laundry. Multitasking at its finest!
Delegate and outsource: Remember, you don’t have to be a one-person show! Delegate tasks to your team at work and enlist the help of family members or services like grocery delivery or housecleaning at home. By sharing the load, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on what really matters, like growing your business and enjoying quality time with your family, wondering why they call it “fast food” when it never seems to be fast enough.

Make Time for Self-Care

Let’s face it – being a parentpreneur can sometimes feel like you’re constantly sprinting on a never-ending treadmill, juggling firey torches, and trying to escape a lion at the same time. It’s exhausting! But fear not, because I’ve got the secret to staying sane in this circus we call life: self-care. And I promise, it’s easier than it sounds – even if you’re as challenged by your ever demanding kids as I am.

Here are some simple, practical steps to make time for self-care, without sacrificing your much needed health:

Laugh it off: They say laughter is the best medicine, and they’re not wrong! Carve out time to watch your favorite comedy or stand-up routine (might I recommend some parenting compilations of comedians on Youtube), and let the de-stressing commence. It’s like a workout for your abs and your soul.
Make “me time” non-negotiable: Schedule regular breaks for yourself just as you would for important meetings. Whether it’s a 15-minute coffee break, a leisurely walk, or an evening bubble bath, treat yourself like the VIP you are.
Sweat it out: Exercise is a fantastic way to relieve stress and boost your mood. But who says working out has to be boring? Turn your living room into a dance floor and host a family dance-off, or challenge your kids to a game of tag in the yard. You’ll be burning calories and having fun at the same time – just be prepared for some interesting dance moves and the occasional pulled muscle.
Don’t forget to breathe: When life gets hectic, sometimes all you need is a few deep breaths to reset and refocus. So, take a minute to practice mindful breathing, meditate, or simply close your eyes and visualize yourself on a serene beach, far away from the chaos. Just don’t forget to come back to reality before your kids discover the hidden stash of cookies.

Remember, self-care is essential to keeping your sanity in check as a parentpreneur. So, give yourself permission to relax, recharge, and laugh a little – you’ve earned it! And when you’re feeling refreshed, you’ll be ready to tackle the world of parenting and business like a pro.

Celebrate Your Wins (and learn from the losses)

As parents and entrepreneurs, we often get caught up in the daily grind and forget to celebrate our achievements. But it’s important to take a step back, recognize your hard work, and give yourself a pat on the back (or a well-deserved glass of wine) every now and then.

Whether it’s a successful business deal, your child’s first steps, or even just surviving another hectic day, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, big and small. You’ve earned it!

As for the mistakes, they are bound to happen – and that’s okay! The key is to learn from those mishaps, quickly. And there’s no better teacher than experience – especially when that experience involves your kid logging into your online store and adding the family dog and her favorite stuffy for sale.

Turn those mistakes into lessons. Once you’ve had a good chuckle at your own expense, take a step back and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Maybe it’s that you need to double-check your calendar before scheduling appointments, or make sure that the kids can’t make impromtu appearances during your next zoom meeting. Whatever the lesson may be, embrace it and grow from it – with a smile, if you can!

Keep a Sense of Humor

Now, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my experience, it’s that humor is the ultimate secret weapon in navigating the chaotic world of parenting and entrepreneurship. It’s like having a pair of rose-tinted glasses that make even the most overwhelming situations a little more bearable.

So, how can you keep your sense of humor intact when your car is knee-deep in cracker crumbs and the kids refuse to get dressed when you’re running late? Here are a few tips to help you laugh your way through the madness:

Accept that chaos is funny (when it’s happening to someone else): Parenting and running a business are messy, unpredictable, and downright chaotic at times. But that’s also what makes them great sources of comedic material. So, when things don’t go as planned, take a step back and find the humor in the situation. Remember, what you’re kids put you throught is a lot funnier to everyone else who isn’t you. So think outside the box a little and see the nuggets of comedy gold hiding in plain sight.
Surround yourself with funny people (and those who lift you up): They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so why not make those five people the funniest ones you know? Connect with friends, family, or colleagues who share your sense of humor and can help you find the lighter side of life.
Practice the art of storytelling: Turn your daily experiences into hilarious anecdotes, and share them with others. Whether it’s recounting the time you accidentally walked into a meeting with baby boogies on your shoulder or sharing tales of your kids’ latest antics, storytelling is a great way to bond with others and be relatable.
Remember, it’s okay to laugh at yourself: Sometimes, the funniest moments come from our own mistakes and mishaps. So, don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself – after all, if you can’t laugh at yourself, then laugh at how ridiculous your kids are and at how tall “mount laundry” is getting.

In Conclusion

Balancing parenting and entrepreneurship may seem like a herculean task, but with the right mindset, support system, and a sense of humor, you can have your cake and eat it too – or in this case, change diapers and close business deals at the same time. If anything, parenthood teaches you a lot including the skills to be an entrepreneur who can conquer.