For many entrepreneurs, balancing business and parenting feels like juggling two full-time jobs. Your business often feels like your first child—you pour time, energy, and resources into helping it grow. But for some of us, there are actual children in the mix. School-aged kids have their own unique demands: last-minute science projects, forgotten permission slips, and a never-ending cycle of packed lunches. And then there are the sick days when they’re curled up on the couch binge-watching cartoons while you try to squeeze in Zoom calls.

If your children are in school, balancing business and parenting can feel like a high-wire act. You want to build a sustainable, scalable business to secure a bright future for your family, but you also can’t neglect the responsibility of being an engaged, present parent. After all, we want our kids to grow up confident, compassionate, and ready to contribute to the world in ways we could never have imagined.

Balancing a Business and Parenting Can Feel Like Too Much.

Yes, the pressure can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: the fact that you care enough to worry, to read articles like this, and to shower your kids with unconditional love, means you’re probably doing a great job. (Full disclosure: I haven’t fact-checked that. Another entrepreneur-parent told me years ago, and it made me feel better).

When the scales tip toward overwhelm, remember you’re not alone. I regularly chat with founder-parents in our coworking spaces and offices. We discuss everything from encouraging a growth mindset in our kids to the guilt we feel when we’re knee-deep in work. I’ve been in the entrepreneurship game for over 15 years now, the last ten years of which have included parenting. I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s tough. I’ve shed a few tears along the way. But my business has grown, my kids are thriving, and my partner, Remi, and I have been together for 18 years, 16 of which we’ve spent working together.

10 Key Takeaways for Balancing Business and Parenting

1. Prepare to Compromise When Balancing Business and Parenting

When you’re young and single, it’s easy to work nonstop, take big risks, and attend every networking event within a 50-mile radius. But once kids enter the picture, your decisions impact more than just you. Being a workaholic isn’t an option if you want to nurture the bond with your kids by spending quality time with them. While entrepreneurship involves big dreams and risks, it also requires you to be strategic with your time. Think about your three- and ten-year goals. If you want to scale your business and still be present for your kids, you’re going to need help.

2. Prioritise Your Time for Better Business and Parenting Balance

Take an analytical look at your day-to-day tasks. Track everything you do over two weeks and categorise them using an Eisenhower Matrix, popularised by Dr. Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Tasks are categorised as:

• Urgent/Important

• Not Urgent/Important

• Urgent/Not Important

• Not Urgent/Not Important

Eliminate tasks in the “Not Urgent/Not Important” category. Delegate “Urgent/Not Important” tasks to a freelancer or VA—it’ll take time upfront but pays off in the long run. Schedule regular blocks for tackling the “Not Urgent/Important” tasks by adding recurring events to your calendar. Finally, tackle “Urgent/Important” tasks as they arise, but keep an eye out for patterns. You might find ways to streamline or delegate these in the future.

3. Create a Flexible Work Schedule for Balancing Business and Parenting

Balancing work and parenting isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about managing your time smartly. Wake up early and hit the office by 7 a.m. (or earlier) to power through your to-do list, so you can leave in time for school pickups or family dinners. On weekends, consider working for a couple of hours in the morning, then spend the rest of the day with your family. I do this sometimes, aiming to be home by 10 a.m. to enjoy the day together.

4. Be Fully Present with Your Kids While Running a Business

Parenthood warps your sense of time. As Gretchen Rubin says, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Even if you can’t spend every moment with your kids, make the time you do spend count. Be their designated driver, attend sports practices, or dive into their interests—whether that’s helping them build a volcano for science class or listening to them talk endlessly about Minecraft.

If you’re exhausted, snuggle up on the sofa and watch their favorite movie. Bedtime routines are golden, too. My partner, Remi, doesn’t always make it home for dinner, but he’s always there to read bedtime stories and chat about their day before lights out. Those quiet moments often become the times when kids open up about challenges.

5. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

You want to be the best parent you can be, but don’t let that stop you from achieving your professional goals. Your kids will be inspired by your hard work and eventually understand that your efforts are for their benefit. And if you mess up—like forgetting to sign a permission slip or buying shop-bought cupcakes for the school bake sale—don’t sweat it. A minor setback won’t make your kids love you any less.

That said, never lie to your kids or break promises. Trust is foundational, and betraying it can be hard to repair.

6. Take Care of Your Relationship with Your Spouse/Partner

Your partner might not be involved in your business, but they’re your life teammate. Business setbacks, growth spurts, and sleep deprivation are easier to handle with their support. Nourish your relationship beyond just talking about business, bills, and parenting logistics.

You don’t need fancy date nights (unless that’s your thing). Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking thoughtful questions beyond “How was your day?” and genuinely listening. Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, is a great resource for understanding how to connect with each other.

7. Use Practical Parenting Techniques Like Bedtime Routines

Bedtime routines aren’t only for little kids and aren’t just for winding down—they’re opportunities for connection. Whether it’s reading stories, cuddling, or just chatting about the day, these moments create lasting memories and strengthen your bond with your kids.

8. Make Time for Self-Care

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure to carve out time for yourself, whether it’s a morning run, a quiet coffee, or just a few minutes of deep breathing. Prioritise ways for you to get enough sleep! Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential for keeping your energy and mindset in check.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

Entrepreneurship and parenting are both long games. Celebrate the small victories—whether it’s landing a new client, getting through a tough week, or finally helping your child master long division. Recognising these wins keeps you motivated and grateful.

10. Get Help Balancing Business and Parenting

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a busy entrepreneur-parent is that you can’t do it all alone—and you shouldn’t have to. Getting help, both at home and in your business, is essential for maintaining your sanity and ensuring success on all fronts. When it comes to your business, delegating tasks to freelancers or virtual assistants (VAs) can free up significant time and mental space. As mentioned in the section on prioritising your time, identifying tasks that others can handle allows you to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s strategic growth or quality time with your family.

The same principle applies to your children’s education. As they progress through school (or if they are homeschooled like mine), academic demands can become overwhelming—for them and for you. This is where private tutors come in. Hiring a tutor can be a game changer. A good one can help your child achieve academic success and give you peace of mind knowing that your child has professional guidance giving them the support they need, without you having to wear yet another hat. If you’re looking for exceptional educational support, Manning’s Tutors is an award-winning tutoring company with experienced tutors who can help your child reach their academic potential.

11. Enjoy Balancing Business and Parenting

Let’s be honest—it’s hard growing a business and even harder doing it while raising kids. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Anyone who claims it’s easy is either lying or trying to sell you something. But here’s the perk: if you find a free weekday to take your kids to their favourite amusement park and enjoy crowd-free rides, you don’t need anyone’s permission!

Pat yourself on the back. Every day is a challenge, but you’re doing great. Balancing business and parenting is life-changing, and you deserve to feel proud of everything you’re achieving.

Looking for more resources on balancing business and parenting? Check out other helpful articles on the Mainyard Studios Blog.