9 Tips for Creating a Postive Work/Life Balance

Earlier in the week, we asked the Vistaprint Facebook community how they run a small business AND a family. We received such great advice, we wanted to feature a few of our favorite responses here:

Deidrea Haysel
It’s a delicate dance…but you have to make sure you are being present with your children as much as possible. It’s so easy to stay busy on your smart phone/iPad etc, even while at the park. Dedicate time that you are SOLELY focused on your kids and enjoy them And in the same way there has to be kid-free time so you can work…but as long as the kids know you have dedicated time for them EVERY day, you’ll be more focused during work time and truly enjoy the fun time!

Dianna LaVecchia
Involve the whole family. Our business ventures involve the kids whenever possible to ensure the importance of family and instill pride in the businesses for everyone.

Maria Puerto-Leon Cankurtaran
As a mother of a 4-year-old and owner of two businesses in addition to having a job for benefits, I make sure that my son comes first always! We may not get to the pool or beach as often, but we do spend quality time everyday! He knows when it is time for mommy to work and thus looks forward to family time in the evenings.

Toby Adams
I balance my home studio salon and my family by making sure I take the right amount of time off. When my clients ask for appointments on my days off I simply tell them I can’t because that is family time, most understand. And when I do my clients and my kids crave attention I explain that I do this so we can do fun things when I’m not working. It all balances very well and I will never not work for myself again!

Deena Quintero
Make time for your family and or spouse. Even though the rewards can be greater by working for yourself you often have to work harder and longer hours and often you will find you are left without any personal time. You have to make personal/family time happen!

Kait Jaouen
Get an agenda, and live by it!!! Block out the time you want to spend with family and friends, as well as any vacations, Dr. appointments, school functions, etc. FIRST, then block out your work time around that. If you follow that system, you’ll never find yourself uncomfortable with your family to work ratio!

Ladinia Sharpe
As a salon owner and mother of three I easily get overworked but quickly learned that I run the business…the business should not run me. So I now close one day per week and have reduced my hours to fit school so I can spend time with my children. Self employment is meant to be enjoyable and more flexible as it belongs to you, so I include my family as much as possible and take them to work when they are not at school to avoid childcare bills.

James Morrow
Always try to have dinner at the table… Phones down at least 3x a week!!

Johnna Amber McCall
Communication and support. It is very hard to do it alone. Communicate with each other what you need and how you plan to get there. Have someone (hopefully your spouse) give you active support, not just the “support” of saying you can do it but actually helping.

What about YOU? What are some of your top tips for making time for family AND business?