Our New Titles: Mompreneur & Dadpreneur
Balancing life as business owners and first-time parents is hard. Throw a pandemic in the mix and it gets down right nutty. One thing is for sure, we are so grateful we were promoted from entrepreneurs to parentpreneurs! We could not do it without our support system; that includes every person who takes the time to read this blog - thank you!
In celebration of Emerick’s six-month birthday, we wanted to share some lessons we’ve picked up the past several months.
Take time to bond with your newborn; consider it an investment in the future. Staying home for us meant there was no income coming into the business. This is a luxury not everyone can take. To make it a reality for you, make an adapted budget (personal and business) and a plan. For us the plan included each of us working part-time and trading on-duty parent days starting two weeks after Emerick was born. This gave each of us solo time with our new baby and allowed us to delay starting daycare until he was four and a half months old. Side note: due to Covid-19, we are yet to start daycare… more on that at a later date.
Re-imagine what success means for you and your business. The second we held Emerick in our arms, we each began to see the world a little differently. The same might be true for you; if so, embrace it and use it to grow your business in a way that is authentic and relevant for you, your family, and your community. It is okay to change your strategic plan and to use some of your hustle on baby bonding vs. lining up new clients.
Babies get more likes than puppies. Are you looking to shamelessly plug your logo or drop hints about how your business is helpful for families? Snap a pic of your newborn and post it with a link to your blog…
Let your baby see you work. Babies cannot always accompany us to work, but there are ways to incorporate them into your company culture. Emerick went to his first work lunch with Kayleigh at one month old. He began accompanying Josh on estimates at two months old. The first few months, while your little one mostly sleeps, can be a great time to get out and about - just be warned that newborns are very distracting to everyone around them!
Let your colleagues see you parent. Are you finding yourself on a Zoom meeting and your little one needs some attention or their lunch ASAP? Feed them or hold them on camera. Others are likely attempting the struggle that is the work-life balance, and your authentic approach and appearance will be appreciated.
Practice mindfulness. Being a parent teaches patience every day; so much is out of your control. Early morning spit up all over your work clothes or a mid-day blow out diaper might make you late for a meeting or completely change your day. Mindfulness will allow you to stay in the present moment, acknowledge your feelings and frustration, and channel your energy into accepting your current situation without being overwhelmed.
Choose durable wall paint - especially if you have a baby boy. The first time Emerick peed on his wall during a diaper change, our expenses for his nursery were vindicated. Higher-end paint is worth the investment, you can scrub it clean time and again and it won’t chip or lose its luster.
Always keep your baby laughing. It's the best sound in the world!
Emerick in his boss baby chair watching mommy work.
Emerick at an estimate for our client Beth.
Emerick testing out his earmuffs while daddy uses his sander.
Emerick sticking out his tongue after peeing on the wall.