ASK GERBER: HOW CAN ENTREPRENEURS CREATE SHARED EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR CHILDREN?
APRIL 18, 2019
By Randy Gerber
Having kids and starting your own business have a few things in common: they are unbelievably fun, undeniably exhausting and some of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences you will probably ever have in your life. And surprisingly, they don't need to be in competition with each other.
With effort and intention, it is possible to share experiences that will fulfill your work obligations while also building life-long relationships with your children. Here are a few actionable steps to make it happen.
COMMUNICATE
Talk with your spouse regularly about the family's calendar of events and when he/she can expect you to be home to spend time with the kids. If your children are old enough, include them in the conversation. Figure out what events are going on in your children's lives that you absolutely need to be at. You probably won't be able to make every practice or piano lesson, but you can try to schedule trips and meetings around recitals, games, and other important events if you have a clear view into when things are happening.
Do you ever catch yourself thinking "I put so much of myself into the business that I worry I am falling short as a spouse or parent?" You're not alone! Check our
ASK GERBER blog for more on navigating the difficult relationships as a first-generation entrepreneur.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT HOME
Think of all you can do in an hour. Go home for dinner (even if it means returning to the office or working from home later), read books to your children, shoot hoops in the driveway or ride bikes. Watch a sports practice from the sidelines; take a drive or just talk. Dedicate one afternoon per weekend to family fun - such as swimming, time at the park, museum trips, or whatever your child enjoys doing.
PLANNED EXPERIENCE SHARING
Planned experience sharing is making the deliberate decision to share the time you would normally split between work and family. If you are scheduled to attend an out-of-town conference or networking event, extend your stay and have your family join you for the last day or two. They can run around on their own while you wrap up your meetings, and then you can spend a few days enjoying a short family vacation.
TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO WORK
Kids are never too young to take to the office. Make a habit of spending special time with your child where you work - whether it's to show them a new product offering first-hand, or simply check your mail. Your child will see this part of you and have a better understanding of what you are doing when you are not at home. If they are old enough, you could even have them help out with some small jobs around the office.
How do you create and share experiences with your children? Share with us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook!
