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The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
Feature Article - Parenting Tip - How to Use Your Children to Get Things Done
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Guest Article - How to Get Your Husband to Back Your Home Business Idea
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Just getting the newsletter out quickly today. The kids and I have miserable colds, and I'm just not up to sitting for long periods at the computer today. Good thing I don't have to talk to send this - I don't have a voice today either!
Don't forget, you can contribute your articles or tips anytime for consideration. Just use the contact form.
Anyone can find Valentine's chocolate at the grocery store!
Why not make the effort to get something extra special?
If you have children over the age of eight or nine years old, here is a parenting tip on how you can get things done quicker and easier with the help of your kids. It will cut your chores in half and give your children the opportunity to learn how to participate in the "daily shuffle" of things.
Help with Laundry
Laundry is a never-ending chore for Moms and Dads, so make it easier on everyone (especially yourself) by setting some rules on laundry. If it needs to be washed, the person that wears the item brings it to the laundry, or it is not washed. If you need something for the next day of school, don't wait until 8:00 at night to ask someone to wash it, or you will be shown how to do that for yourself. Kids Fold Towels, period. With all of the laundry, ironing and everything else to do, this is an easy chore they can do from an early age until they leave for college.
Shopping for Grocery
Helping mom and dad with grocery shopping can be fun and enjoyable for kids. Children are always quick to delegate orders when Mom is on the way to the Grocery Store .Next time you are headed out to the store, make it a family event. Evenly divide the grocery list between everyone and just so time isn't wasted at the Magazine stand, make it into a fun contest. For example, whoever finishes finding their items last, cleans up the dishes after the dinner meal.
Cleaning out the family vehicles
Car washing can become a task that no one wants to do, even Dad. Since it isn't anyone's favorite pastime, have the entire family roll up their sleeves for family fun. Mom and Dad, get ready, it's sure to be a water fight! Make it fun but get it done!
Work in the Yard
Traditionally the yard is Dad's domain. It should not be his responsibility only. It can easily be done if everyone pitches in. Assign the younger children the task of picking up sticks or trash from the lawn area before Dad begins to mow. All toys can be moved aside by the people that use them!
Yard sale preparation
Do you plan for a year sale? If you've ever experienced having a yard sale then you know the time and preparation in getting things ready for the big day. Children can help price things for the sale (they usually like that) and they can certainly go through their things with you to see what to keep and what to send out the door! Boys like to help Dad put out the yard sale or garage sale signs, and they may even want to make their own!
Leveraging your effort is a nice and effective thing. The chores will be cut in half if you let your children take some responsibility by helping you accomplish things around the house. The above list is only a suggestion, and you can add things that you think your children might be able to help you do. If you do not give your children an allowance, you should consider doing so if they pitch in and help. If they already receive an allowance, offer to reward them with a family night out doing something everyone enjoys! Also, when you assign chores, try to always make it a short and easy task. After all, they are just children!
Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website 1st-Self_Improvement.net. Terje is a Sociologist who enjoys contributing to the personal growth and happiness of others. He tries to accomplish this by writing about self improvement issues from his own experience and knowledge.
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"Please -- Pretty Please!! I really, really want to do this." From the sounds of things you'd think a parent and a child were in "one of those" arguments. But it's really a wife trying to persuade her husband to let her work from home. Getting your husband to back your home business can, at times, be as hazardous as those black diamond ski slopes.
This past week there has been a very active discussion on one of the work-at-home mom listservs about how to get support from a husband who isn't even close to being thrilled about your home business idea. Here are a few answers.
Men are getting very comfortable with the two income situations that women have begged to have for many years now. When mom and dad are bringing in two checks every couple of weeks, the pressure of keeping that job and worries of downsizing aren't nearly as scary when they know their wife is helping with the finances. The idea of mom staying home and starting a business that may or may not make money any time soon is enough to turn a man white with fear.
If your husband is one of those who has reservations about you wanting to come home and hang out your shingle, start by showing him a couple facts.
· Who will love and raise your children more? Mom or another caretaker? Here is an interesting fact: a child's self-concept is formed by the age of seven years old. Most caregivers, while they may enjoy children, cannot give a mother's love. More and more studies are being done on the importance of young children having that hourly contact with mom.
· Now look at your paychecks minus expenses. There is a wonderful book called, "Two Incomes and Still Broke: It's Not How Much You Make, but How Much You Keep," By Linda Kelley. There are exercises in this book that can help you figure what you and your husband, both working outside the home, are actually making each month. Some couples even find they are losing money because of daycare costs, taxes, commuting, etc. To get a better idea of what those costs would be visit: http://www.bizymoms.com/cart/careers/bizymoms_calculator.html
· One lady I've talked with, lets call her Sue, told me that if a woman ever came up against a husband who would not let her start her home business -- do it anyway. This is something Sue had experienced when she started her home business. Doing something on your own is very liberating, and some men hate the fact that you aren't depending on them 100% of the time. Don't get into a power struggle with him, show him often that you still love him and need him, and hopefully he will come around. Sue has continued her business from home and her husband is finally supportive of her. Well, maybe not 100% of the time -- but it's close enough.
Don't be afraid to get your husband involved with your business. The fact is -- a home business takes time to grow. For awhile, your husband will be the only financial support for the family. Your home business will need to turn into a team effort. Make sure he's not afraid to tell people what you do and what type of services or products you offer. Word of mouth will be your best form of advertisement. The more people there are talking up your business, the sooner your business will grow into a successful, money-making, home-based endeavor.
If starting a home business is your dream, getting your husband's approval will be one of many road blocks. Don't let these types of situations get you down. Press on and turn your home business dream into a reality.
Liz Folger is the founder of http://www.bizymoms.com. Bizymoms.com is the leading online resource for work-from-home ideas. The site offers home-based business start-up kits, online classes, e-books, chats and enthusiastic support for moms who want to have it all - a family and a career. Visit http://www.bizymoms.com for more information.
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