Tips for Family-Owned Businesses Juggling It All
Running a family-owned business is no small feat, especially when your kids compete for your attention while invoices pile up and the dog has to go outside, again. You’re not just a business owner; you’re the CFO, the marketing team, the accountant, and—let’s be honest—the cook, housekeeper, and driver, too. Here’s how to stay organized, keep your books in order, and still have a moment to breathe (and maybe even relax) amid the chaos.
1. Set Up “Controlled” Chaos Blocks
You’re a family-owned business, which means the lines between work and home life are blurry (at best). But a bit of structure goes a long way.
Start early. Those quiet hours before everyone’s awake are a business owner’s best-kept secret. Use this time to check your numbers, sip your coffee, and maybe even finish a thought uninterrupted.
Designate blocks of time for focused work and family activities. Think “bookkeeping time” in the morning and “family time” in the afternoon. If you stick to this rhythm, not only will you find productivity, but you’ll show your kids the importance of setting boundaries (or at least attempt to).
Life with kids means something will always go off-script. So, make your schedule flexible, allowing for unplanned playdates, scraped knees, or a phone call from that client who always catches you mid-lunch.
2. Turn Your Little Ones into “Junior Associates”
Your business is a family affair—why not get the family involved?
Older kids can help organize supplies, label folders, or even shred documents. This not only teaches them responsibility but also gives you a few minutes to tackle something else.
Create a mini-office station for your kids near your workspace. Stock it with coloring books, toys, or snacks. This will give them a chance to play “office” while you play “business owner.”
Give small rewards for every uninterrupted work session they allow you to have. The promise of ice cream after 30 minutes of quiet time might be the golden ticket to sending those invoices on time. The kids will still grow up well-adjusted.
3. Use Technology Like a Pro—Even if You’re Learning as You Go
You’ve already got your hands full; let technology lighten the load.
QuickBooks: As a family-owned business, you need every efficiency boost you can get. Set up automation in your accounting software to categorize expenses, send invoices, and even send friendly reminders for late payments.
Receipt-Scanning Apps to the Rescue: Keep an app on your phone for snapping pictures of receipts on the go (like Expensify or Notes).
Keep It in the Cloud: Google Drive or Dropbox makes it easy to check financial documents whenever you have a free hand. From your kid’s soccer game to a last-minute grocery run, you can always sneak in a quick financial check-up on the go.
4. Break Big Tasks into Small, Bite-Sized Pieces
Running a business alongside family life means time is precious. Here’s how to make every minute count.
Break down big tasks into 10- or 15-minute chunks you can tackle throughout the day. Think “review yesterday’s transactions” (10 minutes), “send invoice reminders” (5 minutes), and “clear email inbox” (15 minutes).
If you have younger kids, use nap time as a golden hour. Get the high-priority tasks done first so that when they wake up, you’re not playing catch-up.
5. Make Your Work Time Obvious (for Your Family’s Sake)
Sometimes, the biggest challenge is reminding your family that work time is work time.
Visual Cues: Use a sign or even a “working hat” to signal to your family that it’s focus time. If you wear the hat or the sign is up, they’ll know not to disturb you unless it’s an emergency (or at least that’s the hope).
Color-Coded Calendars: Hang a color-coded calendar in a high-traffic spot in the house. Assign work hours to one color and family hours to another. This makes it clear to everyone (kids included) when you’ll be available and when you need that focus time.
Reward “Non-Interruptions”: Give them a star on a reward chart for every uninterrupted work session. After a week of good “office manners,” celebrate with a family reward, whether that’s a movie night, pizza party, or a trip for ice cream.
6. Don’t Forget Self-Care and Family Time
Yes, your business needs you, but so does your family—and so do you.
Claim 15 Minutes for Yourself: Whether it’s a quiet coffee, a walk, or a quick scroll through social media, make a little time each day just for you. This isn’t selfish; it’s self-preservation. A little “you time” goes a long way.
Prioritize Family Time to Avoid Burnout: Set a hard stop each day to transition from business mode to family mode. If you’re working on bookkeeping or reconciling numbers, it’s too easy to lose track of time. Setting this boundary helps keep you grounded and avoids the feeling that work is never done.
7. Laugh, Learn, and Let Go When Needed
Running a family business is like balancing an elephant on a unicycle on a basketball.
Embrace the chaos because things won’t always go as planned. The kids might argue, you might spill your coffee, and that client payment might get delayed. Laugh at the craziness when you can.
Celebrate every victory - every invoice sent, every reconciled account, and every new client acquired. Celebrate the wins, whether it’s with an extra-special treat (we’re talking that next-level wine) or a family reward.
You’re running a business, teaching your kids the value of hard work, and setting an incredible example. It might feel like chaos, but it’s organized chaos, getting the job done.
With patience, technology, and flexibility (plus a lot of caffeine), you can keep your books balanced, your clients happy, and your family close. May your coffee be strong, your family understanding, and your bookkeeping balanced!
Much love and luck!
