Faith and Business 101: Succeeding in Business Over the Summer!

We just got back from our 3 week trek across the U.S! To read more about our adventures, visit The Christian Moms Business Resource blog.

I’ll tell you…3 weeks is a very LONG time to be out of routine with a toddler (and also a husband who likes routine as well!) It was a working vacation for me, which added some extra stress, but we did manage to have some fun a long the way.

For many moms, running a business during the summer is stressful and difficult. I know that I personally have to completely re-arrange my schedule and thought-process for the summer. Because even though my son isn’t in school yet, my “mother’s helper” that comes over 2-3 times a week to help out is out of school and has vacation plans, and my little guy certainly does not want to be cooped up inside every day this summer.

So what’s the solution? How do I keep my business going over the summer and still keep my family happy?

I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I do have some ideas I’m going to try out in my own house:

1. Head to the park once a week. We have a “sprinkler park” (as my son calls it) close by that is free for the community. A nice way to cool off on the cheap!
2. Purchase a kid’s pool, or if you have older kids, a slip ‘n slide …or some way to set up water fun in the backyard for the kids. Set your laptop up in a shady spot or plan to make calls outside while everyone is having fun in the backyard.
3. In our area, it is still pretty chilly in the morning until about 10am or so. Plan to get most of your work done in the early morning and then take the kids outside for a while each day as soon as it warms up.
4. Keep your afternoon “rest-time” enforced during the summer months, too. Even for older kids. Quiet time (or movie/reading time) every day helps everyone calm down and you can get some extra work done, too.
5. After quiet time is over, take some time out for the kids, make sure your dinner plans are in order and plan to check e-mails or finish up last minute tasks after the kids are in bed. Never forget the power of a “to-do” list! Making a list before bed each night helps you to transfer your brain-overload to the paper and you can pick it back up easily in the morning.
6. Plan a “Non-Negotiable” date night with your husband each week. Even if you can’t afford to go out! Purchase a devotional book, make a favorite dessert and have a “coffee date” at home if you need to. This lets him know that he is important to you even during your busiest times.
7. Make sure your husband knows how much you appreciate him and what he does to help out at home. Find out his “Love Language” and make sure you’re keeping his love tank full. He, in turn, will want to do the same for you. It’s amazing how much smoother things run at home without grumpy spouses trying to work around each other!
8. Set up a play date at least twice a month with friends. This makes sure you get some adult interaction, too!
9. Plan a few days of “stay-cation!” Make sure to take several full days off with your kids to just goof off and play. They will appreciate it and so will you!
10. Find a new daily devotional that you and your kids can do together each morning. Allow the Lord to be the center of your life, family and all of your activities and with His help–you will all thrive this summer!

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1: 1-3 NIV

Until next time…

MariLee Parrish

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