Mom the Business Manager

cin on June 9th, 2008

It takes a lot of work and organization to run a business. The same goes for running a household. The task has become more complicated as parents each work more hours, the amount of kids homework has increased, and children take part in so many activities. It takes a lot to pull it all together. It’s a lot like running a business so write it down, get organized, and treat your household obligations the same as your work ones.

MANAGING THE STAFF
Sibling rivalry can get out of hand. Mom has to keep it under control and try to nurture a civil relationship between brothers and sisters.

DELEGATING
If Dad is working all day and Mom is working all day, who does the chores? Everybody. Mom divvies up the jobs and assigns them appropriately. Even Dad gets a chore list. Some great jobs for kids are maintaining the kitchen trash can, loading and unloading the dishwasher, cleaning bathroom mirrors and counter tops, dusting, and vacuuming. All easy stuff but they will grumble nonetheless. Delegating is not enough. The manager has to make sure it all gets done!

SCHEDULING
There are too many activities which need to be coordinated around Mom’s and Dad’s schedules. Here are just a few.
• Transportation needs to be arranged to get kids to and from school
• Play dates
• Sports and school activities
• Dentist and Doctor appointments for the family
• Holidays
• Outings

PROFIT SHARING AND BONUSES
No one is better at handing out rewards than Mom! Whether it is an ice cream sandwich after organizing the toys together in the garage or a trip to the movies just because, Mom is a great motivator.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
Some companies have gotten creative lately and designed planner systems and date books that accommodate Mom’s work schedule and home schedule so that she can see everything expected of her at a glance. Writing everything down and keeping track of what needs to be done to keep your house running smoothly is what makes the difference between and over worked, stressed out Mom who’s struggling to stay afloat, and an over worked, less stressed and in control Mom who is on top of everything. Which one are you!?