How to Get Your Kids Involved When You Work from Home
When I started my business, I knew that my daughter, Olivia, would be involved somehow. I had always included her in “big girl” things (age appropriately, of course!). She was my little sidekick, so I ended up naming the company after her. Over the years, I have been surprised by how much of the business she has been interested in. She has learned so much from being involved, and I am here to encourage you to involve your kids in your business, too.
When you allow your children to get involved in your business, they learn so much more than just the task at hand. They learn…
goal setting
real life applications of school lessons
accountability
interpersonal skills
work ethic
inspiration to create their own path
problem solving skills
the direct relationship between work and reward.
As a bonus, we the parents get the benefit of seeing our children in a different light. We get to see their little brains processing new information, problem-solving, and dreaming big. This proud mama’s heart swells when seeing Olivia’s reaction to success!
The tasks you can hand over to your children differ depending on their age levels. At younger ages, your child will perform tasks alongside you. Guide them in their decision making and explain tasks one step at a time. As they grow older, you will be able to hand off tasks for them to complete more independently. Ultimately, you know your child best, and know better than anyone else what they can handle. So, use your own judgement when assigning tasks. Here are some ideas for you!
2-4 Years Old
Pack outgoing orders
Open incoming packages
Tidy up the office – simple tasks with supervision
Count supplies and inventory
4-6 Years Old
Tidy up the office – increasingly complex tasks
Fill orders by pulling products off the shelf
Put shipments and materials away in the correct spots
Organize your paper pile by receipt, invoice, etc. (Give them an example of each type of document and have them sort the pile.)
Stuff envelopes for mailings
Gather materials for projects
6-9 Years Old
File and shred paperwork
Add up receipts
Brainstorm ideas for new products
Name new products
Style photoshoots
Set up and tear down displays and sales tables
9-12 Years Old
Take notes from phone calls (simple at first, increasing in complexity with age and experience)
Greet guests and give handouts at meetings or conferences
Assemble products
Send emails
Take photos of products
12+ Years Old
Answer phones and take messages
Simple photo cropping and graphic design
Schedule social media posts
Techie tasks and problems
Transcribe document
It is important to me for my kids to see me work. It is extremely important for them to see the direct relationship between work and the reward, payment, or even just the sense of accomplishment for completing a project. As Olivia gets older, I will involve her more and more in my business. I will even take her along to conferences so she can see the larger picture of our industry. Someday, when I am the one speaking on the stage, she will beam up at me and know she was an instrumental part of our success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I'm Christa and I am the Creative Designer and Owner of Sweet Olivia Celebrations. I help usy mom plan Pinterest perfect parties that will wow their kids! I blog tips, tricks, and ideas for planning and pulling off an awesome party. I also reate and sell printable party plans to help he through the entire party planning process.
Christa Graham, Sweet Olivia Celebrations
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