In reference to work life balance, have you heard the phrase, “you can have it all, you just can’t have it all at once”? Balancing a business and family can be two of the most challenging things a woman does in her lifetime. The combination of working while raising children is often the biggest guilt producer for Moms. We feel that to be a good mother we must sacrifice our own dreams and desires and lay them to rest until the time is right or our children are grown.

My belief is that you don’t need to sacrifice your dreams of owning a business while raising a family. You can create a life that includes a successful business and a successful family. I believe so strongly in this that I have chosen to support mom entrepreneurs in doing just that.

The degree to which we sacrifice has nothing to do with our ability to mother effectively. A fulfilled, excited, successful woman carries those qualities into her role as a mother. If you have a desire to build a business while raising your family then I believe you owe it to your soul to pursue this dream.

Obviously, there is significant difference between being an entrepreneur with children and being an entrepreneur without children. These differences need to be considered when building your business. If you have the responsibility of children, the dynamics and structure of your business may look different. You would need to have a clear plan and be organized with your time management, yet flexible in order to meet unexpected demands. Prioritizing is essential. One of the major issues I coach women on is prioritizing their goals as well as their day to day demands.

Many moms owning home businesses may need to consider their expectations around working from home. Expectations need to be realistic if you have children at home while you are doing business. There are various considerations that need to be addressed in order for you to be the most productive when attempting to work around the children’s routine.

Is your business going to be a hobby or do you plan for it to be a substantial income generator? This is a question many moms need to be truthful when asking themselves. Clarity is essential for creating a business that works for you and your family. If you decide your business is more a hobby with the ability to make a little extra income for you then you will build it differently than another Mom who wants to have high earning potential.

When I coach women on having a successful business and successful family, it is them, not me, who determines what success looks like. Success can mean a part time business with the ability to work from home and be available for volunteering in their kids’ school. For another, it can be opening their dream clothing store and finding excellent child care for their children.

Life is your canvas. You get to write the story. You get to choose. If entrepreneurship is calling you but guilt sneaks in to sabotage your dream, remember …what is good for you, is good for your children.