Starting a home business is seldom easy and we need support from our loved ones.

Between the family, friends and neighbors there are a lot of people close to you that will want to know what you're doing. You probably have already found out that they're not always supportive!

Could you wait a minute, please? - My wife is telling me that I need to help with my 14 year old's homework. I'll be right back...

OK, thanks for waiting. By the way - if we shut our families out - if we're so focused on this new business that we seem consumed by it - we're going to have lots of problems in our home. What's that you say? Getting consumed by your great new business hasn't happened to you yet? Just wait, my home business friend. At some point, you'll get so excited, so motivated, so focused - that you may forget about everything around you, including those whom you love.

Let's face it - our business is not more important than our family. So let's not act like it! Make sure that your family understands that they are more important than this business. And I mean all of your family - children, spouse, parents, siblings - everyone. They need to know that they are still number one in your life.

One good way to minimize difficulties in relationships with your family when starting a home business is to talk to all your significant family up-front, *before* you start your business. If you've already launched your new enterprise, it's never too late...

Start with your spouse or significant other. Sit down and explain what you're doing and why it is exciting to you; what your hopes, dreams and goals for the business are. When I started, I told my wife and loved ones very clearly, "My goal is to be making $500 dollars net profit we can spend by the end of 6 months, and $1,000 a month by the end of the first year." (I started part time). "I'm really happy about this, and I need your support." And, the Closing Question: "Wouldn't you like extra money in the budget, dear?"

That made it clear - I'm not off on some "get-rich-quick scheme," or one of Henri's "things," I've got a clear plan and I know what I'm doing. However you do it, make sure to get your significant other on board *first*.

Next - your younger children:
Your younger children are not really going to understand much about why you're doing this, what your goals are, etc. Instead, develop a routine with your younger children for meal times, naptimes, and play times. Work these times into your work schedule and adhere to them. If you fail to keep appointments
with your children, your children will have less respect for your work and do more to prevent you from the completion of your work.

Don't be afraid to let your younger children sit in your lap while you are working. It helps them to feel wanted and it helps them to be a part of your daily life. There are times when it is okay for them to be sitting in your lap while you work, and at other times you need them out of your lap. Don't be afraid to
tell them to get down and go play or read a book so that you can resume your work.

What about your older children and teens?
Explain to your older children that you do your work at home so that you can be near them when they need you. But also be sure they understand that you must do your work so that you will have the money necessary to keep your house, feed the family and to provide them with money for entertainment.

Once your children understand the necessity of your work, then outline a work schedule and explain it to them. Do make sure they understand that emergencies are definitely an acceptable reason to interrupt your work.

This just in! Teens these days are *very* Internet savvy. Get them involved, particularly the boys. Show them your new website. Ask them if they would be interested in helping out. Consider jobs they could do: search engine ranking research, ezine research, database management, and many others. Even consider "hiring" your teen. You'll have them involved, you'll get some time off, and now you'll have a true "family home business!"

In Conclusion
I hope these tips serve to help you in the challenge of operating a successful home business.

My home business permits me to fulfill my financial obligations *AND* develop closer relationships at home. I would never contemplate trading my home business for a job. Even with the added challenges of dealing with children while I work or getting my spouse on board, the upsides far outweigh the downsides.

Growing my own home business with children around has definitely given me a new respect for all people who successfully run a home business and make all the home relationships work well. I tip my hat to you... You deserve it!

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