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Running a business can be hard work. Working moms know that your attention is on more than just your business, and we always want to put kids first. Unfortunately, providing for the kids also means paying the bills.
Enter childcare. Although it is an added expense, it is an investment that can help you focus on both your work and your children. Today, family-owned businesses employ 60% of workers and made nearly 80% of new hires. More parents are working, and more small businesses are family-owned — and the demand for childcare is way up. Here’s what you need to know, presented below by the Cedarbrook Early Learning Center.
Top Benefits of Daycare
The names have changed – day care, child care, preschool – but no matter what you call it, these teachers can free you up mentally and physically to be more effective and, therefore, more productive and profitable. And if you have a new baby on the way, finding the right daycare for your older child (or children) is especially important. So once you’ve found a few comfortable maternity gowns for hospital, then start looking around online for a great childcare center, like Cedarbrook Early Learning Center.
A good childcare center has benefits for children that include:
Maintaining a daily schedule. Owning a business and working from home can leave the kids stuck to their tablets and unsure of time spent with parents. Children thrive on routine, which is provided by a structured daycare environment. They’ll be happy to go to preschool in the morning and delighted to see you in the afternoon.
Academic enhancement. Childcare centers range from play-based to academic-based, but you don’t have to choose between them. Kids can learn while having fun. Ask about the curriculum and look for one that focuses on the whole child.
Boosted confidence. Children in daycare are more independent and therefore more confident. They learn early that they can survive and even thrive without the constant watchful eyes of their parents.
Greater communication skills. Children learn to communicate starting in infancy. When exposed to socialization opportunities, which they are in a day care setting, they learn to communicate better and in more ways. Scholastics explains that school helps young children communicate by having teachers that value their ideas, prepare their physical environment for communication, and model appropriate social behaviors.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to plan for days when daycare simply isn’t available. This could involve something exciting like storm-spotting, or activities like games and puzzles that allow them to play on their own. It can also be helpful to give them some chores or let them help with projects related to your business; keep little hands busy with simple filing, or allow older kids to do some data entry.
Help Beyond Child Care
As a parent and a business owner, you might need additional help running things. A few areas to consider calling in additional hands are:
Accounting. An accountant will help you keep your books straight, and this is one last task you’ll have to worry about. Hiring a certified accounting professional can also help keep you compliant and give you and your employees greater access to your financial records online.
Business formation. Restructuring your business as an LLC, for example, can be an involved process if you go the traditional route with an attorney. Use a formation company to make the process faster and easier for you.
Time-consuming tasks. If it feels like you’re spending half your day answering emails, mailing out information, or scheduling travel, invest in a personal assistant that can take care of these time-sucking tasks and more.
Digital tools. If you’re working with a designer, a digital tool to convert a JPG to a PDF can be a big help to them. A PDF preserves image quality, ensuring that anything you send them will work best.
Don’t Forget to Spend Time with Your Children
With all this talk of childcare, remember that it's important to spend time with your children, even when you're busy with work. When you're with your children, you have the opportunity to bond with them and create memories that will last a lifetime. You also have the chance to teach them important life lessons, such as the value of hard work and perseverance.
In addition, spending time with your children can help to build their self-esteem and confidence. They'll learn that they're valued and loved, and that they're an important part of your life. Spending time with your older children is even more important if you have a new little one on the way. They need to know that they are still loved and deserve special attention from you.
By giving your kids your time, they'll be more likely to grow into happy, well-adjusted adults. So make the time to spend with your children, even if it means making some sacrifices at work. In the end, it will be worth it.
Get the Support You Need for Everyone to Thrive
Choosing the right childcare program for your kids is better for you and for them. As a parent, you want what’s best for the children. As an entrepreneur, you need to also do what’s best for business — just remember to make room in your schedule for quality time with the family. Making sure they are well cared for during the workday is just one act of love that pays back.
To learn more about how we can help meet the developmental needs of young children, visit Cedarbrook Early Learning Center today!