Navigating the best and worst parts of being a parentpreneur

Image: Founder of Little Change Creators, Paige McInnes, with her children

Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as Paige McInnes, the creative mind behind children’s brand, Little Change Creators, shares the fun, challenging and oh-so-rewarding journey of being a parent and entrepreneur all rolled into one.

Our modern society makes it tricky for parents to succeed. Many of us, like me, are raising children without the ‘village’ our parents had. There aren’t grandparents, siblings or aunties coming to watch our kids or to help around the house. On top of that, some of us have spouses who work away from home, like my husband who’s currently travelling through Europe.

So why do we choose to add to our load by taking on the responsibility of running a business? Because there are many perks and rewards, if you can withstand the challenges.

Let’s start with the good stuff, shall we?

The best parts of being a parentpreneur

Flexibility and freedom

One of the absolute best things about being a parentpreneur is the flexibility it offers. As parents, we know that our kids’ needs come first, and running our own business allows us to juggle our work hours around those needs.

So, whether it’s attending school events or caring for them when they’re off-colour, we can shape our schedules to be present when our kids need us most.

Pursuing a passion

There’s something extra-special about doing what you love alongside raising a family.

For me, being a parentpreneur gives me an opportunity to use my skills as a former police artist and retail designer, to create Little Change Creators’ range of eco-friendly toys and gifts. I get to indulge in my love for creativity while making a positive impact on children’s lives. Seeing the reusable colouring sets that I design displayed on store shelves across Australia is like living in a dream where work and play become one!

Teaching life lessons

Kids are the world’s best copycats, so being a parentpreneur is an opportunity to lead by example.

My kids see first-hand the dedication, resilience and sheer determination I pour into Little Change Creators. They learn that setbacks are just stepping-stones toward success and that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Creating a legacy

Building a business as a parentpreneur isn’t just about the financial gains. For me, it’s about creating a lasting legacy for my children.

As Little Change Creators continues to grow, it leaves footprints of positive impact. My kids see the awards I’ve won and the partnerships I’ve formed with charities such as Little Dreamers Australia and Ronald McDonald House. They see how passion and hard work can make a difference and, one day, it may ignite their own entrepreneurial spirit and inspire them to create something great.

The worst parts of being a parentpreneur

The balancing act

Let’s be real – being a parentpreneur is no easy feat. Balancing the demands of running a business while being present for our kids can feel like a high-wire act.

Take it from me – the pandemic amplified this challenge when I chose to homeschool my kids. My days were dedicated to teaching and my nights revolved around business. It was a fast track to burnout!

These days, it’s about finding a sustainable work-life balance that includes focused work hours during the day and quality family time in the evenings. Having the kids back in school certainly makes this task easier!

Limited support network

As parentpreneurs, we often lack the luxury of relying on extended family or a solid support network. Believe me, I understand the struggle! Without family nearby, I’ve had to shoulder the responsibilities of both my business and my children’s needs.

That’s why, if you can invest a little time and effort, it’s worth joining parenting communities, collaborating with other business owners, or scheduling moments for self-care.

As my mum used to say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Time management

Ah, time – the most elusive resource in a parentpreneur’s life. We’re constantly pulled in different directions, striving to be superheroes for our kids while running successful businesses. I won’t sugarcoat it – often, it’s an overwhelming juggling act that can lead to immense mum-guilt.

But once you master the art of time-management, you can keep the wheels turning with ease. The key lies in creating boundaries and outsourcing tasks that don’t need a personal touch. By prioritising our to-do lists and delegating tasks, we create space for ourselves and for making memories with our little ones.

Isolation

The path of a parentpreneur can be isolating, both physically and mentally. The demands of parenting and entrepreneurship can leave us with little time for socialising and connecting with others.

That’s why reaching out to fellow parentpreneurs and joining supportive business communities is so important. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, and having someone who understands the unique challenges we face can be a lifeline in moments of doubt or loneliness.

Being a parentpreneur is a rollercoaster ride like no other. It’s a journey filled with ups, downs, twists and turns – from the freedom of flexible hours to the feelings of walking on a tightrope – every day is a new adventure. But, with the right strategies and support in place, the rewards are immeasurable.

So, fellow parentpreneurs, keep going and keep dreaming – because we’re rocking this unique and exciting route together!

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