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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Running a business with kids? Feel like giving up!

39 replies

Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 10:17

We are 2 weeks into running our Amazon business we have done so well we didn’t think it was going to take of like this.

However our home life is being neglected in a way I’m not doing as much cleaning as I was. The oldest 2 are ok because they are at school however 1 year old DS is causing hell for us he has always been this type of baby he cries all the time always wants to be held so as you can imagine it is pure chaos.

I honestly feel like throwing in the towel but the money we have made this past two weeks we wouldn’t even make it at work.

so I am desperate for some advice! We don’t have any help all grandparents live far away.

OP posts:
Skinnermarink · 14/03/2023 10:26

Surely the obvious answer is to consider a nursery or a childminder? Or are you doing the business around your jobs?

FlounderingFruitcake · 14/03/2023 10:37

He sounds like a normal baby who nerfs your attention… Do you not have childcare whilst you’re working?

TokyoSushi · 14/03/2023 10:38

Are you trying to run the business and look afer a 1 year old? That's never going to work! You need childcare.

WandaWonder · 14/03/2023 10:41

That is what childcare is for, no way would I think this would work let alone trying to actually do it

Original poster
Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 10:44

TokyoSushi · 14/03/2023 10:38

Are you trying to run the business and look afer a 1 year old? That's never going to work! You need childcare.

Yep! And it’s just not working I was hoping we could make it work but I don’t think it’s possible now.

OP posts:
Skinnermarink · 14/03/2023 10:46

Of course it’s not possible. Or fair on your baby.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 14/03/2023 10:49

Why is the answer to give up the business and not to buy in the help that you and the dc need?

BlastedPimples · 14/03/2023 10:55

Poor ds. He's only 1 and you're calling him a nightmare. Ridiculous.

You need childcare.

GoldDuster · 14/03/2023 10:56

If money isn't the issue, you need a childcare and a cleaner. You wouldn't take a one year old to the office with you and expect to get much done, it's no different being at home.

Original poster
Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 10:56

BlastedPimples · 14/03/2023 10:55

Poor ds. He's only 1 and you're calling him a nightmare. Ridiculous.

You need childcare.

Oh stop it it’s not meant like that! My other 2 were a breeze at this age he is very very clingy.

OP posts:
Original poster
Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 10:58

Ive just not thought about childcare as an option hate the thought of leaving my 1 year old with a stranger. All my other kids were with me until they started nursery at 3. But I think it might just have to be an option now.

OP posts:
Donotgogentle · 14/03/2023 10:59

No way most people could do their jobs/run a business without childcare for a pre-schooler.

CandyLeBonBon · 14/03/2023 11:01

Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 10:58

Ive just not thought about childcare as an option hate the thought of leaving my 1 year old with a stranger. All my other kids were with me until they started nursery at 3. But I think it might just have to be an option now.

Of course you need childcare - why would you think otherwise?

Anotherturnipforthebooks · 14/03/2023 11:21

Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 10:58

Ive just not thought about childcare as an option hate the thought of leaving my 1 year old with a stranger. All my other kids were with me until they started nursery at 3. But I think it might just have to be an option now.

Better to be well cared for by strangers than neglected at home.

Original poster
Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 11:35

Anotherturnipforthebooks · 14/03/2023 11:21

Better to be well cared for by strangers than neglected at home.

Show quote history

Neglected is very over the top

OP posts:
Skinnermarink · 14/03/2023 11:37

waits for this to be a stealth advert for the Amazon business

TomatoSandwiches · 14/03/2023 11:37

Skinnermarink · 14/03/2023 11:37

waits for this to be a stealth advert for the Amazon business

😂Also waiting....

cocksstrideintheevening · 14/03/2023 11:38

You cannot work and care for a 1 yo at the same time.

ShapesAndNumbers · 14/03/2023 11:38

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

BigPussyEnergy · 14/03/2023 11:49

I understand. I ran an online business when DS1 was a baby and I tried to work around his naps etc but then he gave up napping and it was hard. I would put his toys in our (admittedly huge) office and talk to him the whole time I was packaging orders etc. he liked to help by playing with the packing chips and we’d go on post office trips to break up the day.

However when it got busier the only option was to work in the evenings when he was in bed (and occasionally all night!)

With DS2 we got an au pair, but then I realised I’d rather hire help for the business and spend time with the kids than vice Versa. If it’s just packaging up existing stock rather than actually making anything you can hire someone at minimum wage to pack the orders for you a couple of hours a day. and hopefully still make money.

doadeer · 14/03/2023 12:04

I run businesses, but it's very challenging with a small child... I'm not really sure what else you expected... Sounds quite naive?

If you want to work you need to have adequate childcare provision in place.

Anotherturnipforthebooks · 14/03/2023 12:43

Neglected is very over the top

It probably isn't to be honest. Most one year olds need constant attention and you can't do that while you're working unless you do everything when the baby is asleep.

Hoppinggreen · 14/03/2023 12:45

Lonelymum27 · 14/03/2023 10:44

Yep! And it’s just not working I was hoping we could make it work but I don’t think it’s possible now.

Show quote history

It’s not.
If you are going to make this business your proper job then you need childcare the same as with any other job

RoseslnTheHospital · 14/03/2023 12:46

You say "we", does that mean that you and your partner are both working on this new business during working hours? If so, could you manage if one of you was doing childcare whilst the other one works on the business. Then in the evening, you could do additional work? It would be a bit miserable for you, as one of you will always be working, but if you want to avoid getting childcare for your youngest then needs must.

WinterMusings · 14/03/2023 12:51

Is there a teenager you could get to come & help you entertain the baby? After school until the Easter holidays, then during the Easter holidays? Uni Student?

You can do it, you just need some help & to find things to amuse him alongside you.

you might get some time with free hands with a wrap around style sling.

I'm curious, what are you selling?