Running a business with kids? Feel like giving up!

[Lonelymum27]

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.

Oh & if you were my friend/neighbour, I'd happily take him for a walk/to the park, play for an hour or so etc. to help you out... but mostly for the cuddles!! (His not yours 😂😂)

Better to leave them with someone you've met and is on your parenting wavelength than be faced with this ignoring child or not getting work done. Maybe look at half days so you can do school run drop to childcare home for a few hours work and pick up on way to school.

You sound really resentful towards him.

What happens when your kids turn three? Suddenly these people cease to be strangers and are ok to look after your kids??

Presumably you weren’t running a business when the older ones were little so they benefited from your full attention? You can’t split yourself in 2- it’s not possible for anyone to look after a 1YO properly and work at the same time.

The way I see it you have 3 options:

1. Put the 1YO in childcare
2. Work on the business but only evenings and nap times, accept it might grow slowly
3. Shelve the business for now, pick it up when they’re 3 and in nursery

If you want to work you need childcare-everyone else does. And it’s not a stranger, it’s a paid professional

If you are working you need childcare. that’s why it exists!

Book childcare and it’ll be far better

They won't be strangers for long.

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.

Is employing someone to look after him in your home an option? I did this when mine were little. It was much easier than taking them to childcare somewhere else and I saw more of them. However, it is more expensive (though not necessarily that more expensive) and I think it only works if the baby and carer are not in the same space you are working in.

You’re very clear that you’re raking it in, so pay for childcare. 2 weeks is very soon to be so sure of your business, hope it continues for you!

You either have to pay someone to do the job you are doing or pay someone to look after the baby. You're completely unrealistic to expect a one year old child to keep themselves entertained and safe.

Just use childcare OP.