In addition to the Sour Situation of not having enough time to work on building a business, Party Plan People can also experience another Sour Situation: having a difficult time working their businesses around their family's schedule.

Before you decide on your designated work time - time specifically set aside to hold parties or if you don't have a party the three allowed revenue-generating activities I discussed in the last newsletter - have a family council and make this decision as a family. This way you can choose which family activities you need to attend and schedule your work time accordingly.

One Party Plan Consultant felt overwhelmed and frustrated because every evening one of her children was involved in a sport which involved a practice or a game. When she sat down with her family, her children told her she didn't have to attend every practice and game. Certainly they wanted her presence at the playoffs and when the team traveled. As a family they made the decision that the consultant's income would benefit the family in the long run if she created and worked during her designated work time. The family realized that she also needed time to practice her "sport." The additional income was used to purchase sport equipment and pay for travel expenses. She was also able to connect with some of the teams for fundraising and even recruited a couple other moms who saw her example.

Once you have your family's buy in, implementing the calendar concept can also have some challenges. Many moms begin their work time with great intentions, and then come the interruptions: homework help, baby in need of food/change, spouse who can't find the car keys, sibling rivalry, and on and on.

Explain two items to your family:


1. You are at work (notice I keep using this term rather than "going to a party." This will raise your family's perception of what you do). When my three sons were young I realized they weren't happy that I left them three times a week to go have a party. When I changed the term to "work" their attitude changed. They understood that I, like their dad, was working, not playing at a party.


2. Even though you might be working at home, teach your family that because you are working, you cannot be disturbed. Ask the question, "If I were working away from home at a host's home, would you call me to make a snack or help with homework?" One of the best things I did was hang a "Mommy's at Work" sign on my bedroom door during my work time. Of course, make sure you have a responsible adult to care for your young children during this time.
 

Christie Northrup - www.partyplanpeople.com - where you'll discover other valuable resources (including FREE information) and products. <o:p></o:p>