The business life is a world of speed and scheduling. It can often fill your days with work and prevent you from spending quality time with your children that you need and want to. There are some opportunities that are available to you as a business person though. It is all about timing and investments. I’ve learned this well in my CEO and dad adventures..

Family first

There are some important guidelines to handling your business trips and children. Don’t make it harder on them than it already is when you leave for the trip. Having them wake you up in the middle of the night can be hard on them, especially if you share the same bed. Try timing your trip to be as short as possible. Leaving early and getting back the same day will help the kids to accept your travels better. The less time you spend away from home, the more opportunities there are to spend with your kids. Sometimes it may even be fun to take your kids with you on the trip. Hotel rooms and other experiences may arise from the travels, and although you are working, your kids will still be close, and as long as they have some supervision, they may enjoy their vacation.

Who will remember you most?

As you lead your company into the future, remember to prioritize with your family. Children should still come first, and though you work to be able to care for their needs, time should still be invested well.Working when your kids are at school or preoccupied is a good way for you to keep time available for the kids when they are ready. Try clearing your schedule for functions such as soccer or school plays. Attending events with your children is a great way to keep them happy. Try doing something creative that can surprise your kids like leaving notes for them. Write a simple letter and put it you’re your child’s lunch so that even when they cannot see you, they know that you love them. As you work at home, remember to take small breaks, not necessarily for you, but your children. Ten or twenty minutes does not sound like a lot of time, but it can be when you are enjoying the company of those you love.

"Never let that which matters most come after that which matters least." – Stephen Covey

Taking the time out of the day can be hard, but there are ways to find time that is already there. Kids look up to you as a parent and are often more willing to help than you may understand. Involve your children in errands such as dropping off the mail, or putting the stamps on. Have your kids make a list of grocery items that you might need (keep an eye out for all those sweets they might try to slip in). Chores around the house that you may normally do could be used to involve your kids. Have them help you prepare dinner or other meals. Though it may end up messy, there is a lot of time there that you can enjoy with your kids instead of treating it as a chore.

Remember that as a parent, you are in charge of not just one, but two businesses. Invest your time wisely, and keep your kids happy. Show your children what is important, because our future depends on the kids that are growing up today.