7 Tips For Running A Small Business With Small Kids!

I've been running my small business, The Little Jones, for 9 years now. Running a small business is a dream for many people, but throw parenting into the mix, and it can feel overwhelming fast. I started my business when my eldest child was 6 months old and I have some tried and tested strategies, tools and mindsets which I've used to grow my home-based small business, while being present for my kids.

Whether you’re hand-stitching teddies, painting laser cut designs or selling wall art, here are 7 practical tips to help you balance it all.

 

1. Set Realistic Expectations

When you’re managing both a business and a family, flexibility is key. Understand that not every day will be wildly productive - and that’s perfectly okay.

• Focus on progress, not perfection.
  
• Allow room for slower days, especially during school holidays.
  
• Celebrate every win, like uploading a new product or sending one package out. Even small steps are steps to building your business.
  

Browse our new arrivals to see what we’ve created during quiet moments.

2. Flexible Working for Small Businesses

You don’t need 8 straight hours to be productive. Instead, break your day into manageable chunks.

• Use nap times, early mornings, or evenings for focused work. I pin to Pinterest every evening when sitting with my daughter while she nods off!
  
• Block off 10-minute slots to check off daily tasks.
  
• Download the mobile apps for everything you can, so you don't have to always be getting your laptop out!

3. Set Up a Dedicated Home Office Workspace

Even a small, organised workspace can make a big difference in productivity and peace of mind.

• Create a corner for your art supplies, packaging materials or laptop.
  
• Keep tools out of reach from kids to avoid messes and accidents.
  
• Check out our range of wall planners to help keep you organised.
  

4. Involve Your Kids (When It Makes Sense)

Make your kids feel like a part of your business journey.

• Give them age-appropriate tasks like labelling, sorting or choosing colours.
  
• Let their drawings or ideas inspire you!
  

Check out our Kids-Inspired Art Prints for playful, family-friendly designs.

5. Automate and Batch Tasks

When your time is limited, use it wisely.

• Use tools like Buffer, Later, or Planoly to pre-schedule social posts.
  
• Batch your time: photograph products one day, package orders the next.
  

 

6. Build a Support System and Find People in a Similar Situation

You don’t have to do this alone.

• Ask family or friends for help when you need uninterrupted time.
  
• Join online groups for small business owners, self-employed parents and entrepreneurs for support.
  

8. Be Transparent with Your Customers

People love supporting small businesses—especially those run by families.

• Let your customers know you're a one-person shop or a parent-run business.
  
• Be honest about processing times and shipping windows.
• Add a friendly message at checkout or in your email confirmation about your process and timeline.

 

Balancing a small business with parenting takes patience, creativity, and a lot of flexibility. But with the right systems in place, it’s absolutely doable - and super rewarding.

    

Looking for wall art that brings joy to your home? Browse our latest featured collections to find something you'll love.