If you can’t beat them, join them. And of course I meant that in the non-corporal punishment kinda way.

Today I set out to get the kids to work for me, rather than against me. You know how I am constantly pulling the kids out of vats of ink while I try to screen print? It hasn’t been very effective. Instead I have decided to include them in my tasks. I’m not saying I am brilliant or anything, but I am pretty happy at the results. Okay, I’m brilliant.

1. I found things for the kids to do. As long as you don’t care about the position or straightness of that stamp on the package, kids are great at applying postage. Sure an upside down stamp means “I love you” but isn’t that good for business to be spreading the love? My kids also like to put the tees in the packages. I set them up in a safe, clean space and keep an eye on any folding that may cause unnecessary wrinkles (if you got a wrinkled shirt in your order, SORRY!!)

2. Take a break. Sometimes giving your kids just a few minutes of your focused attention may be enough to fill their needs for “mom time” and they just might let you get some work done too. I spent about 30 minutes wrestling on the floor with the kids and then they were off to their room to play some game involving a box. It was a very elaborate game. I got work done. YAY!!!!!

3. Make it fun if you can. If you get wrapped up in getting things done, sometimes it can take 10 times as long to get it done. I’ll admit that sometimes I have the kids take the packages out one by one to the mailbox. They think it’s hilarious to be running back and forth and I think it’s hilarious that they are getting worn out.

Sometimes it works trying to get the kids involved in your business and sometimes it doesn’t. But when it does, it’s a good day for mom.

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