Raising a Family as an Entrepreneur …
You know as an Entrepreneur we forgo a lot of time with friends and family early on in our career, it takes at least 7 to 10 years to build a great company as that's how long it A) takes to learn it and B) takes for the completion of one full economic cycle ...
But away from business, these next few days I am Mr Mom, my wife is on a trip with her Dad and I am having a few days of Daddy, daughter time as well ...
My favorite song with the girls (yes I have two) at the moment is I'm cleaning my gun ...
They are still young but I know that just like business I am learning at every step how to be a great Dad. Not easy, not something we will ever Master I think until we are grand-parents, but suffice to say, a rewarding challenge.
I use a lot of my coaching skills and techniques with the girls ...
1. Always answer YES with conditions, like yes you can have that if you have your own money her to buy it ...
2. Always use questions, "do you think that was a good choice or a bad choice?"
3. Always focus on the positive, NOT Stop jumping on the bed, but Please get on the floor now ...
4. And the best lesson, goals are good, but cannot always be a carrot, sometimes you need a stick and I have to remember I am their Dad, not their friend ...
Enjoy your parenting and finally, the best lesson I ever got about parenting ...
Kids spell LOVE ... T.I.M.E.
Brad
Brad, terrific post, am sending to all clients today. Thank you
Great advice Brad. I agree with the correct spelling of L.O.V.E, my two children love it when I engage with them on the floor building things. To me love could also be spelt P.R.E.S.E.N.T, i.e. being present with them (not giving presents) although that works too….
Another excellent post. As one often struggling with the balance and realizing quality is often more important than quantity, especially with a growing business and 2 very young kids.
Thanks for humanizing the process.
Thom
This is just great Brad, and LOVE meaning TIME makes a lot of sence
Alejandro
Thanks
Very nice..
Enjoyed hearing the daddy side of you and I’m right there with you on the coaching techniques..fully agree
Kids are Awesome and challenging for sure.. I think I learn something new everyday about myself and being a mom.
I agree with the boundary of being a parent not there friend, even though you can have soo much fun and be there greatest confidant. The most challenging of parenting I would say is that you have to parent with confidence.
Kids are like animals they can smell fear and alot of parents back down. You have to let them know that disrespect will not be tolerated or there will be repercussions but always let them know how much you love them naughty or nice.
One of my phrases I use is “I love you too much to let you be, disrespectful, naughty, dishonest, unkind..whatever the issue.
It reminds them that I love them but bad behavior will not be tolerated.
There is nothing more challenging or more rewarding than molding the minds and charachters of our children.
When kids want us parents to make time with them to play, show you something, go somewhere ect.. Its important to show them how important they are to make that time and not respond with “not right now” or “later” … To a child TIME is EVERYTHING.
Carlie S.
Thank you, Brad. Your lovely daughters will always remember your T.I.M.E. and and leading them and loving them toward the positive as a parent. Your most important “company” and investment is them.
Have an awesome day, Mr. Mom.
Gary Hannie
Melbourne Australia
Hi Brad,
Great Post. As successful as we become, family time is priceless. Love=time…great!
Louis Lautman
PS…I heard you watched The YES Movie…you look great in it. Now all the secrets of young millionaires are out…see the trailer at http://www.theYESmovie.com
Beautiful. Little girls need their dads.
Parabéns pelo envolvimento e comprometimento com sua família.
O envolvimento com os filhos nos faz mais sábios.
As you’ve said so many times before, Brad, our business is here to support LIFE – and that must include TIME with family. Thanks so much for the reminder.
I agree with you LOVE = TIME just make sure it is quality and not quantity…I see the difference in my son’s behaviour and mood when I am fully present in the time we spend together and when I am half present. The way his face lights up when the attention is “full on” is priceless…and when mommy becomes distracted he reminds me by saying what I say to him “focus mommy, focus!
Enjoy the time with your girls. It would never come again and you can do now that the best reminds of their chilhood would be the time they spent with you when mom was out travelling. Don´t miss this opportunity
… I also have two girls (4 & 7) … and 3 boys (11, 14 & 15), so I know what I am talking about … they are the reason why I am out of Corporate world and I try to spend most of my time with them before it were too late.
Well said Brad — time with a daughter is still important — my daughter is your age – 38. Time I spend with her is always very rewarding — as I make up for the times I didn’t when she was young and I was building a business. Better late than never!
Wayne