Do your kids assist you in your work?
Do your kids assist you in your work?
Yesterday, I had a fascinating discussion with a homeschool working mom named Nicole about "Work-Life Balance." It is a challenge for most parents, but those who work with their kids may find it less so.
Here is my story ... please share yours!
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Eight years ago, I began learning Python for my job. With limited time and daughters aged six and three, I decided to involve my eldest, Sumay, in the learning process. At that age, kids love spending time with their parents, so we began our journey together.
Every morning before school, we watched a YouTube video on Python. As I already knew several programming languages, I picked it up faster, and after each video, I taught Sumay. This approach helped both of us stay motivated and made our learning process fun and valuable for my career, as well as quality time with Sumay. We continued this for a year before she started teaching her little sister Aila.
By the time Sumay turned eight, she began teaching Aila's friends, charging $10 an hour. She was patient and enjoyed teaching, even when her young students struggled with typing. I started to appreciate the broader value kids gain from teaching their peers.
By then I was building financial models for my work, and Sumay assisted me by creating data charts back in 2017. She would send emails with code and a bunch of emojis, which she loved including in her messages .
We also wrote together about our family discussions. One of my favorites was about different kinds of friends: Comfort, Growth, and Fun Friends. Writing together helped us internalize this mental model about the diverse ways friends bring joy to our lives.
领英推荐
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The idea of working with one's children might seem unrealistic, especially for those attending public school or following a standardized homeschooling curriculum. However, it is still feasible, although more challenging. That conversation with Nicole reminded me how unique my relationship with my kids had become since we began working together.
Nicole runs two companies, and her daughter helps her with various tasks, turning work time into quality time with her mom. After our discussion, I got excited about the possibility of connecting with more parents who involve their kids in their work. What better way to prepare them for the real world!
Today, I reflect on how my daughters became entrepreneurs, leading their own businesses and helping me with mine. They continue to support each other and me, even during challenging times, like finding temporary housing after a house fire.
Work-Life Balance doesn't have to be a compromise. Parents can engage their kids in creative ways that teach valuable skills not learned in school or from any standardized curriculum.
If you have an experience that resonates with our stories please share in a comment below!
Sincerely,
Joe