Any working parent knows the complexities and intricacies of balancing work and family life. But for entrepreneur parents, there is a whole other layer of responsibility, anxiety, and frustration that comes from running their own business.

Many “parentpreneurs” say they have two babies: Their own kids and their company. Arguably, one wins the attention more than the other, and that’s where the frustration begins.  Both require constant nurturing, especially in the early years, and entrepreneurial parents must quickly learn how to efficiently manage both growing entities to survive (and thrive).

You have a business to run, a house to maintain and kids to manage. So what?

I have seen mothers of five start successful businesses and still maintain their sanity. There is no silver bullet as you can imagine it takes sacrifice and commitment, but it's possible.  If given an extra hour most people would fill it with busy-ness, not business. To which I wonder, what are they avoiding, justifying or neglecting?

I don’t at all believe in the two-principal rule: You can be great at business, family, or health, but only two things at the same time (swap in whatever three big things are most important to you). The trifecta, but without the tri. It begs the question: Can you have it all as a parent and entrepreneur?

Sure.

I guess. But it’s really about what you want and how you want to feel?

I have seen many parents go to great lengths to help their children avoid disappointment, anxiety, heartbreak, and adversity. As a mom myself, I relate. But by doing so, these parents are avoiding some of life’s most important learning opportunities. That is, how to cope with disappointment and how to be resilient.  My mom did that with me as I was mending my broken heart.