How to fit your business into your family - and vice versa!

There are five key steps to follow:

1. Ensure your schedules coordinate with your partner.

Establish a routine so that every week - perhaps on a Sunday evening - you spend time with your partner checking through your work / travel / family schedules and commitments. This helps to avoid surprises and gives a 'shape' to the week ahead.

2. Don't try to do everything on your own.

Your partner should be a partner in your business too. That doesn't mean that he or she needs to be responsible for work-related tasks. But they should respect the work you do from home - which means they should be prepared to help with the housework and the children.

3. Your children should be encouraged to help.

If they help you in your business, even in very small ways like posting letters or replacing ink cartridges in your printer, it will encourage their support and understanding.

4. Set aside time every weekend and every evening when you are 100% focused on your family.

Having a home business should not mean your business takes over your home. Having dedicated family time helps you maintain a sense of balance, ensures your children and partner do no feel pushed aside - and probably does you some good too!

5. Establish a routine during school holidays.

When the children are home for half-term or school holidays, schedule quiet time during each day when they read or play quietly for an hour or two. This will let you focus on work. But it is only half of the deal. You need to reciprocate by giving them family time too.

Do you have any other tips for striking the right balance? Tell other members by commenting below.