HomeBiz
How to Get Your Husband
to Back Your Business
by Liz Folger, Work-at-Home Mom Expert
Join our ParentTalk Support Group

"Please -- Pretty Please!!
I really, really want to do this."

From the sounds of things you'd think a parent and a child were in "one of those" arguments. But it's really a wife trying to persuade her husband to let her work from home. Getting your husband to back your home business can, at times, be as hazardous as those black diamond ski slopes.

This past week there has been a very active discussion on one of the work-at- home mom listservs about how to get support from a husband who isn't even close to being thrilled about your home business idea. Here are a few answers.

Men are getting very comfortable with the two income situations that women have begged to have for many years now. When mom and dad are bringing in two checks every couple of weeks, the pressure of keeping that job and worries of downsizing aren't nearly as scary when they know their wife is helping with the finances. The idea of mom staying home and starting a business that may or may not make money any time soon is enough to turn a man white with fear.

If your husband is one of those who has reservations about you wanting to come home and hang out your shingle, start by showing him a couple facts.

Who will love and raise your children more?
Mom or another caretaker? Here is an interesting fact: a child's self-concept is formed by the age of seven years old. Most caregivers, while they may enjoy children, cannot give a mother's love. More and more studies are being done on the importance of young children having that hourly contact with mom.

Now look at your paychecks minus expenses.
There is a wonderful book called, Two Incomes and Still Broke: It's Not How Much You Make, but How Much You Keep by Linda Kelley. There are exercises in this book that can help you figure what you and your husband, both working outside the home, are actually making each month. Some couples even find they are losing money because of daycare costs, taxes, commuting, etc.

One lady I've talked with, lets call her Sue, told me that if a woman ever came up against a husband who would not let her start her home business -- do it anyway. This is something Sue had experienced when she started her home business. Doing something on your own is very liberating, and some men hate the fact that you aren't depending on them 100% of the time. Don't get into a power struggle with him, show him often that you still love him and need him, and hopefully he will come around. Sue has continued her business from home and her husband is finally supportive of her. Well, maybe not 100% of the time -- but it's close enough.

Mommy Times
A friend of mine, Trish Kasey, editor of an online newsletter, Mommy Times and creator of "Moms on the Net" video, has used her husband's support to grow her business. Since her husband travels a bit, he is always carrying her business cards and newsletters to pass out. He feels proud about the fact that he is helping his wife's business grow.

Don't be afraid to get your husband
involved with your business.
The fact is -- a home business takes time to grow. For awhile, your husband will be the only financial support for the family. Your home business will need to turn into a team effort. Make sure he's not afraid to tell people what you do and what type of services or products you offer. Word of mouth will be your best form of advertisement. The more people there are talking up your business, the sooner your business will grow into a successful, money-making, home-based endeavor.

If starting a home business is your dream, getting your husband's approval will be one of many road blocks. Don't let these types of situations get you down. Press on and turn your home business dream into a reality.

Comments

Find the points where your business will benefit hubby
From: Marcia Macomber
I am a Pampered Chef consultant so I have my own business and my husband is very supportive about it. The way that happened is I made a list of little things I'd like to have spending money for monthly (i.e. Creative Memories/scrapbooking stuff, fabric for sewing, stuff for kids and home, yarn for knitting and crocheting , money for monthly date night) I estimated how much I figured I'd like a month for such things (all to enhance family and home life) and figured it to be about $200 a month.

I told him I could make that in a few hours three or four times through the night and make it work around his schedule, and I did and do. I also pointed out that I wasn't doing it because he wasn't or couldn't provide enough but because I wanted to feel like I was helping and to have a good excuse where I HAD to go for a few hours once in a while. Most husbands 1) don't realize how taxing it is to be with the kids 24/7. We love it but we still need a break 2) feel threatened when the wife says she wants to have a business they feel like they're not providing enough and wife is trying to pick up the slack but doesn't want to say it.

So ladies, find the points where your business will benefit hubby and see if he's more open. He also doesn't want to see you get hurt if it doesn't work ask him to back you for 6mo to 1yr if it isn't working quit. When he sees results he likes, he'll back you more and more. Especially if you're starting in a home party type business, let him know how much money you make, save (usually you get great discounts) and how much you relaxed being out with other for a few hours. buy him something he wanted with the first pay check, take him out to dinner etc. Hope this helps some of you feel free to contact me with results and or more questions
- - - Marcia Macomber

Unschooling and home diaper business
From: Jennifer C
We've been unschooling for around 8 yrs or so. I have a small home business manufacturing and selling cloth diapers and clothing. I keep the business small and try to get the bulk of my work done during times that won't interfere with what the kids need from me. (like at night when they are asleep!) My kids are 12,9, and 3. My older ones can take the little one out in the yard to play for an hour or 2 a couple days a week while I sew, or I try to get a few things done while they are doing their own things around the house during the day if we are home.My older two like to help bag up orders, etc...

I put the kids before the business, and scale back so that I don't short change them - we are on the go (library, park days, etc...) a lot. I think it really depends upon the type of business you have and what it requires from you time-wise.
~Jennifer C

HomeBiz

Christmas Gift to a Craft Business
by Rhonda, "the hockeymom"
This is the story of how a simple Christmas gift, some luck and a lot of work turned into a craft business. She says, "My craft business started when I bought my husband a scroll saw for Christmas. I wanted to paint a few things for myself. I felt so proud that my first order sold so well. This is how my woodcraft business got started. My husband cuts the wood and we both hand sand the wood together." Perhaps you could learn something to start your own business.

Faces of Home Education Profile
The Pattern of Success
Homeschooler sews her way to a successful business
hosted by Joe Spataro

Homeschooler Jennie Chancey was able to take advantage of the flexibility offered by homeschooling to learn how to sew. She has turned this love into a successful business called Sense & Sensibility. I had the opportunity to interview Jennie and ask her a few questions about homeschooling, her vintage dressmaking business and how she is helping other homeschoolers to share in her love of vintage dressmaking.

Creative Cash
Homemade Money
by Brabara Brabec

Articles from author Jonni McCoy
more HomeBiz support

more smoothie books
more blenders
FREE smoothie recipes

more Consumer Guides

Quilting For Fun & Profit

Knitting For Fun & Profit