Father’s Day is coming up on June 16th.  Are you ready?  This year, you and your child can create unique gifts for dad that will be appreciated much more than a tie or a screwdriver.  At FlattenMe, we have unique, creative customized gifts for Father’s Day.

Is your dad Super? Well then, we have the personalized book for you. By magically transforming dad into a superhero by using his face and name,  “My SuperDad” will make him feel stronger than a locomotive, etc. Even better - create the book with your child by having her select the perfect photo of dad to use in the story.  This gift will be the one that keeps on giving, not only the day dad opens it, but every time it is read.

Feeling super, but perhaps not the book-ish type? Create a personalized t-shirt with dad as a superhero on your child’s shirt.  Sizes from 0-3 mos to 16.

Flattenme also has a cute personalized book OWL Always Love You that let’s dad know just that — he will always be loved.

Every dad will love the personalized touch of a gift from FlattenMe, but more importantly, the kids will love being part of the creation of the gift, and will enjoy spending time with their dad when they use them. Contact us for more information about these great gift ideas.

Code: LOVEDAD

As a mom entrepreneur, I know the struggle.  It’s hard to find a balance between family and work.  Nearly everyone deals with finding this balance in life.  Work is necessary, but family is also vital and what keeps most people going.  This task of balancing seems even more daunting for when multiple kids are involved.

Regardless of how you feel about working out of the home or not, many of us still need to bring in some sort of income.  Becoming a small business owner ‘seems’ to most like a good opportunity to find that balance.  However, this may also seem like a huge responsibility to take on.  And I can tell you, it is.

So you may be wondering if you can succeed at creating a business while still being an active, caring, and intentional mother.  It is possible for sure. It’s also very possible that you will work lots and lots of late nights after the kids are in bed. But the biggest challenge is during the day — here’s some tips for daytime survival:

1. Utilize Paid Caregivers:  Well, that’s a no-brainer if you can afford it.
Even if it’s just a couple hours here and there, hire a neighbor, college student, etc. to come take the little ones off of your hands to give you time to focus completely on your work. I have found that if I am going to hire someone, I focus on those people who will do tasks that no one will care if it is done by me or not. Swabbing the toilet? Folding the laundry? Tasks others can do and no one will miss my participation. Kissing the boo boo at the park? Yeah, that one is important.

2. Try a Toddler Swap:  Get in touch with your fellow moms.  From time to time, swap kids for a few hours.  Both moms will be able to get some work done, and the kids will have some new playmates. Win - win.

3. Put Together Activity Kits:  Playdough, dress-up, train sets, arts and crafts, busy books…  The possibilities are endless.  Put some things together targeted toward your child’s interest that will keep them occupied as you complete a task.

4. Give That Undivided Attention:  As your child starts pulling on your clothes or climbing on your computer, you realize it’s attention they need.  That’s when it’s time to set your work aside and give them one-on-one attention at their level, doing things they want to do.  After they get some momma time, they might be happy to return to independent play, if you’re lucky.

5. Pull the Family Together:  As you approach a deadline or big event, utilize family members to share some of your mommy duties.  They’ll appreciate the time with your child and you’ll get done what you need to get done.

6. Don’t Forget Your Spouse:  What are the things your spouse loves? Cars?  Basketball?  Ice cream?  Have him share those things with your child. 

Reserve those things for “dates” when you need some work time.  It will benefit all involved.

 Get creative, be flexible, and being a small business owner and a mom can work.  I did it, but just know I didn’t do it all alone.  I took advantage of my resources.  Most importantly, I was determined to make it work.