How to Run a Business While Raising a Family with Pat Flynn

In this conversation, Dana and Pat Flynn dive deep into the realities of managing a thriving business alongside the demands of family time, sharing tips, real-life experiences, and strategies to help parent-entrepreneurs not just survive, but truly thrive in both worlds.

Running a business while raising a family isn’t just a balancing act—it’s more like juggling fire while riding a unicycle. At least, that’s what it feels like most days! But it’s entirely possible to create success both at home and in your business, and on a recent episode of the BossMom podcast, Dana Malstaff sat down with Pat Flynn, founder of Smart Passive Income, to talk about how they do it.

Integrating Family Time and Business: Why It’s Okay to Do Both

The first thing Pat Flynn made clear was that you don’t have to choose between your family and your business. “You can have an extremely successful business and a wonderful, thriving family at the same time,” Pat said. This is something he’s modeled throughout his career, integrating his family life into his work instead of separating the two.

Many entrepreneurs feel pressured to hide their family time when it comes to running a business, afraid clients or colleagues might see it as a distraction. Pat sees things differently. “I’ve always been honest about my family time being a priority,” he shared. He’s made it a point to involve his family in his business whenever possible, and this authenticity has strengthened his connection with his audience.

In fact, people often follow Pat not just because of his business success, but because they relate to his journey as a dad and husband. “Your vibe attracts your tribe,” Pat explained. By being true to yourself and your values, you naturally attract the right people to your business.

Setting Boundaries to Protect Family Time

One of the biggest struggles for parent-entrepreneurs is the constant blur between family time and work time. Pat admitted that when he first started his business, he was working non-stop, and it was his wife who stepped in to help him create boundaries. “She was worried that once we had kids, I would still be only focused on the business,” he said.

This led to an important conversation about setting boundaries—both physical and time-related. For Pat, having a designated workspace helped him mentally switch between work mode and family mode. “When I’m in the office, I’m 100% focused on work. When I’m outside of it, I’m 100% focused on my family.”

Setting clear work hours also helped Pat and his family maintain balance. He learned that even though entrepreneurship allows for flexibility, it’s important to have dedicated work times to avoid constantly feeling like you’re “on call.” This approach has made him more present during family moments and more productive during work hours.

Dana agreed, adding that the lines between business and family can get blurry if you don’t consciously set boundaries. “Conscious integration” is what she calls it, where you ensure both your family and business feed into each other in a way that aligns with your values. This method allows you to be present in both areas of your life without one overshadowing the other.

The Importance of Physical Boundaries

Physical boundaries also play a huge role in maintaining that work-life balance. Pat shared that when he first started, he worked in a small corner of his kitchen. But once he and his wife established boundaries around that space, it became easier for him to separate work from family life.

Now, with a dedicated home office, he finds it easier to switch off from work. His rule? When he’s in the office, he’s focused on business. But once he steps out, it’s family time.

Dana chimed in with her own experience, mentioning that her office is on a different floor from where her family spends most of their time. This separation of space helps her disconnect mentally from work when she’s with her family. “I don’t even allow my computer upstairs,” she joked, explaining how it keeps her fully present when she’s with her kids.

When Family Life Changes, So Does Your Routine

One of the biggest challenges that parent-entrepreneurs face is that just when you feel like you’ve got a routine down, life throws a curveball. As kids grow, their schedules change, and suddenly your business routine is upended. Pat shared a relatable story about his son going through sleep regressions and how it threw off his work rhythm.

“Just when you think you’ve figured it out, something changes,” Pat laughed. But he emphasized the importance of adapting and being proactive in these moments. Instead of feeling frustrated, he views these moments as opportunities to recalibrate. “It’s all about adjusting and being proactive, not reactive,” he said.

Dana agreed and emphasized that these disruptions are just part of the journey. “You don’t have to have it all figured out from the start,” she said. Flexibility and the ability to pivot are key traits for entrepreneurs—and parents.

Work While They Sleep: Maximizing Productivity in Small Windows

For those with young children, it can feel impossible to find time to work. Pat’s solution? Work while they sleep. He shared that he wrote his bestselling book, Will It Fly?, early in the mornings before his kids woke up.

“I do all my work from 6 a.m. until the time they wake up,” Pat said. This strategy allows him to maximize his productivity without sacrificing family time. Dana echoed this sentiment, explaining how working in smaller, focused bursts can often lead to more productive and efficient work time.

The key is to use the time you have wisely. Whether it’s during naps, after bedtime, or early in the morning, finding small windows to get work done can make a big difference without overwhelming your schedule.

Saying “No” to Opportunities That Don’t Align

One of the most powerful lessons Pat shared is the importance of learning to say no. As an in-demand speaker, he gets invited to countless conferences and events. But he turns down about 99% of them. Why? Because they would take him away from his family too much.

“I always ask myself, will this opportunity move me closer to my goals—both for my business and my family?” Pat explained. If the answer is no, then he turns it down, even if it seems like a big opportunity on paper. “Saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else,” he said, adding that his family will always be his priority.

Bringing Your Kids Into Your Business

As Pat’s kids have gotten older, he’s started to integrate them into his business more. In fact, one of his podcast episodes even featured his kids and his wife as guests! “It’s really fun to bring them along for the ride,” he said.

For Dana, this concept of “conscious integration” has been a game-changer. Instead of keeping family and business separate, she believes that finding ways to blend the two not only strengthens family bonds but also sets an example for her kids. They get to see her working on something she’s passionate about, and that inspires them to pursue their own passions too.

You Can Run A Business While Raising A Family

The conversation between Dana and Pat highlighted one core message: you can have both—a thriving business and a fulfilling family life. It’s not always easy, and it definitely requires setting boundaries, being adaptable, and sometimes saying no to opportunities that don’t align with your values. But with intention and planning, it’s possible to create a life where both your business and your family time can flourish.

Running a business while raising a family is one of the most rewarding yet challenging things you can do. But as Dana and Pat Flynn  showed, with the right mindset and strategies, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. It’s all about finding balance, setting boundaries, and making sure your priorities align.

Learn more about Pat at Smart Passive Income.