Maybe you’re looking for a flexible career because you’re nearing the end of your maternity leave, and the thought of going back to your previous employment isn’t exactly filling you with feelings of joy.
Or perhaps you’re ready to ditch the 9-to-5 altogether and build a thriving business that gives you the flexibility you need to be around for your growing family.
Don’t worry – you’re not alone!
According to a 2022 study by Careers After Babies, 85% of women leave the full-time workforce within three years of having their first child, and 19% leave work altogether due to lack of flexibility.
Here at Children’s Franchise Enterprise, we see time and time again how buying a children’s franchise can be the perfect flexible career choice for mums just like you.
What is a children’s franchise?
Children’s franchises are businesses that provide a range of classes and services for parents and children – from dance and sports franchises, to sensory play and STEM (and everything in between).
Literally, almost any parent and child business you can think of has at least a few children’s franchises to choose from!
If you’ve got children, chances are that you’ve already experienced at least a couple of them first-hand.
And the beauty of buying a franchise, as opposed to starting a business from scratch, is that you’re buying into an established business with a proven business model and support from the franchisor.
Why are children’s franchises a good fit for mums? 
-
They give you the flexible career you’re looking for
As a franchisee in the children’s sector, you’ll have the flexibility to set your own hours and work when it’s best for you and your family – giving you a healthy work-life balance.
-
You can work from home (without having to justify why)
You’ll be able to do all your admin work from home – perfect if you’ve got young children! – and depending on which franchise you buy, your child might even be able to join in with the activities.
So you’ll not only save on childcare, but when they get older, you’ll be around for school runs, assemblies, sports days – it’s a win-win!
-
They’re a rewarding way to make a living
You’ll be able to use your skills and experience (both those from your previous career and those you’ve picked up since having children) to help other children – and their parents/carers – learn and grow.
If you’ve been to any of these classes with your own child when they were very young, you’ll know first-hand just how much you got out of them yourself. Because as well as playing an important role in little ones’ childhood development, they’re also an important part of a new parent’s support network.
And if you’re sitting there trying to work out what skills you’ve learned since you became a mum, just remember – you’re already budgeting for your family, your time management skills will have come on leaps and bounds, and your multi-tasking talents know no limits!
-
They’re scalable
Which means you’ll be able to grow your franchise over time by adding new business streams and additional locations – but at your pace, to suit your needs (and only if you want to).
-
They’re affordable
Children’s franchises can be a very affordable way to start your own business: somebody else (the franchisor) has already spent the money that’s needed to build a brand, devise a marketing strategy that works, create assets, develop lesson plans, source merchandise, build a website and systems – so you don’t have to.
What’s more, the cost of buying a children’s franchise can be lower than franchises in other sectors (and you’ll often be able to get help with the financing, too).
Which is the right franchise for you?
If the idea of a flexible career is something you’re serious about, and you’re now wondering which franchise might be right for you, have a think about what you’ve done with your own children that you’ve both really enjoyed.
Which classes have you got the most out of?
Have you ever watched the class leader and thought “I’d love to do that!”?
That’s your starting point.
And don’t worry if you don’t think you tick all the boxes when it comes to the specific skills needed for a given activity.
As long as you’re a good communicator, with some experience of dealing with children (whether that’s your own, or someone else’s), have a strong work ethic, and are motivated to succeed, most franchisors in the children’s sector will train you up in all the other skills you need. 
Don’t just take our word for it
In a nutshell, children’s franchises can be a great choice for mums who are looking for a rewarding, flexible career.
But don’t just take our word for it – we’ve lots of examples from mums just like you who’ve found their perfect work-life balance through buying a children’s franchise. They’ve proved that it is possible to have a flexible career that fits around family life doing something you love!
Have a read through some of our discovery pages from a range of businesses. We think you’ll find them pretty inspiring!