Parent or Entrepreneur?

Since the early 1990s, the childcare market hasservices and child development classes can be the
been changing rapidly due in no short part to theideal choice. From development of baby franchise
governments ever evolving National Childcareclasses to education and French or Spanish
Strategy. Lifestyle changes have lead to thelanguage tuition for children, there are many
provision of full daycare and after school careexciting franchise opportunities.
clubs and parents are left with an immense arrayMany of these children’s franchises may be
of early years’ care options. But how dorun as a part time franchise opportunity, suiting
parents decide what is best for their child?mums who want a home business, giving the
There are those who continue to doubt theflexible franchise business that can work around
benefits of early year’s education citingtheir own children and family circumstances.
“How do they learn when all they do isChildren and baby franchises are often based
play?” They label pre-schooling as high pricedaround music and movement, helping children to
“day care” and wondering whether it isdevelop and sue their senses in a fun and friendly
“worth it?”environment that brings mums and children
Then there are those parents who believe in thetogether.
benefits of pre-schooling, they understand theLaura Payne, Marketing Manager of
value it has for children. And to add more weightFemaleFranchise.co.uk, a site dedicated franchise
to the argument, there has also been researchresource for women considering starting their
that has proven that early learning is worth it asown business through franchising says: “The
long as it is quality education.change in the economy, coupled with parental
Alice Honig PHD, in an article in Scholastic Parent &pressures has meant more women are looking
Child describes some ways in which early yearsfor business opportunities that have to fit into
education can benefit brain development in youngtheir family commitments. Franchising gives them
children. The morning greeting by an adultthe ideal solution as they can work part time or in
produces cascades of impulses through thethe evenings around their families.”
child’s nerve cells, which are connected to oneLaura continues: “Running a child development
another by synapses. The repetition of thesefranchise can give women to opportunity to
kinds of positive early interactions actually helpsspend time with their children as they develop and
the brain reinforce the existing connections andinvest in their own future for once the children
make new ones.get older.”
Another way is during free play/ work time asLaura Payne is part of FemaleFranchise.co.uk a
children interact with one another. As theydedicated franchise resource for women
communication, whether through beginningconsidering starting their own business through
language or more sophisticated use of words, thefranchising. Resources include links to specific
neurons in their brains are making moreresources for women in business and female
connections, critical for reinforcing learning. Sobusiness communities. Franchisors featured are
what of the parents who understand the benefitsespecially seeking female franchisees and there
of early year’s education, but are looking toare lots of female franchise case studies, features
set up their own business?and news to help.
Franchising opportunities around children’s