Play-Based Business Plan

We watched Daddy Day Care last night, a movie about two laid off dads taking advantage of an opportunity to "clean up" in a town of horrible day care choices.  Of course they discover the side benefits of running a daycare: the daddies get to spend more time with their kids and Eddie Murphy's little cutie gains some social skills and starts playing with other kids.  It's like a grand-old playdate every day.  Even with these added perks, these dads don't think twice about charging and actually making a profit off this endeavor.  I know it's fiction, but it's not exactly science fiction, and for some reason my husband cannot grasp this concept.

Now we all know that mommy-bloggers are not only ignoring but also exploiting their children while raking in the big bucks (shoot, forgot to declare my mommy-blogging income).  But there are plenty of other jobs people take that let them to spend more time with their kids.  I admit I've been known to gripe a bit when my husband's been called "brave" and a "great dad" for pursuing his passion.  Yes, it's wonderful that he can stay home with the kids, but think about the roles where reversed - would anyone call me a "great mom"  Anyway, I've now, mostly, accepted and come to appreciate the perks of an "alternate schedule" and a happier husband, I just need him to step up his game a bit.  He still wants needs to make money, and gosh darnit I am not letting my business degree go to waste.  My ultimate goal idea is to maximize the income earned while he's actually with the kids.

We've already realized bringing them to practice where they accost the teenage boys on his team is not working, but he came up with a seemingly brilliant idea.  Have a weekend Futsal clinic with Keegan and his soccer buddies from school.  Only thing is, since his purpose was to give our boys an opportunity to play, he was reluctant to charge for more than the cost of the gym, thus completely ignoring the "value-based pricing" rule.  I've tried to explain that the parents don't care whether it's a coach working or a dad playing. They are getting an uninterrupted hour where they know their kid is safe, having fun and even learning a thing or two.  Remembering all those summer camps I refused to pay for, I'd say that's worth a few bucks.

Original Silicon Valley Moms Blog post.

When Nicole is not trying to insert her marketing ideas into her husband's business she can be found at Not Just a Working Mom.