I make a point of planning the markets around the school holidays, so that I don't have any last minute preparations that need to be done while the kids are off school, although there are still jobs to be done.

It doesn't take long for the kids to get bored and start fighting!

To combat this, I compile a list of jobs the kids can do, from housework to work to help my business. If it's a business task, they can earn some pocket money! The list changes depending on what is happening, however it can include:

• stuffing envelopes for a mail out to stall holders & visitors
• sticking address labels on promotional postcards
• tidying out their toys
• shredding drafts and paperwork that does not need to be kept
• filing – I do have to be clear where each item goes
• checking that my market tool box is restocked

I write the jobs up on a piece of butchers paper and stick it to the wall. Whenever the kids start fighting or complaining they are bored, I invite them to do one or more of the jobs on the list To make sure that they business keeps running, I make sure that none of these jobs are business critical. If the job is able to earn them some pocket money, I mark them with a dollar sign. Whatever they earn is recorded and paid out at the end of each week of the school holidays.

I've found this works best during the June/July school holidays as the kids want to hit the toy sales… but it can work any time the kids want to spend some cash. This week, the incentive is having some money to spend when we go to the Melbourne Show later this week.