The Chocoholics guide to self-employment: How does childcare work if you're self-employed?

In the fourth of our series of guidelines for self-employment, we look at how you can juggle a new job with childcare.

A lot of our fabulous distributors across the UK are mothers, as the role fits in beautifully with looking after the kids. Our main work seasons are for the 10-11 weeks running up to Christmas and the 7 weeks running up to Easter, which means you get the whole summer off to spend with the children!

During the busy seasons, you'll need to get a bit of childcare in when you're out at the parties. Here are a few options you might want to consider.

• Asking a family member to help out: If you're lucky enough to have a partner who can look after the children whilst you're out, great! If not, consider whether there are any grandparents, siblings or other family members who might be able to look after for you. It's usually free too!

• Childminder: A flexible childminder can look after your kids for a couple of hours each night, particularly great if they look after children of the same age.

• Friends: Got a friend who works part-time hours? You could arrange a schedule where you take it in turns to look after each other's kids, which helps you both out!

You'll still be able to collect certain benefits, like:

• Child Benefit: £20.30 for your oldest child (under 16) and £13.40 for each child after

• Tax Credits: Check out this useful guide on tax credits for the self-employed.

Got the childcare sorted and want to apply to become a Chocoholics distributor? Then either leave us a message in the comments or give us a call on 0118 9321043.

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