Tips for Balancing Career and Family Life as a Working Mom
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As a working mom, I can tell you it is a juggling act. It requires flexibility, creativity, and a whole lot of coffee.
Not working at all isn’t an option for me—I need something outside of being a mom for my mental health. But I also don’t want to give up too much time with my kids.
And although it’s rewarding, balancing my work and family can get overwhelming.
The good news is that with the right strategies, you can master the art of managing your time, nurturing your family, and thriving in your career—all while taking care of yourself.
It’s not always easy, but I’ve mastered the balance enough to feel like I’m not failing at all of it. At least most of the time.
In this guide, I aim to help you find harmony as a work from home mom, complete with practical tips, self-care advice, and tools to make your days a little smoother.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
A designated workspace is key to staying focused as a work from home mom. If you can, a home office is ideal. This way, you can close the door and keep your work equipment tucked away.
I understand this isn’t feasible for a lot of folks. But even if you can have a small desk in the corner, having a space where you can concentrate is helpful.
Having a comfortable chair to support your posture will help you be productive.
Include anything else that makes you want to spend time there. This could be pictures, plants, knickknacks—whatever works for you.
Set Clear Boundaries
As a work from home mom, it’s important to establish boundaries between work and family time.
Let your kids know when you’re in “work mode,” and set clear signals, like closing the door or using headphones, to minimize interruptions.
Because my kids are so young, I only work when the kids are home if my husband isn’t working. He’s very good about keeping the kids away from the office, so I’m not constantly interrupted.
Whether someone is with your kids or you have older kids who can be alone for a while, it’s good to communicate your schedule so everyone is on the same page.
Embrace Time Blocking
Time blocking is a game-changer for productivity. Divide your day into focused work periods, family time, and personal breaks.
Using tools like planners or digital calendars to keep track of tasks and appointments can be helpful to keep you on track.
I’ve also had to learn to be realistic about what I want to accomplish in a day. Whenever I’ve overloaded my schedule, I become frantic and frustrated.
If I can have fewer items on each day’s to-do list, I get more things done because I’m not stressing so much.
Start Your Day with a Routine
A morning routine sets the tone for the day. Many people will tell you to get up before your kids to enjoy quiet time or work out. I don’t think that’s always realistic.
For me, it’s not, anyway. I have young children, and I often collapse into bed after the kids are asleep at the end of the day. I’m not willing to sacrifice any more sleep than I already do.
We have a morning routine that goes the same way every weekday. This way, we know if we’re on schedule or running behind, but everyone knows what’s coming next, so there’s no upset.
Prioritize Tasks with a To-Do List
Your to-do list can feel endless as a work from home mom (or just as a mom in general).
This is one thing I struggle with. Everything feels important to me!
Typically, at the end of the workday, I like to set the priorities for the next day—both for work and family. This way, I don’t waste time figuring out what I should be doing in the morning.
This helps me feel like I’ve at least got a plan and know what to focus on. I like to be as flexible as possible because life with little kids can be unpredictable!
Get Comfortable Saying “No”
You can’t do it all, and that’s ok. I promise.
I’m still learning this, but in the beginning, if we needed something, I’d be the one to run out. Or if something needed to be done around the house, I did it.
My husband didn’t expect this of me. I took it on myself. It made sense in my mind—we needed his stable income, and I was freelance writing, which was hit or miss.
But I’ve learned how to say no to things that aren’t work-related during my work time. And we’ve figured it out. Sometimes, the errands or tasks are less convenient to do at other times, but it means that my work gets done.
Now, this also applies to family stuff. We don’t do things only because we feel obligated. If we deviate from our original plan for the day, it’s because we want to.
Take Advantage of Nap Time and Independent Play
Use nap times or independent play to tackle your most focused work if you have young children and have to work while they’re home.
This one is tough for me to do at the moment. My oldest son is good at independent play, but he also likes to try to include me or ask me a million questions. I never know what to expect day-to-day.
Things like puzzles and coloring can help keep him occupied without a screen.
Luckily, the littlest one still naps, so I often get some uninterrupted time from him.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
If you need to have meetings from home or have contact with clients, you can find project management software for just about anything you need.
Having meetings and staying in touch with colleagues and clients can be challenging while your kids are running around. If you allow screen time, this is where it may come in handy.
This one is something I use very sparingly—only for situations when something has to be done immediately and we can’t arrange for other childcare.
Depending on your kids’ ages, you can set up some activities to keep them occupied instead of screens.
Here are a few ideas for activities that will help keep your kids occupied without screens:
- Build a fort
- Build an obstacle course
- Drawing/coloring
- Build with lego
- Put on music for a dance party
- Put on a kid’s podcast or audiobook
- Have a box of special toys for when you have to work
- Puzzles
- Do a treasure hunt
- Give them a big box to play with
Involve Your Kids When Possible
This one can be tough, depending on what kind of work you do. It doesn’t often work for what I do.
It also may depend on your kid’s age, but often, kids like to be helpers.
Letting them organize papers, fetch supplies, or participate in simple tasks can be enough to keep them occupied so you can get some things done.
It keeps them engaged and gives them a sense of teamwork.
Schedule Breaks for Quality Family Time
Schedule regular breaks to spend time with your kids if your schedule allows.
It may not be feasible to schedule several hour-long breaks during the day, but even scheduling lunch with your kids or taking a quick walk with them outside can be enough.
If you can build in some focused family time, you’re less likely to deal with as much upset during the times you can’t play.
Outsource When Needed
This one is on the nice-to-have list. Many people can’t afford anyone to come in and clean—I know we can’t.
But I’ll tell you, if we could afford it, we would do it in a minute and not feel one bit guilty.
One thing we do to free up time to spend with our kids is do grocery pick-up. After the kids have gone to bed, I’ll put in a grocery order, and the following day, the kids and I will run to the grocery store to pick it up.
This frees up a lot of time for us. I don’t have to spend all the time and energy getting the kids in and out of the car and walking around the grocery store. Everyone stays in their seats, and it’s a quick trip.
Take Care of Yourself
This one may seem impossible, but it’s super important. If you’re giving too much to others and not having your needs met, you’ll burn out—and then no one will have their needs met.
Prioritizing yourself can help you show up better for both work and family. If you’re looking for tips on how to do that when you’re already overwhelmed, check out this post.
Build a Support System
The ideal situation is having a support system with family who can help you with your kids. We are very lucky to be in this situation.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have family close by or have family that is willing to help.
But you can build your own community. Try to connect with other work from home moms for advice and camaraderie.
Maybe some people you work with or live near are dealing with the same things. Perhaps you can find a mom group online to connect with.
Sometimes, just knowing you’re not the only one in the same difficult situation can make all the difference.
Be Flexible and Forgiving
This one is tough for me. I struggle when things don’t go to plan. Being a work from home mom has forced me to be more flexible.
Most days won’t go perfectly. I know it doesn’t feel like it, but it’s ok.
As a work from home mom, flexibility will be your superpower. If possible, try to build some buffer time into your schedule. Kids take forever when you need them to hurry up, so having extra time for that will make you feel less stressed about time.
Quick Meals
Have an arsenal of quick lunches and dinners so you can spend more time with your kids on breaks and after work.
We like to do a lot of freezer meals. I’ll make a big batch of spaghetti sauce or chili and freeze it in the needed portions.
This way, we can grab something from the freezer in the morning and have it ready by suppertime.
In the cold months, a slow cooker can be helpful. Meal prep some dump-and-go dinners and have them frozen so you can grab them from the freezer and put them into the slow cooker.
Finding Balance as a Work from Home Mom
Balancing work and family life isn’t about perfection—it will be messy. If you can manage your time wisely and find the rhythm that works for your family, things feel less chaotic.
Make sure you’re celebrating the wins, even the small ones.
Being a work from home mom is hard, but you’re doing amazing! Keep experimenting with what works best for your family, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.
You’ve got this!
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