I am, navigating the beautiful chaos of working from home while raising my kids. It’s not easy, and I won’t pretend to have it all figured out, but over time, I’ve learned a thing or two about creating a routine that works—most of the time. If you’re a mom trying to balance work and family under one roof, let me share my journey, struggles, and some practical tips that might help you find your rhythm.
The Struggle Is Real: My Early Days of WFH
When I first started working from home, I thought it would be a dream come true. No commute, more time with my kids, and the flexibility to throw in a load of laundry between meetings. But reality hit hard. My days felt like a never-ending cycle of interruptions, guilt, and exhaustion. I’d start my workday early, only to be pulled away by a toddler who needed breakfast, a baby who wanted to be held, or a school-aged child who needed help logging into virtual class.
I quickly realized that without a solid routine, I was setting myself up for failure. I was trying to be everything to everyone—supermom, super employee, super wife—and I was burning out fast. Something had to change.
Time Management: The Backbone of My Routine
The first step in creating a work-from-home routine that worked for me was getting serious about time management. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Set Clear Work Hours
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the blurring of lines between work and personal life. I started by setting clear work hours and communicating them to my family. For me, that means working from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with breaks to help my kids during lunch and snacks. - Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
I live by my planner. Every Sunday evening, I sit down and map out my week. I block off time for work tasks, meetings, and family commitments. I also schedule in buffer time for the inevitable interruptions that come with being a mom. - Prioritize Tasks
Not everything on my to-do list is equally important. I’ve learned to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. I tackle the most critical work during my most productive hours (usually mid-morning) and save less demanding tasks for later in the day when my energy dips. - Batch Similar Tasks
To maximize efficiency, I group similar tasks together. For example, I respond to emails and messages in one sitting rather than checking my inbox throughout the day. This helps me stay focused and reduces mental clutter.
Self-Care: Because You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
In the early days of working from home, self-care was the first thing to go. I was so focused on meeting deadlines and taking care of my family that I neglected my own needs. But I quickly learned that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
- Start Your Day with Intention
I’ve started waking up 30 minutes before my kids to have some quiet time. Whether it’s sipping coffee, journaling, or doing a quick workout, this time sets a positive tone for my day. - Take Breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks, but I’ve found that stepping away from my desk—even for just 10 minutes—helps me recharge. I use this time to stretch, take a walk, or simply sit and breathe. - Ask for Help
I used to think I had to do it all on my own, but I’ve learned that asking for help is a form of self-care. Whether it’s hiring a babysitter for a few hours, asking my partner to handle bedtime, or trading childcare with a friend, getting support has been a game-changer.
Overcoming Mom Guilt: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Mom guilt is real, and it can be especially intense when you’re trying to work from home. I’ve had my fair share of moments where I felt like I was failing at both work and motherhood. But over time, I’ve learned to reframe my thinking and let go of the guilt.
- Focus on Quality Time
Instead of stressing about the quantity of time I spend with my kids, I focus on making the time we do have together meaningful. Whether it’s reading a book, playing a game, or simply talking about their day, these moments matter. - Celebrate Small Wins
I’ve started celebrating small wins, both at work and at home. Finished a project ahead of deadline? Win! Managed to get dinner on the table without burning it? Win! These little victories remind me that I’m doing better than I think. - Give Yourself Grace
Some days are harder than others, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to give myself grace and remind myself that I’m doing my best. And my best is enough.
Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Finding balance as a working mom is an ongoing process, but here are some tips that have helped me:
- Create a Dedicated Workspace
Having a designated workspace—even if it’s just a corner of the dining room—helps me mentally separate work from home life. When I’m in my workspace, I’m in work mode. When I step away, I’m fully present with my family. - Set Boundaries
I’ve learned to set boundaries with both work and family. For example, I don’t check emails after 5 p.m., and I let my kids know that when I’m in a meeting, they need to wait unless it’s an emergency. - Involve Your Kids
My kids are part of my work-from-home routine, and I’ve found ways to involve them in age-appropriate ways. My older kids know that when I’m on a call, they need to be quiet, and my toddler has learned to play independently for short periods. - Schedule Family Time
Just as I schedule work tasks, I also schedule family time. Whether it’s a family movie night, a weekend outing, or simply playing board games after dinner, these moments help me stay connected to my kids.
An Empowering Conclusion: You’ve Got This
To all the working moms out there trying to create a work-from-home routine that works, I see you. I know how hard it is to balance the demands of work and family, and I know how easy it is to feel like you’re falling short. But here’s the truth: You’re doing an amazing job.
Some days will be messy, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re showing up—for your work, for your kids, and for yourself. You’re teaching your children resilience, adaptability, and the value of hard work. And you’re proving that it’s possible to pursue your career and be a present, loving mom.
So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and keep going. You’ve got this, mama. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all in it together, figuring it out one day at a time.
