As a working mom in the USA, I know firsthand how chaotic life can feel. Between juggling deadlines, school drop-offs, meal prep, and the endless pile of laundry, weekends often feel like a mad dash to catch up on everything I didn’t get to during the week. But over the years, I’ve learned that weekends aren’t just for errands and chores—they’re also a precious opportunity to connect with my kids, recharge my own batteries, and create memories that outlast the chaos.
If you’re a working mom like me, you’ve probably felt the weight of guilt creeping in. Am I spending enough quality time with my kids? Am I balancing work and family well enough? Trust me, I’ve been there. But through trial and error, I’ve discovered that weekends can be a beautiful blend of fun, relaxation, and productivity—if we approach them with intention and a little creativity.
Here’s how I’ve learned to make the most of my weekends, along with some practical tips and activities that have brought joy to my family and helped me reclaim a sense of balance.
1. Time Management: The Art of Prioritizing
Let’s be real—weekends can easily become a black hole of unfinished tasks. I used to wake up on Saturday mornings with a mile-long to-do list, only to feel defeated by Sunday night when half of it was still unchecked. Sound familiar?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to prioritize. Not everything on the list has to get done, and that’s okay. I now divide my weekend into three categories: Must-Do, Should-Do, and Want-To-Do.
- Must-Do: Grocery shopping, meal prep, and one load of laundry.
- Should-Do: Tidying up the living room and responding to a few work emails.
- Want-To-Do: Fun activities with my kids and some time for myself.
By categorizing tasks, I can focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest. I also involve my kids in some of the “Must-Do” tasks. For example, grocery shopping becomes a scavenger hunt, and folding laundry turns into a game of who can match the most socks. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done while keeping us connected.
2. Self-Care: Because You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
As working moms, we often put ourselves last on the list. I used to think self-care was selfish—until I hit a breaking point and realized I couldn’t be the mom or professional I wanted to be if I was running on empty.
Now, I make self-care a non-negotiable part of my weekend. It doesn’t have to be a spa day (though that’s nice when it happens!). Sometimes, it’s as simple as waking up 30 minutes before the kids to enjoy a cup of coffee in silence or taking a solo walk around the neighborhood while my partner handles breakfast.
I’ve also learned to say no. If we’re invited to three birthday parties in one weekend, I’ll choose one and politely decline the others. Protecting my energy allows me to show up fully for my kids and myself.
3. Overcoming Guilt: Letting Go of the “Perfect Mom” Myth
Guilt is the uninvited guest that shows up every time I’m at work and my kids are at school, or when I’m with my kids and my mind wanders to work. It’s a constant tug-of-war, and it’s exhausting.
One of the most freeing realizations I’ve had is that I don’t have to be perfect. My kids don’t need a Pinterest-worthy weekend filled with elaborate crafts and outings. What they need is me—present, engaged, and happy.
I’ve learned to reframe guilt by focusing on quality over quantity. Even if we only have an hour of uninterrupted time together, I make it count. We might bake cookies, play a board game, or just cuddle on the couch and talk about their week. Those small moments matter more than we realize.
4. Fun Weekend Activities for Working Moms and Kids
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here are some of my favorite weekend activities that are easy to plan, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
a. Nature Adventures
There’s something magical about spending time outdoors. Whether it’s a hike at a local park, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or a picnic in the backyard, nature has a way of grounding us and helping us reconnect.
One of our favorite activities is a “nature scavenger hunt.” I create a simple list of items to find (a pinecone, a red leaf, a bird’s nest, etc.), and we head out with a sense of adventure. It’s amazing how something so simple can spark so much joy.
b. DIY Projects
Weekends are a great time to get creative. I’ve found that my kids love hands-on projects, whether it’s painting flower pots, building a blanket fort, or making homemade playdough.
One Saturday, we decided to create a family vision board. We cut out pictures and words from old magazines that represented our dreams and goals, then glued them onto a poster board. Not only was it a fun activity, but it also sparked meaningful conversations about what matters most to us as a family.
c. Cooking Together
Cooking with kids can be messy, but it’s also a lot of fun. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and let go of perfection. We’ve made everything from homemade pizza to rainbow cupcakes, and the process is always filled with laughter and learning.
One of our go-to recipes is “build-your-own tacos.” I set out all the ingredients, and everyone gets to customize their own. It’s a simple way to make mealtime interactive and enjoyable.
d. Movie Nights with a Twist
Movie nights are a classic weekend activity, but we like to add a little twist to make them extra special. Sometimes, we create a themed snack bar with popcorn, candy, and homemade treats. Other times, we build a cozy fort with blankets and pillows to watch the movie in.
One of our favorite traditions is “family film festivals,” where we each pick a movie and take turns watching them over the weekend. It’s a great way to bond and discover new favorites.
5. Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Finding balance is an ongoing journey, and it’s not always easy. But over time, I’ve developed a few strategies that help me stay grounded:
- Set Boundaries: I try to avoid checking work emails on weekends unless it’s absolutely necessary. This helps me be fully present with my family.
- Plan Ahead: I use Sunday evenings to prep for the week ahead—packing lunches, laying out clothes, and reviewing my schedule. This small investment of time sets the tone for a smoother week.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s finishing a project at work or spending quality time with my kids, I make a point to acknowledge and celebrate the little victories.
An Empowering Conclusion: You’re Doing Your Best
To all the working moms out there, I want you to know this: You are enough. You are doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask of you. It’s okay if the house is messy, if you didn’t get to everything on your to-do list, or if you lost your patience after a long day. What matters is that you’re showing up—for your kids, for your work, and for yourself.
Weekends are a gift, but they don’t have to be perfect. They’re a chance to slow down, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So take a deep breath, let go of the guilt, and embrace the beautiful, messy, wonderful journey of motherhood. You’ve got this.
And remember, the best gift you can give your kids is a happy, healthy, and present mom. So go ahead—plan that nature walk, bake those cookies, or just snuggle on the couch. Whatever you do, know that you’re making a difference, one weekend at a time.
i’m Zara Michell
