Balancing Work and Parenting: My Tried-and-True Survival Guide

Let me paint a picture for you: It’s 7:00 a.m. The toddler is yelling, “More cereal!” while simultaneously dumping her milk on the floor. The six-year-old can’t find his shoes (again). Meanwhile, my laptop pings with a message from my boss asking if I can hop on an early call. Sound familiar?

Balancing work and parenting feels like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. It’s chaotic, exhausting, and sometimes you wonder how you’re even still standing. But somehow, we make it work — because that’s what moms do.

Over the years, I’ve learned (mostly through trial and error) a few strategies that help keep me afloat in this crazy season of life. These are my survival tips for balancing work and parenting without completely losing your sanity.

1. Set Boundaries That Actually Stick

This one was tough for me because I’m a people-pleaser by nature. I used to think I had to answer emails at 9:00 p.m. or be “on” at all times. But I’ve realized that to give my best at work and home, I need clear boundaries.

Here’s what works for me:

• Work Hours: I communicated with my boss that I’m available between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After that, I’m in “mom mode.” Having this clarity has been a game-changer.
• Home Signals: My kids know that when my office door is closed, I’m working. I added a red stoplight sign outside my door (yes, from the craft store) so even my toddler gets the message.

Boundaries are a form of self-respect, mama. You deserve them.

2. Master the Art of Prioritizing

Spoiler alert: You’re not going to get everything done in a single day — and that’s okay.

I start each morning by jotting down the three most important tasks for work and home. For example, today’s list looks like this:
Work: Finish the presentation, reply to three key emails, prep for tomorrow’s meeting.
Home: Fold laundry, make dinner, play 30 minutes of Uno with my six-year-old.

If I check off just those tasks, I call it a win. Everything else can wait.

3. Embrace the Chaos (and Laugh When You Can)

Let’s be real: No matter how much we plan, life happens. The toddler will have a meltdown during your Zoom meeting. Your work deadline will land on the same day as a class field trip.

Instead of fighting the chaos, I’ve learned to roll with it. Sometimes, that means muting myself mid-call to yell, “STOP LICKING THE WINDOW!” (True story.) Other times, it’s giving myself grace when the house is a disaster or dinner is frozen pizza…again.

Laughing about these moments (or texting a fellow mom to commiserate) helps me keep perspective.

4. Ask for Help — and Actually Accept It

This one took me forever to embrace. I used to feel like I had to do it all. But you know what? Supermom doesn’t exist, and that’s okay.

I leaned on my husband to take over morning drop-offs so I could start work earlier. I set up a carpool with a neighbor for soccer practice. I’ve even taught my six-year-old to load the dishwasher — and he loves it because it feels like a “big kid” job.

Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s smart.

5. Create Small Moments of Joy

When your day feels like a hamster wheel, little joys can make all the difference.

• Coffee First: I drink my coffee in total silence before the kids wake up. (Even if it’s just 10 minutes, it’s magical.)
• Play Breaks: Midday, I’ll step away from my desk to build a block tower with my toddler or toss a ball outside with my son.
• Family Traditions: Pizza-and-movie Fridays have become a sacred ritual in our house.

These moments remind me why I’m doing all of this in the first place.

6. Let Go of Perfection

This one’s a work in progress for me, but it’s so important. Not every day will be Instagram-worthy, and that’s okay. Some days, you’ll crush it at work but feel like you barely saw your kids. Other days, you’ll be an amazing mom but miss a deadline.

Give yourself permission to be good enough.

You’ve Got This

Mama, balancing work and parenting is no small feat. Some days will feel impossibly hard, and that’s normal. But don’t forget: you’re showing your kids what it looks like to work hard, adapt, and love fiercely.

So, let’s raise a (reheated) cup of coffee to all of us navigating this beautiful, messy season. You’re doing an amazing job — and your kids think so too. 💛