Running A Business And Being A Mom… At The Same Time
Let’s get real—running a business while your kids are home requires ninja-level time management skills (and a lot of coffee). But it’s not impossible. The key is being super smart with how you spend your time. How are all these BossMoms running a business and being a mom at the same time? Well, let’s discuss some of the basics!
Tip 1: Get Smart with Your Time Blocks
It’s all about being strategic with those pockets of time you get. Some moms are up before the kids to get a solid chunk of work done before the kids are up and running. If you do early mornings like this, during the day, you can focus on tasks that don’t require as much brain power—because let’s be honest, once the kids are up, “focus” is a relative term.
If mornings aren’t your thing, that’s okay. Not everyone has brains that function well in the morning. We aren’t here to try and force ourselves to be morning people. And for many moms, you might have been a morning person before kids. But now, you’re tired. Or maybe you’re pregnant, or postpartum with a newborn awake at all hours.
Find the time blocks that work for you, whether it’s during nap time, after bedtime, or when they’re entertained with a show. Just be intentional with how you spend that time!
Tip 2: Prioritize What Actually Moves Your Business Forward
I can’t stress this enough. You can have a ton of things on your to-do list, but if they don’t move the needle in your business, you’re just staying busy without making progress. Get clear on what needs to get done—whether it’s connecting with your community, creating content, or closing sales.
A little tip: make your to-do list the night before and rank tasks by how long they take. That way, when you have those small windows of time (like when the kids are calm for 10 minutes), you know exactly what you can knock out quickly.
Tip 3: Make Decisions About “Me Time” and “Mom Time”
Let’s be honest, it’s not easy to draw a line between “mom time” and “me time,” especially when you’re balancing both roles. But it’s important to figure out when you’re fully present with the kids and when it’s okay to let them be independent. Maybe they’re watching a show, or maybe they’re napping—those moments are golden for getting things done.
If you’ve got little ones who need constant attention, use nap time to your advantage. And if you’re dealing with toddlers or school-aged kids, find ways to keep them engaged with something that allows you to focus on work for a bit. Kids do well with cues, so if they know you are at your desk or in a certain space of the home, they know you are working. Set rules around what that looks like when you are working. They will learn.
Age Matters: Tips for Different Stages
Let’s break this down a bit further because, let’s face it, juggling work with an infant versus a toddler versus a school-aged child is a totally different ball game.
Infants: Maximize Nap Time and Baby-Wearing
Babies nap (a lot), and while their sleep schedule might not be totally consistent, this is the most downtime you’re going to get until college (trust me). Use those naps to tackle tasks that require more focus. And if your little one loves being held, invest in a good wrap so you can baby-wear while you work. You’d be surprised at how much you can get done with a sleeping baby strapped to you.
Toddlers: Keep Them Busy
Once kids start walking and talking, things get a little trickier. Toddlers want your attention 24/7, and they’ve got the energy to keep you on your toes. But this is where creativity comes in! Set up activities they can do independently or alongside you. It’s all about finding ways to keep them engaged while you get stuff done. Toddlers LOVE to mimic you. Get them their own notebooks or pretend laptops to work with you.
School-Aged Kids: Build Routine and Structure
Once your kids are a bit older, they start to understand boundaries more. This is where you can really establish a routine, letting them know when it’s time for them to play and when it’s time for you to work. It’s all about setting expectations and being consistent.
Finding Time for the “Big Tasks”
For the things that require serious focus (like writing a blog post, creating a course, or closing a sale), you’ve got to carve out chunks of uninterrupted time. That might mean working late at night or early in the morning, or maybe getting a babysitter for a couple of hours on the weekend. Some moms LOVE weekend mornings when her partner can take over and she can knock out those big brainpower tasks. It’s all about being smart with your time and making sure you’re working on the right things during the quiet moments.
If you’re a single mom, plan your work time during your kid-free time. Don’t only let yourself work at these times, but maximize your time as you can.
You Can Be a Mom and Run a Business (Without Losing Your Mind)
Look, I’m not going to pretend that it’s easy to balance a business and motherhood. But here’s the thing—it can be done. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. It just takes some strategy, planning, and a whole lot of flexibility. And, of course, a strong support system doesn’t hurt!
Find what works for you, be honest about your limits, and surround yourself with people who get it. At the end of the day, being a mom and an entrepreneur means learning to be okay with the chaos while still moving forward toward your dreams.
If this resonates with you and you want more support, make sure to check out Boss Mom Plus. It’s our new social networking platform designed just for you—no distractions, just a space to connect with other moms who are building their dreams while raising their families. Because we get you, and we’re here to help!
You’re amazing. I heart your face, and we’re cheering for you every step of the way!
