Juggling a full-time job while raising two little humans is definitely not easy.
As a full-time product manager and a single mom to my energetic son, Liam (5), and my tiny boss, Emily (2), I’m constantly trying to balance work and motherhood.
Some days everything runs smoothly, and other days it’s pure chaos!
Working as a product manager demands a lot, but let’s be real, nothing compares to the non stop demands of motherhood.
Through trial, error, and a lot of late-night coffee, I’ve discovered some practical strategies that help me maintain balance and, more importantly, my sanity.
I hope sharing these insights can offer some comfort and useful tips to fellow moms in similar shoes.
Establishing a Routine
Kids thrive on predictability, and honestly, so do I.
Having a structured daily schedule eliminates decision fatigue and makes things run more smoothly.
In our home, having a routine has made a huge difference.
Mornings start with a set wake-up time, followed by breakfast together before I head to work. Evenings are all about family dinner, some playtime, and then the bedtime routine.
This setup helps keep things predictable for the kids and gives me little moments to breathe and recharge.
Mastering Time Management
Time management is another crucial factor in maintaining work life balance.
As a product manager, I’ve learned that blocking out specific time slots for different tasks keeps me organized.
Reserving productive hours for deep work, setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, and using timers or alarms to stay on track can make a significant difference.
Efficiency is key when juggling multiple responsibilities.
Outsourcing & Simplifying Tasks
No one can do it all alone, not even you. And you know what? that’s okay!
Grocery delivery services have become a staple in our household, saving me those chaotic trips to the store with two kids.
I’ve also embraced meal prepping on weekends, whipping up simple dishes that can be quickly reheated during the week.
And when the laundry piles up or the floors need a good scrub, I don’t hesitate to call in a cleaning service.
It’s not about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most.
If you’re a new mom trying to find your rhythm, my New Mom’s Guide covers the basics.
Involving Kids in Daily Tasks
Getting kids involved in daily tasks can actually be really helpful. Simple things like letting them “help” with little chores make things easier and more fun.
At first, I used to clean only after they went to sleep. But then I realized my mistake!
If they go to bed when everything is messy and wake up to a magically clean house, they never learn to clean up after themselves.
Plus, by getting them involved in chores, I can turn tasks I’d normally do alone into part of our playtime. That way, I get things done while spending time with them – and when they finally go to sleep, I can actually enjoy some time for myself!
Liam loves moving clothes from the washing machine to the dryer, and Emily takes her job very seriously – she throws anything she finds on the floor into the trash… including the remote and my phone!
Prioritizing Self-Care
It’s easy to put ourselves last, but I’ve realized that taking care of me is essential for taking care of them.
Whether it’s a 15-minute morning yoga session before the kids wake up or indulging in a bubble bath after they’ve gone to bed, these small acts recharge my batteries.
I know it’s easier said than done, but if you take nothing else from this post, take this – you are just as important as your kids!
Your well-being matters.
Trust me, when I was a young mom, I devoted myself entirely to Liam, home life, and work without taking a second to breathe. That’s how I got burned out.
But burnout is easy to avoid if you make yourself a priority.
You don’t need much – ask a babysitter to watch the kids for an hour while you enjoy a quiet coffee break at the nearest café, or set an alarm 30 minutes before your baby wakes up and take a refreshing shower to start your day on the right foot.
Learn how to care for yourself after birth in my Postpartum Survival Guide.
Let Go of Perfection
It still pains me to say this, but motherhood and perfection don’t go hand in hand.
As someone who has always aimed for excellence, letting go of control was incredibly hard for me. But I’ve learned to pick my battles.
At work, I strive for perfection, but at home, I’ve accepted that not everything has to be flawless.
Some nights, cereal for dinner is just fine, and honestly, the kids couldn’t be happier!
Our home isn’t always spotless, and some days are more chaotic than others.
I’ve learned to embrace the mess and focus on the laughter and love that fill our space.
Letting go of perfection has been liberating and has allowed me to truly enjoy motherhood.
Dealing with Mom Guilt
Mom guilt is real – and it’s even harder when you’re a working mom.
If my baby is sick and I have to take the day off to be with them, I feel guilty for missing work and neglecting my responsibilities. But if I have an important day at the office and leave my sick child with my mom, the guilt can hit me so hard that I could cry.
But over time, I’ve realized that guilt doesn’t make me a better mom – it just makes things harder.
Instead of beating myself up, I remind myself that I’m doing my best. My kids know they are loved, and that my work is important too.
Letting go of guilt is a work in progress, but the more I practice self-compassion, the better I feel.
Balancing work and motherhood is a constant learning process, full of ups and downs.
Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that works for our family, and I hope these tips help you do the same.
It’s not about getting everything right every single day – it’s about figuring out what works for you and your little ones.
Remember – your kids don’t need perfect. They just need you.
With love,
Shely
