Work-at-home moms are mistakenly portrayed in social media as Pinterest-perfect-picture moms, organizing the dishes while taking care of kids and running their businesses. Sometimes running a business while taking care of your kids can be a disaster but don’t worry because you’re not alone.

If you’re someone who’s looking for perfectly organized schedules and color-coded time blocks, you might not find that here. The truth is, I’m more of a hot mess kind of mom who’s just doing the best she can. I don’t have everything perfectly put together, and things can get pretty messy around here. But despite all that, I still want to share my tips with you because something’s been working right. So if you’re looking for some real, down-to-earth advice, then stick around because that’s exactly what you’ll get here.

Listen to the full episode:

As a work-at-home mom, it’s okay to be distracted

The first tip is to be okay with distractions from your kids. It’s normal for kids to interrupt, so be patient and understand that it’s formative for them to come and check in with you. One way to manage these interruptions is to be strategic about how you manage your time. For example, you could pack up your computer and head to the park with your kids, or work after bedtime when the house is quiet.

Related article: How I Scale My Business as a Work-at-Home Mom

Be flexible and always ask yourself how you can make it work

Another tip is to be flexible and always ask yourself how you can make it work. If you’re looking for perfection or waiting for your kids to be chill and wait quietly, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Remember, it’s not always going to be perfect, and you’ll have to endure the ebbs and flows of your work-at-home business. Always remember that you are a mother first, and work on everything else second.

Take care of yourself

Taking care of yourself is crucial, and it’s something that often goes without saying. For me, working is something I love and is a form of self-care, although it can also be stressful at times. However, it’s important to also make time for other activities like working out or going for a walk, even if it’s just for a few minutes. 

I admit that I struggle with consistency, especially during this season of my life, but I’ve noticed the positive impact even a short walk can have on my well-being. It’s essential to prioritize self-care, whether it’s through exercise, reading a book, or taking a relaxing bath. By carving out that time for yourself, you’re preventing burnout and ensuring that you’re taking care of your own needs too.

Simplify your chores

Simplifying mealtime was a huge help for me, and you’ve probably heard this advice before. What I found helpful was to meal prep on Sundays for a few days during the week. I usually meal prepped up until Thursday because the food wouldn’t taste as good or would go bad by then, and we would get tired of it. I made a big batch of rice and beans and then switched up the meals throughout the week.

Stop and enjoy the present as a work-at-home mom

The grass may look greener on the other side, but it’s important to learn how to enjoy this season now. Don’t expect everything to be 50/50 or beautiful all the time. Sometimes you’ll have to give more to work, and other times you’ll have to give more to motherhood. Just manage the season and wait for the next one. Remember that you started this business to have more freedom and flexibility, and to spend more time with your kids.

Running a business from home as a work-at-home mom with kids is possible with the right perspective, organization, and flexibility. It won’t be perfect, and you’ll have to endure the ebbs and flows of business, but with these practical tips, you can make it work. Remember to take care of yourself, ask for help, and stop and enjoy the present. It goes by fast, and your kids won’t be little forever.