If you’re reading this, you’re probably stuck between work deadlines and mom duties, which has left you drained. As a mom of two, I know the pressure of showing up to both my roles, the exhaustion that follows it, and the guilt about whether I’m doing enough for my kids.
It can feel like an uphill climb, but I promise there’s a way to make it work without losing your cool—most days, at least.
Today, we’ll talk about how to be a working mom who balances her roles and has her sanity in check. We’ll address the tough moments, like missing your child’s school performance or not having the energy to play another round of hide-and-seek.
Being a working mom is one of the hardest jobs on the planet, sure. But it’s also one of the most rewarding. So, let’s learn how to balance work and motherhood.
How to Be a Working Moms Who Wear Multiple Hats
If you’re unsure how to be a good working mom, here are some tips to go by:
Get Your Mind Ready Before Learning How to Be a Good Mom
When I was pregnant with my first child, I used to think, “How will I manage a full-time job and still be the mom I want to be?” It felt like a big mystery at the time, but once you accept that there’s no single formula on how to be a working mom, you’re already on the right track.
The key is to drop the idea of “perfect” and focus on what works best for your family. You have to prepare for all the ups and downs mentally, and recognize that it’s okay to need help.
Let Go of Being “Perfect”
No one can do it all, all the time—identify your top priorities and let the rest slide. If you’re not sure if not trying to do it is the best thing for your sanity, here is what your fellow Reddit mom says, “I don’t “do it all” and neither does anybody else—some things always gotta give.” She explains that she doesn’t always try to cook elaborate or overly healthy meals and takes the help of a cleaning service every two weeks so that she doesn’t “have to mop or clean bathrooms.
Another mom shares, “Nobody does it all. We are all struggling big time. That’s the problem.” She explains that she orders groceries from Instacart and orders whatever is possible from Amazon.
Do you see the pattern?
Mamas are happier and less tired when they follow the ‘good enough’ attitude most days. If there’s a meal on the table, why does it matter if the furniture is dusty? You can get to that when you have more energy, but if you’re running low today, don’t force yourself to clean. Or, if the budget allows, get help for such tasks.
Let Go of the Mom Guilt
Borking mom burnout is real—and running on empty makes it tough to be present. You should timely take hold of this guilt and feeling like a bad mom so things don’t escalate. The first step is to spot the warning signs: if you’re tired all the time or feeling emotionally numb, slow down. Give yourself short breaks during the day, even just stepping outside for fresh air.
Also, be kind to yourself when mistakes happen—nobody has it all figured out. A good mother’s qualities include nurturing and being forgiving—if a few things don’t go as planned, don’t stress it.
Can dinner be something quick tonight? Can that email wait until morning? Have clear mental and physical boundaries in place to save your sanity and energy. If you suspect burnout or mom guilt escalates, talk to a counselor or a trusted friend. Sometimes, we’re so busy managing guilt as a working mom that we forget there are people ready to support us.
Set a Daily and Weekly Routine
A working mom’s daily routine can get her through the days and weeks with less stress. If she can divide her days into blocks (for example, the 5 pm-8 pm evening block is when she makes dinner and spends time with the family), she can stay on top of the schedule.
Jot down regular activities like office hours, school drop-offs, and meal times. Then, slot in flexible tasks around them. Try prepping meals in bulk over the weekend and freezing portions (I have prepared an awesome meal-planning guide for working moms here).
Investing in gadgets that make everyday tasks easier is also one of the best things you can do as a mama because your precious time should be spent tending to the kids, not mopping the floor by hand.
In my daily mom routine, I have included a weekly cleaning schedule that keeps my house from looking like a dumpster and me from becoming a cleaning freak. And if you can’t relax until the house is clean, there could be a reason that’s making you anxious—find it out.
Hire House Help
Bringing on extra help around the house costs money, but the time and stress you save might be worth the investment. Consider what tasks weigh you down the most—deep cleaning, laundry, or keeping the kitchen tidy.
Delegating these chores to a trusted helper can free you to focus on your kids, your job, or even a well-deserved break. If the budget is tight, look into part-time arrangements or check local community groups for affordable options.
Shop Online
Shopping for essentials—groceries, diapers, school supplies, last-minute birthday gifts—online saves a lot of headaches. Doing your errands from the sofa after the kids go to bed can free up weekends for family time or self-care activities.
Keep an eye out for sales, promo codes, and bulk deals to make online shopping budget-friendly. Plus, many stores offer subscription services for items you need regularly, so you don’t have to reorder every single time.
Use Your Time Wisely
You’ve probably heard a million time management tips for working moms, but even the basics can work wonders if you stick to them. For example, you should list the tasks that need your immediate attention— a project deadline or a parent-teacher meeting—and tackle them first.
Avoid the temptation to say “yes” to every request at work or at home and decline extra responsibilities when your schedule is maxed out. Another simple hack: Use small pockets of time, like early mornings or nap times, to clear emails or plan the week ahead.
Find Childcare that Works for You
There are multiple childcare options for working parents, but picking one that fits your schedule is important. Start by thinking about what matters most: location, cost, schedule, or the caregiver’s background. Some moms prefer daycare centers for the structured environment and social interaction, while others like in-home setups like hiring a nanny.
Visit a few places or interview potential caregivers to see how they handle daily routines. It’s also important to trust your gut—if a place feels off or a caregiver doesn’t share your values, keep looking.
Here’s a quick comparison of both styles of childcare:
Daycare
- Pros: Structured activities, social interaction, regulated environment
- Cons: Fixed drop-off/pick-up times, may have waitlists
In-Home Care
- Pros: Personalized attention, flexible schedule
- Cons: Less social interaction, can be more expensive
Take Care of Your Mind and Body
How to be a working mom who doesn’t go insane trying to do the needful? Don’t lose yourself in the process. Many moms skip their well-being in the rush to keep everyone else happy, but that’s a recipe for burnout. A good self-care plan is key to maintaining work-life balance for moms.
A quick 10-minute workout or a walk around the block can lift your mood and boost your energy levels. If you can, incorporate healthier snacks into your day—stock up on fruit, yogurt, or nuts so you’re not reaching for junk food out of convenience.
Sleep is also critical, so aim for a consistent bedtime that gives you enough rest to wake up feeling halfway human. If stress is piling up, you can journal or talk to a counselor—there’s no shame in needing emotional support.
Split Responsibilities
When I was learning how to be a working mom, it took me a while to realize I didn’t have to do it all on my own and that others could also help manage my baby.
If you have a partner, split the chores—maybe one does the cooking while the other takes care of bath time. Older kids can also help with small tasks like folding laundry or emptying the dishwasher.
At work, being upfront about your workload and capacity is helpful. If you’re swamped, politely say “no” to extra tasks or ask for extended deadlines. Being honest about your limits sets healthy boundaries.
Keep Your Relationship Alive
It’s easy to put your relationship on the back burner when focused on kids, work, and everyday chaos. But keeping that spark alive can boost your happiness and serve as a form of self-care for working moms. All gestures count: a text during the day to check in or setting aside half an hour after the kids sleep to talk about how you’re both doing. You should also try to plan date nights—even a quiet dinner at home with phones tucked away. Balance comes from teamwork, and part of that is making sure you and your partner still connect as individuals, not just co-parents.
Adapt and Keep Going—You’re Doing Good
When figuring out how to be a working mom, remember that nothing is set in stone. What works for you one month may need tweaking the next. As your kids grow and your job evolves, your routines will shift. Keep adjusting, keep learning, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
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FAQs
How do I communicate my new needs to my employer?
Be honest and proactive. Schedule a quick meeting or send an email explaining your situation. If possible, propose a flexible schedule or remote work days. Most employers appreciate clarity and straightforward requests.
How do I deal with mom guilt while working full-time?
Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t let them consume you. Focus on quality time with your kids when you’re home, and remind yourself you’re doing your best. A supportive network helps combat guilt, too.
How do I balance work and motherhood without feeling overwhelmed?
To balance work and motherhood without feeling overwhelmed and stick to a routine that fits your work and home life. Also, set realistic goals, and don’t shy away from asking for help when you need it. This can make managing your responsibilities more manageable and less stressful.
