Balancing work and home life is something many moms strive for, yet it often feels impossible. Whether we work full-time outside the home or are with our kids full-time, the balancing act is challenging—and striving for perfection can leave us feeling exhausted and defeated. So, let’s talk about what real balance can look like, how to handle the pressure to be “perfect,” and how to find the grace to trust our intuition as moms.
Embrace that perfect balance is a myth.
First things first: perfect balance simply doesn’t exist. As you read this, I need you to relax the tension from your shoulders, release your tongue from the roof of your mouth, and inhale/exhale a deep breath. Okay, now you're ready to read on.
When you’re juggling work responsibilities and family life, something is always going to feel a bit off-kilter. One day, you might feel like you’re winning at work, but struggling to keep up with family needs; another day, your focus might be more on your kids, leaving work tasks feeling like a scramble. And that’s okay. Balance isn’t about giving 100% to everything all the time—it’s about finding what works for your family.
Step One: Realign Your Expectations
As moms, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone. We want to give our all to work, but we also want to be there for our kids at every moment. We want the praise and the raise in the office, but we also want to be the Pinterest mom with the pristine house. This pressure can lead to burnout and guilt, especially if we’re chasing unrealistic expectations of perfection. Take a step back and evaluate what’s truly important to you and your family. Is it having dinner together a few times a week? Making it to your child’s sports games? Spending quality time on the weekends?
Once you identify what’s most meaningful, allow yourself to focus on those areas and give yourself grace when other things fall behind. After all, if we spread ourselves too thin, we’re less able to be present for the moments that really matter. If everything is important, inevitably nothing ever becomes truly important and we fail everywhere. So why not just focus on a single thing first?
Up Next: Silence the Noise of Judgment
Judgment is unavoidable—whether you’re at the office or home, people always seem to have opinions on how you’re doing things. Some may question a working mom’s dedication to her children; others may assume a stay-at-home mom doesn’t “do enough.” But no one else lives your life or knows your unique circumstances. Remember, you’re the best person to make decisions for your family. The next time you feel judged (or even judge yourself), pause and remind yourself of all the ways you show up for your kids.
Reminder #3: Listen to Your Intuition
We often overlook one of our greatest tools as mothers: intuition. It is SO powerful. We’re surrounded by a 24/7 live stream of parenting advice, expectations, and opinions in society today, but only you know what’s best for your children and your family’s needs. If your gut says it’s important to make a weekly family outing a priority, go with that. If you feel better starting work a little early so you can be home in time for dinner, that’s perfectly fine too.
Listening to your intuition will guide you to make choices that bring peace and connection into your family’s life, rather than adding stress by trying to meet outside expectations. Big emphasis here - make the decisions that feel right to you and be 100% confident in them.
Step Four: Build a Routine That Works for You (and Be Willing to Adjust)
Routine can be a lifesaver for balancing work and home life, but it’s important to find a routine that fits your family. Rather than trying to force yourself into something that doesn’t fit, look at your days and see where small changes could ease the pressure. Maybe this means getting up 20 minutes earlier to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before the chaos begins, or setting aside a “family hour” each evening where phones and work emails are put away.
Remember, routines are meant to serve you. If you find something isn’t working anymore, don’t hesitate to adjust. Flexibility is key to keeping things running smoothly. More importantly here, if you're trying to implement or follow a routine because you saw it worked for another mom, but it isn't working for you...ditch it.
Last, but Certainly Not Least: Give Yourself Grace and Remember, You Are Enough
At the end of the day, being a mom—whether you work a 9-5 or are at home full-time—means being there for your kids in the ways that truly matter. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea of “doing it all,” but remember, the most valuable thing you can give your children is you. When you’re kind to yourself, honor your boundaries, and show up with love, you’re already the best mom they could ever have.
So, take that deep breath again, let go of the myth of perfect balance, and focus on creating a life that feels fulfilling for you and your family. Balance may look different from day to day, but as long as you’re listening to your intuition and giving yourself grace, you’re exactly where you need to be.
If you’re looking for a space where you can feel supported, connect with other moms, and rediscover your joy, I invite you to join our free community, Moms Working Overtime. We’re here to remind you that you’re never alone, no matter how hard this chapter of life may feel. Together, we can navigate the challenges of motherhood and find joy along the way.
