Tips for the Work From Home Mom

Working from home as a mom is truly a gift but a juggling act at the same time. Let’s be honest, balancing a career and raising kids can feel impossible at times. However, remote work has been a game changer for me. It’s not just about the flexibility to pick up your kids from school or get in that extra load of laundry; it’s about reclaiming time and designing a routine that works for your family. Luckily, I’m on a hybrid schedule so I truly get the best of both worlds. For me, getting my kids ready for school in the morning and riding my Peloton in exchange for my morning commute has been such a blessing.

Working from home has given me the gift of time, but as wonderful as it sounds, remote work isn’t without challenges. The hardest part for me was learning how to set boundaries. When your home is your office, it’s easy for work and family life to blur together. I’ve realized when you’re working from home, you need to be working from home and not taking care of your kids. Yes, you need childcare. Whether it's a nanny, daycare, or school, your children need to be cared for in order to get your job responsibilities done. It’s impossible to work a full time or even part time job without having support. Another challenge I’ve faced is staying focused. The laundry, the dishes, the 100 little distractions, it’s all right there! But I’ve learned that with the right strategies, you can overcome these challenges and make remote work not only manageable but fulfilling.

My Go-To Tips for Thriving as a Working from Home Mom

First, is to establish a dedicated workspace. Having a designated work area can help separate your work life from your personal life, creating a sense of structure and routine. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an office room. It can be a corner of your living room or even your kitchen table, as long as it’s a place that’s dedicated for you to focus on your work. What’s important is that your workspace feels like yours. Adding personal touches, like a favorite candle or flowers, can help create a sense of comfort and ownership of your workspace. A comfortable chair is also so important. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable when you’re trying to be productive.

Second, is to dress for the job and not for the couch. As a mom working from home, I totally understand the temptation to lounge around in comfy pajamas, or the same athleisure set several days in a row. However, trust me when I say you’re doing yourself a disservice. I've made a conscious effort to prioritize feeling good, and for me, that includes looking good too. Putting on a little makeup every morning and dressing the part can go a long way. I’ve also found I’m more productive when doing so. It’s the little things that add up and make a difference, and you’ll be amazed how a cute outfit and a little makeup boosts your mood and sets the tone for the day.

Third, is to set clear working hours. Working from home can definitely blur the lines between work and personal life making it difficult to switch off and disconnect. Trust me, there have been times where I’ll get an e-mail at 9 pm and feel the need to respond since my work computer is right in front of me. I’ve had to learn to shut down my computer at a set time each day, even when there’s more work to be done. It’s tempting to push through and finish “just one thing,” but I’ve found that honoring my work hours helps me show up more fully for my family and for myself.

Fourth, is to make sure you get up and go outside. One of the biggest challenges of working from home is that I often find myself being sucked into my work and sitting at my desk for hours on end. I usually try to make it a point to get up and walk around my block for 15 minutes or even just step outside to let my dog out. It’s definitely an instant mood booster and can help me have a refreshed outlook when I sit back down to work.

Fifth, is to be flexible when life happens. Let’s face it, life with kids is anything but predictable. There are days when my carefully planned schedule falls apart because Blaire gets sick or Blake throws a tantrum. Moments like these used to stress me out, but I’ve learned to embrace flexibility as one of the biggest perks of working remotely. Being flexible doesn’t mean throwing your productivity out the window, it means adjusting without guilt. On chaotic days, I will usually let my kids have more screen time or save the bulk of my work for when they’re asleep. Most days, it’s not about sticking to the perfect routine but finding a rhythm that works for that moment. Remote work allows for this kind of grace, and I try to lean into it whenever life throws me a curveball because it always does :)

Sixth, make sure to eat lunch! One of the benefits of working from home is having access to your own kitchen. I have a few favorite lunches that I keep weekly on rotation which helps minimize decision fatigue. Some of my favorite lunches include chicken meatballs with a side salad, avocado toast or rice cakes with peanut butter with a side of fruit. Leftovers also make it easy to enjoy a quick and healthy lunch. Nothing beats a leftover crockpot meal from the night before. I feel like my crockpot meals always taste even better the following day too.

Lastly, is to set phone limits. To be honest, this is something I’m really working on. It can be so easy to be glued to your phone for hours without even realizing it. I’ve recently set a phone limit for myself and from the moment I wake up until the kids are dropped off at school, my phone is completely off-limits. This has done wonders for my morning productivity. I’m able to be more present with my kids and don’t feel rushed. I didn’t realize how much time endless social media scrolling was taking away from my morning routine. Setting intentional “phone limits” allows me to start the day with focus and calm, rather than chaos.

At the end of the day, being a remote working mom is a balancing act, but it’s one that’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset. Setting boundaries, staying flexible, and creating a dedicated workspace are just a few of the ways to thrive while working from home. Being a remote working mom will have its challenges, but it ultimately gives you the freedom to be present for your family while growing in your career. Trust me, you’ve got this. Take it one day at a time, lean on your support system, and don’t forget to give yourself the credit you deserve.