How to Balance Work and Being a Mum

Let’s be honest: Being a mum is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s not sugar-coat it, it’s also one of its biggest challenges. Add a career into the mix, and the word “balance” can sometimes feel like a cruel joke. You’re expected to excel at work, keep the household running, There are days when it feels like no matter how much you give, it’s never enough. The emails keep coming, the laundry piles up, and in the middle of it all, your child asks you to play or help with homework, It’s no wonder so many working mums feel like they’re failing at something, somewhere, all the time.

But here’s the truth: you’re not failing. You’re navigating two incredibly demanding roles, and that’s no easy feat. You’re not alone. Every working mum feels the weight of trying to balance her personal and professional worlds. It’s not easy to switch from a boardroom presentation to wiping sticky hands, or from a work deadline to a bedtime story. But here’s the good news: it is possible to thrive in both worlds without losing yourself in the process.

This article is here to help you do just that. It’s a compassionate, practical guide for working mums who feel stretched thin but are determined to thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Let’s explore strategies, real-life stories, and actionable tips to help you manage both worlds with confidence.

Why Balancing Work and Motherhood Feels So Hard

Before we dive into tips, it’s important to acknowledge why balancing work and motherhood is such a challenge. The demands of the modern workplace often clash with the responsibilities of parenting, leaving little room for flexibility or breathing space.

A report by Working Families revealed that 78% of working mothers in the UK feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children, while 62% feel the pressures of work negatively impact their family life. Add to this societal expectations that mums should “do it all,” and it’s no wonder so many feel overwhelmed.

But here’s the first thing to remember: balance doesn’t mean perfection. It’s not about splitting your time and energy equally between work and family it’s about being fully present where it matters most.

Practical Tips for Balancing Work and Motherhood

Balancing work and being a mum is a deeply personal journey. What works for one family might not work for another. However, there are some universal strategies that can help you create harmony between your professional and personal life:

1. Set Clear Priorities

You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Take some time to define what truly matters to you. For example, is it important to you to have dinner with your family every night? Or is it crucial for your career to attend certain networking events?

Once you’ve identified your priorities, make them non-negotiable. This will help you focus your energy on what truly matters, rather than trying to meet every demand. Write down your top three priorities for work and family each week. Revisit them often to ensure you’re staying on track.

2. Establish a Routine

Children thrive on routine, and so do working mums. Having a predictable schedule helps reduce chaos and ensures that everyone knows what to expect.

For example, create a morning routine that allows you to get the kids ready for school without rushing, or set aside specific times in the evening for family activities.

Emma, a mum of two and a teacher, swears by her weekly routine. “We have a set bedtime for the kids, and once they’re asleep, I dedicate one hour to work. It helps me feel productive without taking away from family time.”

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate

You don’t have to do it all. Share the load with your partner, if you have one, or enlist the help of family and friends. If it’s within your budget, consider hiring help for tasks like cleaning or childcare. Delegating doesn’t mean you’re failing it means you’re being smart about managing your time and energy.

Make a list of tasks that can be shared or outsourced, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

4. Set Boundaries at Work and Home

Boundaries are essential for maintaining balance. Let your employer and colleagues know when you’re available and when you’re not. The same goes for family explain to your children that there are times when you need to focus on work but will spend time with them afterwards.

Sarah, A marketing executive, sets clear boundaries by turning off work emails after 6 pm. “At first, I worried it would make me look uncommitted, but I soon realised it made me more productive during work hours because I wasn’t constantly burned out.”

5. Make Time for Yourself

It’s easy to put yourself last, but self-care is essential for maintaining balance. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or catching up with a friend, make space for activities that recharge you. Research from Mind shows that self-care can improve your mental health and help you manage stress, making you a better parent and a better professional.

Schedule self-care into your calendar as if it were an important meeting. Treat it as non-negotiable.

6. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

You don’t need to spend every waking moment with your children to be a good mum. What matters most is the quality of the time you share.

Even small, meaningful moments reading a bedtime story, having dinner together, or listening to their day can create lasting memories and deepen your bond.

A single mum and nurse, says, “I work long hours, but when I’m with my kids, I’m fully present. They don’t remember the times I wasn’t there they remember the times I was.”

7. Communicate Openly

Talk to your employer about your needs as a working mum. Many companies now offer flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, to support parents.

Similarly, communicate with your family about your work commitments. Letting them know what to expect can help manage everyone’s expectations.

Tip: Keep a family calendar visible so everyone knows what’s happening each day.

Consider the story of Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. When she became a mother while in office, she proved that it’s possible to manage a demanding career and parenthood with the right support and mindset.

Ardern often spoke about the importance of flexibility and leaning on her support network. Her story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to choose between your career and your family you can embrace both.

Balancing work and being a mum isn’t about achieving perfection it’s about finding what works for you. Some days will feel chaotic, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you’re showing up for your children and your career in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

Remember, you’re not just a mum or a professional you’re a role model. By balancing both worlds, you’re teaching your children the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of following their dreams.

So, take a deep breath. Let go of the guilt. Celebrate the small victories. And remind yourself that you’re doing an incredible job. You’re not just balancing two worlds you’re building a life that’s full of love, purpose, and possibility.

You’ve got this!