How to Balance Work and Parenting Without Burning Out
One thing that’s really important to me is being the mum I want to be... while coaching other mums to be the mum they want to be.
I’ve always been career-oriented. I see myself as a make-it-happen-kinda-girl. When I get an idea, if it’s realistic, I’ll put it into action.
Being that make-it-happen-kinda-girl, I meet some challenges when I add two beautiful kids (one school-aged, one preschooler), an awesome marriage, a successful business and an efficient home into the mix... but somehow, I make it work!
Here’s what helps me make it work:
1) Challenge it is, impossible it is not!
Thinking this way allows me to see challenges for what they are and not give up at the first hurdle. It especially helped when one of the kids was really sick on a day I had a client booked in. It also helped after I’d registered for a 10-day course only to discover my childcare arrangements had fallen through. What a week! This mindset helps me accept what’s happened and encourages me to find a solution.
2) Slow and steady wins the race
Let me tell you, for a make-it-happen-kinda-girl, this one is tough! But it’s essential. If I want to connect with my hubby, exercise, spend time with my kids or prepare healthy meals, I need to carve out space for it. Sure, I’d love to write more blog posts, do more marketing, connect more on socials... but “slow and steady” helps me adjust my expectations. Meeting my wants in this balanced way is deeply satisfying and takes achievement to a whole new level. It really does win the race for me.
3) Connect with other parents – especially working parents
Parents love to share. I get time-saving tips, fun activity ideas, and real stories that help me feel less alone. I also get to chat with other parents who are experiencing similar challenges. My clients are another amazing source of inspiration – I’m constantly learning from them too.
4) LOVE what I do
I truly love what I do. That love means I can always find the time to do what matters. Whether it’s preparing for a session or continuing my learning, it feels energising. I’ll often listen to podcasts while cooking, driving, folding laundry or shopping – as long as the kids don’t need me at that moment. And if I’ve given them a big dose of mummy time, they’re usually happy for me to have 15–30 minutes to write or listen. It’s a rhythm that works for us.
5) Work on me
I believe deeply in personal development and self-leadership. There are times I don’t respond how I’d like with the kids, speak to my husband in a way I didn’t intend, or feel stuck on a big goal. That’s why I receive regular coaching.
There’s also a deeper reason I keep doing this work: I believe the more I break down my own barriers, the more I open up the channels for my children’s development. If I want them to express themselves, I need to model how I express my emotions. If I want them to be leaders, I need to look at how I lead. It’s not about perfection – they’ll have their own strengths – it’s about creating an environment where those strengths can grow. Research shows children learn more from our behaviour and tone than from our words. What kind of mum would I be if I expected more of them than I expect of myself?
None of us are superhuman. We all have growth edges. Whether it’s through coaching, training, mentoring or therapy, I recommend that every parent – whether in business, employment or full-time parenting – get the support they need.
What helps you balance parenting with work or business?
What key things allow you to nurture yourself, your family and your work all at once?
Feeling stretched trying to do it all? You don’t have to figure it out alone. I help parents build sustainable rhythms that support their wellbeing, family connection and career success. Let’s chat – connect here.