The Great Juggling Act: A Real Life Guide to Balancing Work, Kids, and Summer Shenanigans

I write this today from the front desk of Coworking House, as my office is currently inhabited by a 10 year old, who is listening to music, watching a Youtube Tutorial and also sorting her candy into color coded piles.

Our sitter canceled last minute, and while it is really fine, it definitely took me a few minutes to rearrange some things for the day. Juggle some things, really.

My schedule was already light, and my 8-year-old had lacrosse camp, so my daughter coming to work with me wasn’t a huge issue. I’ll take her to lunch, we’ll work from home this afternoon, and then we’ll pick up her brother and I’ll work a bit more while they swim.

Whether it’s a canceled sitter, a snow day from school, or the ever-common sick kid, so many times in motherhood we need to adjust our plan on the fly, pivot, and still be both a) loving to our family and b) productive at our jobs. This sometimes feels easier to say than to do: previous versions of myself have cried tears of frustration over schedule changes, gotten angry, resentful, and then ultimately, felt guilty.

Have you been there? Many of us have experienced the overwhelming feeling of burnout while trying to maintain a successful professional life while also being present for our kids.

But fear not, there are ways to navigate through this challenging season and find the alignment you desire. Here are five valuable tips that will help you reclaim your time, adjust your expectations, and find ease in your days, even when the routine is disrupted.

Believe in Time Abundance:

First and foremost, shifting your mindset and embracing the concept of time abundance is crucial. Understand that there are enough hours in the day to accomplish what truly matters. By letting go of the scarcity mindset and trusting that time is on your side, you can approach each day with a sense of calm and confidence. Remind yourself that you can prioritize and make the most out of your available time. Enjoying the time you’re spending doing whatever it is you’re doing, is just as important as checking something off the list.

Adjust Expectations:

As a burnt out mom juggling a career and summer schedule, it's important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Understand that you may not be able to achieve everything on your to-do list today, and that's perfectly okay. Embrace the idea of focusing on the essential tasks and letting go of perfectionism. Remember, you're doing your best, and that is more than enough. This goes for work and home. Simple dinners on repeat? Yes, please. Waiting until the kids are back in school to launch your next big project? Totally ok.

Communicate Your Needs:

Clear communication is key when it comes to finding a balance between work and family life. Take the time to openly communicate your needs and boundaries with your employer, colleagues, and your family. Let them know about your limitations during this busy season. Let your partner know that if you’re the default parent during the day, you need them to be in the evenings so you can work uninterrupted. Trade play dates with a friend so each of you gets 4 hours of time solo. Let your team know you’ll be unreachable during XYZ hours, but will be available for true emergencies. Heck, let your older kids know they are on their own for entertainment, and it’s fine if they are bored. (#childofthe80s) By setting clear expectations and seeking support when needed, you can reduce unnecessary stress and find the necessary flexibility to manage your responsibilities effectively.

Practice Breathe And Move On (BAMO):

This tip comes right from my good friend and Mindset Coach Heather Sweeney… In the midst of a hectic schedule, it's crucial to practice self-compassion and resilience. Adopt the "Breathe And Move On" (BAMO) mentality, where you allow yourself to take a deep breath, acknowledge the challenges, and then let them go. Embrace the power of resilience and the ability to bounce back from difficult moments. Remember, it's okay to have off days or make mistakes; what matters most is how you pick yourself up and keep moving forward.

Let It Be Easy:

Finally, remember to embrace the idea of simplicity and find joy in the little things. Actor Will Arnett says brilliantly, “Low-hanging fruit is still fruit.” I love this, because it’s true. We don’t have to kill ourselves to get the higher-hanging fruit if we can just… take the low-hanging ones.

Sometimes, we tend to overlook the easy tasks, thinking that they doesn't count as a significant accomplishment. However, even the small wins matter and contribute to your overall progress. Celebrate the achievements, no matter how small they may seem. By letting it be easy and appreciating the small victories, you'll find yourself in a more positive and empowered mindset.

If you’re excited by the idea that running a business and raising a family doesn’t have to always be hard, you’re my people. I’ve also got a free list of resources to help you minimize and automate so much so that you can enjoy this life you’re designing. Don’t let this be harder than it has to be, you’re allowed to let it be easy.