Being a working from home mom since 2015, I’ve experienced firsthand the ups and downs of remote work. Back then, remote jobs weren’t as common, but now, with remote work becoming the norm, I’ve seen how this shift has transformed opportunities for moms like us. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about balancing work and family—and I’m here to share what works, what doesn’t, and how you can thrive in this unique setup.
Whether you’re considering a remote job or already working from home, I hope these tips, insights, and lessons will help you navigate this journey with confidence.
Why Remote Work is a Game-Changer for Moms
Let’s be honest—balancing a career and raising kids can feel impossible at times. But remote work has opened up opportunities that didn’t exist for most moms a decade ago. It’s not just about the flexibility to pick up your kids from school or attend their soccer games; it’s about reclaiming time and designing a routine that works for your family.
For me, cutting out a long commute meant I could spend mornings helping my kids get ready for the day instead of sitting in traffic. It gave me the gift of time—time for family meals, time to be present at school events, and even time to focus on myself. But as wonderful as it sounds, remote work isn’t without challenges.
One thing I’ve come to appreciate deeply is the asynchronous work style that many remote jobs embrace. If you’re unfamiliar, asynchronous work means that not everything has to happen in real time—there’s less pressure to respond to emails or attend meetings immediately. This style has been a game-changer for me as a mom.
For example, instead of being glued to a desk all day, I can prioritize my family when they need me most—whether it’s helping with homework after school, listening to my child’s new favorite story, or just being there for those small but meaningful moments, like snack time chats. With async work, I know I can catch up on tasks during quiet hours, like after the kids are asleep or early in the morning when the house is calm.
This flexibility doesn’t just make me more productive; it allows me to watch my children grow without feeling like I’m constantly choosing between being a good mom and a good employee. Remote work, combined with asynchronous flexibility, has given me a front-row seat to their milestones—both big and small—while still allowing me to show up for my career. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
The Challenges We Face as Remote Working Moms
I won’t sugarcoat it: working from home comes with its own hurdles. 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. There were days when I’d feel like I wasn’t giving enough to either side—my kids wanted my attention, and deadlines were looming. Sound familiar?
Another challenge was staying focused. The laundry, the dishes, the 100 little distractions—it’s all right there. And let’s not even talk about those times when a toddler decided to make a surprise cameo during an important video call!
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
1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Boundaries go beyond creating physical barriers—they’re about setting expectations and fostering respect for your time. In my household, we established a simple rule early on: when my office door is closed, I’m in “work mode.” This wasn’t just for my kids but also for me. It’s a reminder to stay focused and present during work hours, resisting the urge to multitask with household chores.
Maintaining boundaries also means respecting your own limits. 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 more thing,” but I’ve found that honoring my work hours helps me show up more fully for my family and for myself. It’s about creating a structure that everyone in the household can rely on—and sticking to it.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
Having a dedicated workspace isn’t just about physical separation; it’s about creating a mental shift. Even if you don’t have a separate office, carving out a small, consistent area for work can do wonders for your focus. My first “office” was a corner of the living room with a simple desk and chair. It wasn’t fancy, but it became my designated work zone.
What’s important is that your workspace feels like yours. Adding personal touches, like a favorite mug or a small plant, can help create a sense of ownership and comfort. This space not only signals to your brain that it’s time to work but also helps your family recognize when you’re “on the clock.” And when the workday ends, stepping away from this area reinforces the boundary between professional and personal time. It’s a small adjustment, but one that can make a huge difference in maintaining focus and balance.
3. Leverage Productivity Tools
I rely on a few productivity tools to keep everything running smoothly—because let’s face it, as moms, we juggle a million things at once! For staying organized, Notion is my go-to. It’s a versatile platform where I track everything: my work projects, family schedules, grocery lists, and even long-term goals. I love its flexibility—you can create custom templates, manage tasks, and organize notes all in one place. For quick and focused to-do lists, I turn to Google Tasks or simple pen-and-paper when I’m in a rush.
To stay on top of my schedule, Google Calendar is a lifesaver. I color-code everything—work meetings, kid activities, personal appointments—so I can visually see what my day looks like at a glance. Time-blocking has been a game-changer for me. It’s all about assigning specific chunks of time for certain tasks, whether it’s answering emails, deep work, or family time. When I see a busy day ahead, blocking time in advance helps me stay productive and focused without feeling overwhelmed.
And when it comes to managing my focus, I swear by the Pomodoro Technique.
What Is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method designed to help you stay focused and productive by breaking your work into intervals, typically 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break. It’s perfect for tackling work in manageable chunks, especially when you’re balancing parenting interruptions. Here’s how it works:
- Choose a Task: Pick one task you want to focus on (e.g., writing an email, working on a report, or even planning the week’s meals).
- Set a Timer for 25 Minutes: This is your focused “Pomodoro” session. During this time, avoid distractions—no checking your phone, emails, or social media.
- Work on the Task Until the Timer Goes Off: Give it your full attention. If something pops into your mind (like “don’t forget the laundry”), jot it down quickly and keep going.
- Take a 5-Minute Break: Once the timer goes off, step away from your desk. Stretch, grab a snack, or check in on the kids. These breaks help reset your focus.
- Repeat the Cycle: After four Pomodoros (roughly two hours of work), take a longer break—15 to 30 minutes—to recharge before starting again.
I’ve found that using a Pomodoro app (like Focus Keeper or TomatoTimer) makes it even easier to stick to the routine. Plus, those little breaks are perfect for sneaking in a quick hug with the kids, throwing in a load of laundry, or just stepping outside for fresh air.
By combining these tools and techniques, I can stay on track with my work while still being present for my family. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress!
4. Be Flexible When Life Happens
Let’s face it: life with kids is anything but predictable. There are days when your carefully planned schedule falls apart because someone gets sick, a toddler throws a tantrum, or an unexpected school event pops up. I’ve had meetings where I had to pause and mute because my youngest decided to serenade the house with a toy trumpet. 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 particularly chaotic days, I let my kids watch an extra cartoon during a meeting or save the bulk of my work for when they’re asleep. Some days it’s not about sticking to the perfect routine but finding a rhythm that works for that moment. This adaptability has not only made me more efficient but also taught me to let go of the unrealistic expectation of “doing it all” perfectly. Remote work allows for this kind of grace, and I try to lean into it whenever life throws me a curveball.
5. Ask for Help When You Need It
I’ll admit, this one was hard for me to accept. For years, I believed I had to do everything on my own to feel like a good mom and a successful professional. But here’s the truth: asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you resourceful.
When deadlines pile up or life gets overwhelming, I’ve learned to lean on my support system. Sometimes that’s asking my partner to take over dinner duty or hiring a babysitter so I can focus during a busy afternoon. Other times, it’s swapping playdates with a trusted friend or asking family members to step in when I need uninterrupted time.
I remind myself that it’s okay to not do it all. Accepting help allows me to recharge, be more present for my kids, and bring my best self to both my work and my home. If you’re juggling everything on your own, let me be the voice that says: you don’t have to. We’re not meant to carry all of this alone, and seeking help is one of the strongest, most practical things you can do.
Finding Balance and Staying Sane
Here’s the truth: balance doesn’t always mean splitting your time perfectly between work and family. It’s about integrating the two in a way that works for you. For me, that meant scheduling my most focused work hours during nap time or early in the morning before my kids woke up. It also meant learning to forgive myself on the days when things didn’t go as planned.
And don’t forget to prioritize self-care. I used to feel guilty about carving out time for myself, but I’ve learned that even small moments—like a quiet cup of coffee or a quick walk—can recharge my energy and make me a better mom and worker.
You’ve Got This
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 and strategies. Setting boundaries, staying flexible, creating a dedicated workspace, and asking for help when needed are just a few of the ways to thrive in this unique, rewarding lifestyle. Every day won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. What matters most is finding what works for you and your family.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a vibrant, supportive community of moms out there navigating the same challenges and celebrating the same victories. Don’t hesitate to connect with them—share tips, swap stories, and offer each other encouragement. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference.
Being a remote working mom is not without its challenges, but it gives you the freedom to be present for your family while growing in your career. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and making the most of the opportunities remote work provides. With the right approach, you can design a life that aligns with your values, allows you to prioritize what truly matters, and gives you the chance to thrive both personally and professionally.
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. You’re doing an incredible job, and the best is yet to come. Keep going—you’re stronger and more capable than you think!
