The Juggle Is Real: How I Run a Business and Motherhood (Without Losing My Mind)

“You can do anything, but not everything.” – Unknown

As a mum of two and a business owner, I know exactly how easy it is to get caught in the cycle of doing all the things – only to feel like you’re constantly falling behind. There was a time when I thought burnout was just part of the package. I now know this is not true!

Running a business while raising kids is no small task. Some days, I feel like I’ve got it all figured out -smooth school drop-offs, productive work blocks and staying on top of my to-do list. Other days? I’m suddenly realising I have no idea if it’s a PE day or not, answering emails from the car and running late to yet another after-school activity.

The juggle is real, and I know I’m not the only one who feels it. But over time, I’ve realised it isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about focusing on what actually matters. If you’re trying to keep your business thriving while being present for your kids, here’s what’s helped me navigate it all without running on empty.

1. Time management – I focus on what moves the needle

Between school drop-offs, pickups, homework help, and their ever-growing social lives, time always feels like it’s slipping away. And I used to think the answer was just to do more… wake up earlier, squeeze more into the day, multitask like a machine.

Spoiler: That doesn’t work.

What does work? Setting priorities that actually move the needle. Instead of filling my day with busywork, I focus on what truly matters, the tasks that bring real results. I also delegate and outsource whenever possible. My kids are at an age where they can take on more responsibility, so I get them involved where possible and I have an amazing cleaner. In business? I let go of the idea that I need to wear all the hats. The more I protect my time, the more present I can be in both areas of my life.

2. Forget work-life balance – think work-life harmony

The idea of work-life balance sounds nice, but let’s be honest… it rarely feels balanced. Life isn’t neatly split into equal parts. Some days, work takes priority. Other days, it’s all about my kids. And I’ve learned to be okay with that.

Jeff Bezos talks about work-life harmony instead of balance, and I love this concept. Instead of feeling like work and family are in competition, I see them as parts of a bigger picture. When my business is thriving, I’m a happier, more fulfilled mum. And when I take time for my family, I show up with more energy and focus in my business.

To make this work, I set boundaries that actually work for me. My work time is for work, and my family time is protected. That might mean putting my phone away during dinner or scheduling deep work sessions while my kids are at school. It’s not about rigid schedules, it’s about making sure both parts of my life support each other, not drain me.

3. The pressure to “do it all” is exhausting, so I stopped trying to be perfect

Society loves to push this “super-mum” idea… the woman who’s building a successful business, running the household, being a hands-on parent, booking dentist appointments on time and somehow also remembering to drink enough water?!

And you know what? That’s exhausting.

You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. The best way I’ve learned to push back against this pressure? Prioritising myself. And that’s not selfish… it’s essential.

For me, that means regular workouts, getting enough sleep (no more late-night laptop marathons), and taking breaks without guilt. When you take care of you, everything else benefits – your business, your family, and most importantly, your well-being.

Because at the end of the day, I don’t want to just “manage” life… I want to enjoy it.

Finding your harmony

There’s no perfect formula for balancing business and motherhood. Some weeks feel smooth, others feel like chaos. And that’s normal. The key is to find what works for you, set boundaries that protect your peace, and let go of the pressure to be perfect.

What part of the juggle do you struggle with most? Let’s chat in the comments, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!