Some days balancing family, work, and personal time feels like a daunting task.
As a busy full-time working mom and wife, I feel as though having a routine (and sticking to it) is the easiest way to create balance in my life.
I’ve cultivated small routines for my family to make things easier.
Working Mom Tips to Balance Family, Work, & Personal Time
Here’s what a typical day looks like and the working mom tips I use:
6:00 a.m. – Morning
My alarm goes off and the house is quiet, which makes it the perfect time to plan out my day. Getting a jump start on the morning before the children wake up has been key to getting out the door on time. My husband will begin breakfast, while I finish getting ready, wake up the children, get them dressed and ready for the day.
Tip: Set out clothes the night before, so that you don’t have to scramble in the morning.
6:30 a.m. – Family Morning Routine & Breakfast
After my kids are up, and dressed, it’s time for the morning hustle. My husband is a huge help here, he makes sure to have breakfast ready, shoes set out, backpacks packed, and the vehicles ready to go. I try to keep breakfast simple: yogurt, fruit, or toast — and while the kids eat, I grab my morning coffee, pack my lunch for the day, and quickly do a clean up around the house.
Tip: Have an idea of what you plan to take for lunch that day to save time.
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Working Mom Mode
As a teacher, my workdays are planned out two or three days in advance and my goal is to stay focused and flexible. I arrive at work and begin the magical and daunting task of keeping teenagers engaged in the works of classic literature and language. I have the privilege of working with some of the most amazing students.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Lunch Break & Mid-day Check In
When lunchtime rolls around, I try to step away from my computer and recharge. I’ll often go for a quick walk. My guilty pleasure is watching a little bit of my favorite TV show during this time and taking a scroll through social media.
If I can, I’ll also use this time to check in on any family logistics, whether that’s coordinating after school appointments or checking in with my husband on our evening plans.
After a quick 30-minute lunch break, it’s time to welcome students back into the classroom.
Tip: Make sure to actually take a break! It’s tempting to power through the day, but stepping away from work for even 10 minutes can help you come back more refreshed.
4:30 p.m. – Family Time
After finishing up work, it’s time to focus on family. I meet my children at home, or my husband brings them home from preschool. Then we transition into our evening routine shortly after. I catch up with my children, hear about their adventures of the day, share a snack, or allow some TV or free play time before dinner.
Tip: Allowing your children some independent time or check in time with you is a great way to get them to wind down, and feel a little extra loved after being separated all day.
5:00 p.m. – Dinner & Evening Wind Down
By early evening, it’s time for dinner prep. I try to keep meals easy, and we plan the week’s meals on Sundays to avoid the, “What’s for dinner?” scramble.
Getting the kids involved in setting the table or helping with simple kitchen tasks also makes dinner a team effort and less of a chore. My twins are four years old, and they’re still eager to set the table and help with the dinner prep.
Tip: Planning out your meals a few days in advance and choosing ones that only require a few pots and pans can make supper time a breeze.
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Kids’ Bedtime
After dinner, we do a quick clean up, and then it’s time for baths, pajamas, and bedtime routines. We wind down by reading together and saying our evening prayers.
While my husband finishes bath and brushes teeth, I either fold some laundry or get the children’s clothes ready for the next day (to save time in the morning).
7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Wrapping Up & Winding Down
Once the kids are in bed, my husband and I usually have some time to ourselves. We do another quick clean around the house, before catching up with each other about our days.
A few times a week we’ll share a special treat, typically it’s dessert from the evening meal. This has been a great way to sit and enjoy a few moments together.
Tip: Find some time to check in with your spouse each day to help you stay connected during the busy weeks.
Finding Balance as a Working Mom in the Day-to-Day
The key to balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly but finding small ways to make each day feel meaningful.
Some days are smooth, and others are more chaotic, but having these routines in place makes it easier to stay on track.
I’m far from having it all figured out, but with each day, I get a little closer to what works best for my family, my work, and myself. I hope these working mom tips help you, too!
