Let’s be real—working from home with kids in the house isn’t the glamorous, Instagram-worthy dream people might imagine. It’s a chaotic cocktail of deadlines, snack demands, video meetings, and the unrelenting question: “Can I have another snack?” If that’s your life, too, then you know: balancing full-time work with full-time motherhood is messy, unpredictable, and utterly exhausting.
AND it can be incredibly rewarding.
A Day in the Life: Chaos Meets Creativity
Kat has been in digital marketing for over a decade, working with agencies and running her own social media business. Now, she’s a full-time copywriter crafting campaigns and content while raising two young kids at home. Her oldest just turned four, and her youngest is two—a duo full of energy, opinions, and mischief.
Her mornings start with a quiet corner and a cup of coffee. Her job involves creating order from creative chaos, her home life is a different kind of juggling act.
The Magic of Morning Moments
Kat swears by the importance of mornings. The first hour of the day can set the tone for everything that follows. For her, that means being fully present in her businesses well before the kids wake up. And whether it’s snuggling on the couch or chatting over breakfast, small moments create a sense of connection.
It also helps her establish the day’s rhythm. When having dedicated time with the kids, transitioning into “work mode” for the next phase becomes a little easier. And yes, getting dressed—even if it’s just jeans and an oversized sweater—is part of the strategy. It’s amazing how putting on something other than pajamas can trick the brain into productivity.
Schedules Are A Lifeline—Until They’re Not
As any mom knows, schedules are only as good as the toddlers who ignore them. Kat relies on a loose structure to keep her days manageable, knowing full well that flexibility is key.
Of course, not every day runs smoothly. There are mornings when the kids decide sleep is optional or afternoons when tantrums derail every plan. Kat’s learned to roll with it, focusing on progress over perfection.
Mom Guilt: The Ever-Present Shadow
Like many working moms, Kat battles the infamous “mom guilt.” When she’s working, she worries about neglecting her kids. When she’s with her kids, she stresses about falling behind at work. It’s a constant tug-of-war that can leave any parent feeling drained.
Her secret weapon? Reframing her perspective.
Kat reminds herself that she’s modeling resilience and a strong work ethic for her kids. They see her juggling responsibilities, adapting to challenges, and showing up for them, even on the tough days. That lesson, she believes, is just as valuable as any storytime or playdate.
Celebrating the Little Wins
One thing Kat has learned is to celebrate the small victories. Some days, a win might be hitting a big deadline. Other days, it’s as simple as surviving a toddler tantrum during a client call. Parenting and working from home isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about finding joy in the moments that go right.
Navigating Boundaries When You're Working from Home with Kids
Working from home while raising young children presents a unique set of challenges—one of the biggest being maintaining boundaries. When your home is both a place of work and a place of play, the lines can quickly blur. Whether it’s a toddler barging into your Zoom call or the constant stream of “Mom, I need this!” during work hours, finding ways to set boundaries that everyone respects is crucial for maintaining your sanity and productivity.
Kat’s journey has highlighted a few lessons that any work-from-home mom can relate to:
1. Set Clear Expectations for Kids
Setting boundaries for your kids may sound simple, but it’s a continual process of communication and repetition. Little ones need to understand that your workspace is for work and that, while you’re still available to them, there are times when you can’t be interrupted.
While younger children may not fully grasp the concept of boundaries, you can still create routines to make it easier for them. For example, having designated quiet time after lunch or during a certain part of the day can help. Creating a consistent routine helps kids feel secure while you focus on work.
2. Create Physical Boundaries
When your office space is in the middle of the home, it can be difficult to maintain separation between work and family life. This is where physical boundaries come into play. If possible, designate a specific area of the home for work. Even if it’s just a corner of the living room or a nook in a shared space, having a distinct area for work can help create a mental shift from “home” to “work.”
If you don’t have a private office, try to set up clear visual or auditory cues that signal when it’s time to work and when it’s time to engage with the family. A simple “do not disturb” sign or using headphones can signal to your kids that you’re in work mode. It can also help if they have a designated space nearby, like a play area, to help them stay entertained while you’re busy.
3. Establish Work Hours and Stick to Them
When working from home, it’s easy for your workday to spill over into family time. Setting boundaries around your work hours helps create a sense of structure. This doesn’t necessarily mean rigid 9-5 hours, but having a clear start and end time each day helps you mentally “clock in” and “clock out.”
For example, you might decide that from 9 AM to 3 PM, you’re focused on work, and after that, you shift to family responsibilities. During work hours, try to minimize distractions and let family members know you’re unavailable unless it’s urgent. When your workday ends, shut off your computer, put away your work materials, and shift your focus entirely to family.
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology can be a huge ally when setting and maintaining boundaries while working from home. Tools like calendars, task managers, and time-tracking apps can help you stay on task and keep everyone in the loop.
For kids, there are also child-friendly apps that can help keep them occupied for short bursts of time. Of course, technology is not a long-term solution, but it can serve as a helpful tool when you need a few minutes of focus. For work, set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" during crucial focus periods and use apps that block social media or distractions.
5. Communicate Your Needs to Your Partner and Family
Setting boundaries is not just about communicating with your kids; it’s also important to be clear with your partner or any other family members. If you have a partner who is also working from home, it’s crucial to coordinate schedules and share responsibilities. For instance, if your partner is working in the morning, you might need to handle the kids during that time and then switch roles in the afternoon.
In families where multiple adults are involved, creating a shared family calendar can help everyone stay on the same page. Communicate when you need uninterrupted time to work, and check in regularly to reassess what’s working and what’s not.
6. Embrace Flexibility
While boundaries are important, it’s also key to recognize that life with kids is unpredictable. Flexibility is a must when you’re working from home. If a child has a meltdown or something unexpected happens, try not to get too frustrated. Boundaries might need to be adjusted in real-time, but being adaptable will reduce the stress of trying to force things to go according to plan.
For instance, if you have an important call but your child is sick or upset, try to shift your schedule so that you can attend to them without letting your work take a backseat. This may mean rescheduling meetings or rearranging tasks, but finding flexibility in your workday will allow you to handle life’s unpredictability more effectively.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
One of the biggest challenges for many working parents is the pressure to do everything on their own. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a necessity when juggling work and family responsibilities. Whether it’s getting a babysitter, relying on extended family for help, or asking your partner to take over kid duties during important meetings, don’t hesitate to lean on others when needed.
Having support can help you stick to your boundaries and ensure you don’t burn out. It’s also important to communicate that asking for help is a positive step in maintaining a healthy work-life balance for everyone involved.
8. Self-Care Is Key
Lastly, one of the most important boundaries you can set is one for yourself. It’s easy to get lost in the demands of both work and family life, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. Make time for breaks, even if it’s just a few minutes to step away from the computer or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee.
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate—it can be as simple as taking a walk around the block, reading a chapter of a book, or having a brief moment of quiet. Protecting your well-being helps you maintain your energy and focus, so you can continue to be there for your kids and get your work done.
Embracing the Chaos
At the end of the day, Kat has found that balancing work and motherhood isn’t about achieving some mythical harmony. It’s about learning to laugh at the chaos, appreciate the little wins, and let go of what doesn’t matter.
Her kids might interrupt meetings, and deadlines might collide with tantrums, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. Working from home allows her to be present for the moments she would have missed in a traditional office job. And while it’s exhausting, it’s also deeply rewarding.
For any mom trying to make it all work, Kat’s story is a reminder: you’re not alone.
This journey might be messy, but it’s also beautiful. And you’re doing an incredible job.
Setting and maintaining boundaries when working from home with children requires patience, communication, and flexibility. It’s about finding the balance that works for your family while protecting your work and personal time. Boundaries will never be perfect, but by establishing clear expectations, creating physical and mental space for work, and remaining adaptable, you can navigate the juggle of work and motherhood with more ease—and maybe even a little joy.
What Kat Wants You to Know
If there’s one takeaway from Kat’s story, it’s this: You don’t have to have it all figured out to be an amazing mom or professional. “Progress over perfection,” she emphasized.
Whether you’re building a career, raising a family, or simply trying to make it through the day, Kat’s journey is proof that it’s possible to thrive—even when life feels overwhelming.
Resources for Moms and Marketing Pros
- Project Management: Platforms like Trello or Asana to stay organized
- Self-Care: Journaling, yoga, and the occasional solo coffee run
- Marketing Must-Haves: Grammarly for editing, Canva for design, and Social Curator for social media scheduling
Connect with Kat:
The blog post delves into a recent conversation about parent coaching with Catherine Kelly from Breathe Easy Parenting on the Mom Mentality podcast. The discussion highlights the significant distinction between coaching and therapy, emphasizing coaching as a tool for empowerment and enhancing family dynamics rather than attempting to "fix" parents. It positions parent coaching as a supportive collaboration that helps unlock parental potential through self-discovery and nurturing positive family environments.
In the current mental health landscape, where stress and isolation are rampant, parent coaching emerges as a critical resource. The conversation underscores how coaching serves as a lifeline for parents when traditional support systems like therapy are stretched thin. It further explores the importance of self-awareness, facing personal traumas, and the rewards of conscious parenting in transforming individual and familial well-being.
A crucial aspect discussed is the journey of finding the right parent coach, emphasizing the need to connect with a coach whose spirit and values resonate with one's own. This relationship, often initiated through discovery calls or social media engagement, is foundational to fostering trust and growth. The blog underscores that reaching out for coaching is not about correcting flaws but rather about embracing the continual journey of parenting with openness, empathy, and connectivity.
Read more...
Welcome to the very first post for Mom Mentality! I’m so glad you’re here.
Let me ask you this: How do you feel about Thanksgiving? Really think about it for a second. Because for me, Thanksgiving has always felt like a mix of emotions—a little sweet, a little heavy, and a lot nostalgic.
There’s this expectation that it’s supposed to be all about gratitude and gathering, but let’s be real. The holidays don’t always look like a Pinterest-perfect table full of happy faces and golden-brown turkey. Sometimes, they’re messy, complicated, or even downright hard. And if you’ve ever felt that way, let me just say this: You’re not alone.
Today, I want to talk about gratitude—what it really means, how we can embrace it even when things aren’t perfect, and how it can completely change the way we experience life. Whether you’re in the middle of holiday chaos or just trying to hold it together, I hope this post gives you some comfort, some encouragement, and maybe even a little inspiration.
The Bittersweet Reality of Thanksgiving
If you’ve ever thought, Why does Thanksgiving feel so weirdly emotional?, you’re not imagining it. For a lot of us, this time of year stirs up a strange cocktail of feelings.
On the one hand, there’s this warmth that comes with traditions—like baking pies, watching the parade, or playing board games with family. Those moments are priceless. But on the other hand, the holidays have this way of shining a spotlight on what’s missing.
Maybe it’s a loved one who’s no longer here. Maybe it’s the fact that your family dynamic has changed. Or maybe, like me, you’re just feeling the weight of trying to make everything “perfect” for everyone else. It’s a lot, isn’t it?
For me, Thanksgiving has always been a bittersweet holiday. It reminds me of how much I have to be thankful for, but it also makes me hyper-aware of what’s hard. That’s where gratitude comes in—and not in a cheesy, “just be grateful for what you have” kind of way. I’m talking about the real, messy, life-changing kind of gratitude.
What Gratitude Really Looks Like
Let’s get one thing straight: Gratitude isn’t about ignoring your struggles or pretending everything’s okay when it’s not. That’s toxic positivity, and we don’t do that here. Gratitude is about recognizing the good in your life even when things aren’t perfect.
Here’s an example. A few years ago, I had a Thanksgiving that was—well, let’s just say it wasn’t great. The food didn’t turn out the way I’d planned, the kids were cranky, and I was stressed to the max. By the end of the day, I felt like a total failure.
But later that night, I sat down and thought about the little moments I’d overlooked. Like the way my youngest laughed uncontrollably at a silly joke during dinner. Or the way the house smelled like cinnamon and pumpkin pie. Or even just the fact that we were all under the same roof, together.
Those tiny things? They were enough to remind me that even on hard days, there’s still so much to appreciate. Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard stuff, but it helps you see the whole picture instead of just focusing on what’s wrong.
How Gratitude Can Transform Your Mindset
Here’s the thing about gratitude: It’s not just something you feel. It’s something you practice.
The more you look for the good in your life, the more you start to notice it. And over time, those little moments of appreciation can shift your entire mindset.
Think of it like this. Imagine you’re wearing glasses with a smudge right in the middle. At first, it’s all you can see, and it’s super frustrating. But if you clean them off, suddenly you can see everything clearly again—the good, the bad, and all the beauty in between.
Gratitude is like cleaning off that smudge. It doesn’t mean the hard stuff disappears, but it helps you see beyond it.
3 Ways to Practice Gratitude (Even When It’s Hard)
Okay, so how do we actually do this? How do we practice gratitude when life feels overwhelming? Here are three simple things that have worked for me:
1. Start a Gratitude Journal
I know, I know—this sounds like one of those things you mean to do but never actually get around to. But hear me out. A gratitude journal doesn’t have to be fancy. Just grab a notebook and jot down three things you’re thankful for every day.
They don’t have to be big things, either. Maybe it’s your morning coffee, a hug from your kid, or the way the sunlight hit your window. The point is to train your brain to notice the good stuff.
2. Take a Gratitude Walk
This one’s my favorite. When you’re feeling stuck or stressed, take a walk and focus on what you’re grateful for in the moment. Maybe it’s the crisp fall air, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, or the fact that you have a warm coat to wear.
Something about being outside makes gratitude feel more natural—and bonus, it’s a great way to clear your head.
3. Share Your Gratitude with Others
Sometimes, the best way to feel grateful is to express it. Send a text to a friend who’s been there for you. Write a thank-you note to someone who made a difference in your life. Or just tell your partner or kids how much you appreciate them.
Gratitude has this amazing ripple effect. When you share it, it not only lifts your mood but also brightens someone else’s day.
You Don’t Have to Do It All
Before we wrap this up, let me just say one more thing: You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t have to host the perfect Thanksgiving or create a picture-perfect holiday season.
What matters most isn’t the decorations or the food or even the traditions. It’s the love, the connection, and the little moments of joy that you’ll carry with you long after the turkey is gone.
So this year, give yourself permission to let go of perfection and focus on what really matters. Embrace the bittersweet moments. Find gratitude in the chaos. And remember—you’re doing an amazing job, just as you are.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
I’d love to hear from you. What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving? What’s one small thing that brings you joy, even on hard days? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on Instagram.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Until next time, take care and keep showing up for yourself and your family.
Ah, the holidays! A time for twinkling lights, warm memories, and the comfort of family traditions. But let’s be real—it's also a time when things can get a little, well, overwhelming. The pressure to make everything perfect can overshadow the magic of the season. If you've ever felt this way, you’re not alone. In this episode of Mom Mentality, we’re diving into how simplifying your holidays can lead to more joy, stronger connections, and lasting memories.
Here’s a casual, heartfelt guide to simplifying your holiday season—without sacrificing the fun.
A LOOK BACK: WHEN THE HOLIDAYS WERE OVERWHELMING
I’ll never forget a Christmas a few years ago when I felt completely buried under the weight of my own expectations. My to-do list had its own zip code, and I was so caught up in finding the perfect tree, making the perfect meal, and organizing the perfect holiday experience that I forgot what really mattered—my family.
That year, something had to give. So, I gave myself permission to simplify. The result? We ditched the elaborate meal for takeout, skipped over-the-top decorations, and leaned into quiet, cozy moments together. We played board games, watched silly holiday movies, and shared a lot of laughs.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was memorable—and isn’t that the point?
The Power of Simplifying
Simplifying your holidays isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about cutting out what doesn’t serve you. It’s about making space for what really matters.
Here are some tips to help you refocus your holiday season:
1. Set Your Priorities
Ask yourself: What truly matters to me and my family this holiday season?
- Is it spending quality time together?
- Sharing meals with loved ones?
- Giving back to your community?
Once you know your priorities, start letting go of the things that don’t align with them.
2. Say No (Without Guilt)
You don’t have to attend every event, bake every cookie from scratch, or buy extravagant gifts for everyone. It’s okay to set boundaries and protect your energy.
3. Simplify Gift-Giving
Instead of feeling pressured to buy mountains of presents, focus on intentional gifts. Consider experiences over things—like a family outing or a personalized letter of appreciation.
Meaningful Family Traditions
Creating family traditions is a beautiful way to foster connection and make memories, but they don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most impactful.
Here are a few ideas for family traditions that won’t break the bank—or your sanity:
- Bake Together: Whether it’s cookies, gingerbread houses, or pies, baking together is a sweet way to bond.
- Movie Nights: Pick a favorite holiday movie, grab some popcorn, and snuggle up as a family.
- Volunteer Together: Giving back as a family can bring a new depth to your holiday celebrations. Look for opportunities at local food banks, shelters, or community events.
- Craft a New Tradition: Maybe it’s reading a holiday book aloud, having a hot cocoa bar, or going for a winter hike. Let your creativity shine!
Embrace Joy Over Perfection
If there’s one takeaway I want you to have, it’s this: Perfection is overrated.
The magic of the holidays is in the imperfect moments. The lopsided ornaments your kids put on the tree. The cookies that somehow end up burnt on one side. The unplanned laughter when things go sideways.
Here’s the truth: Your kids won’t remember whether the tablecloth matched the centerpiece. They’ll remember the laughter, the warmth, and the love.
So let go of the picture-perfect holiday you’ve seen on Instagram. Lean into the real, messy, beautiful moments instead.
Practical Steps to Simplify
If you’re ready to simplify your holiday season, here are a few actionable steps to get started:
- Declutter Your Calendar: Look at your commitments and decide what’s truly necessary. Let go of the rest.
- Delegate Tasks: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Let family members pitch in with decorating, cooking, or wrapping gifts.
- Embrace Shortcuts: Store-bought desserts, pre-lit trees, or online shopping can be lifesavers.
- Focus on Connection: Plan activities that encourage togetherness, like a family game night or a walk through the neighborhood to see holiday lights.
🛠 Tools for a Stress-Free Holiday
Simplifying your holidays doesn’t mean you have to give up organization. Here are some tools to help you stay on top of things:
- Holiday Planner: Keep track of to-do lists, gift ideas, and schedules in one place.
- Budget Tracker: Set a budget for gifts, food, and activities to avoid overspending.
- Meal Planning Apps: Save time and stress by planning simple, crowd-pleasing meals.
Remember, tools are there to help, not overwhelm. Use them as a guide, not a rulebook.
Share the Joy
As you embrace a simpler holiday season, you might find that your approach inspires others to do the same. Share your favorite traditions or stress-reducing tips with friends and family. Let’s start a movement toward more intentional, joyful holidays together.
A Holiday Season That Reflects What Matters Most
This holiday season, I encourage you to focus on what truly matters: the love and connection you share with your family. Simplify, embrace imperfection, and create meaningful traditions that reflect your values.
Let this be the year you let go of the hustle and lean into the joy.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite family traditions, new or old? What steps are you taking to simplify your holidays this year?
Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to make this season truly magical.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ADHD, motherhood, and self-compassion. Our guest, Ashley Ogbaselassie, a fellow parenting coach and mom of three, shares her personal journey of navigating the challenges of early motherhood and the transformative impact of an ADHD diagnosis.
Early Struggles and the ADHD Awakening
Ashley candidly discusses the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and isolation she experienced during her early years of motherhood. She shares how the seemingly endless cycle of exhaustion, frustration, and self-doubt took a toll on her mental health. It wasn’t until she sought an ADHD diagnosis for her son that she began to recognize the similarities in her own struggles.
Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Self-Compassion
One of the most powerful aspects of Ashley’s story is her willingness to challenge the stigma surrounding ADHD, particularly in women. She highlights how perfectionism, often associated with ADHD, can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome, especially during the holiday season.
Practical Tips for Navigating the Holidays
As the holidays approach, Ashley offers practical advice for managing sensory overload and setting realistic expectations. She emphasizes the importance of self-care practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, to help moms with ADHD stay grounded and reduce stress.
A Message of Hope
For moms who may be struggling, Ashley shares a message of hope and encouragement. She reminds us that it’s okay to ask for help, to set boundaries, and to prioritize self-care. By embracing our unique strengths and challenges, we can navigate the complexities of motherhood with grace and resilience.
Want to connect with Ashley?
Visit her website www.theguidingwell.com
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Share this episode with your fellow moms and encourage them to subscribe to the Mom Mentality podcast. Together, we can create a supportive community of moms who uplift and inspire each other.
Hi, I’m Jessica Campbell—mom of three, lover of family connection, and your new go-to friend for navigating the highs and lows of parenting. Let me tell you, this podcast wasn’t born out of a picture-perfect journey. It came from my life—one shaped by ADHD, mental illness, and childhood trauma.
Parenting brought all those trials front and center. But instead of letting them define me, I found a way to grow through them. I learned how to create a home filled with love, connection, and safety—not despite my challenges but because of the strength they gave me.
And now, I’m here to help you do the same.
Why I Created This Podcast
If you’re anything like me, you’ve felt the weight of guilt: Am I doing enough? Did I mess that up? It’s exhausting. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to carry that alone.
The Mom Mentality Podcast is a space to laugh at the chaos, leave the guilt behind, and focus on what really matters: building a connected, loving home where everyone feels safe.
What You’ll Get:
1. Honest, Relatable Stories
I’m not here to tell you I have it all figured out—far from it. As a mom of three, I’ve seen my share of toddler tantrums, bedtime battles, and epic messes. This podcast is a place where we talk about it all—the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious.
I’m not here to tell you I have it all figured out—far from it. As a mom of three, I’ve seen my share of toddler tantrums, bedtime battles, and epic messes. This podcast is a place where we talk about it all—the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious.
2. Practical Tips for Real LifeParenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up. Each episode is packed with tools you can actually use to strengthen
your connection with your kids. From navigating big feelings to managing your own, we’re keeping it simple, actionable, and doable—because who has time for anything else?
3. A Judgment-Free Zone
This isn’t about fixing your kids or being the “perfect” mom. It’s about creating relationships that thrive—even on the tough days.
This isn’t about fixing your kids or being the “perfect” mom. It’s about creating relationships that thrive—even on the tough days.
Why You’ll Love It
Because you deserve a home that feels like a sanctuary, where guilt is replaced with growth and connection is the foundation. Whether you’re managing ADHD, healing from childhood trauma, or just trying to keep it together during the fifth snack request of the day, you’re welcome here.
Let’s Start This Journey Together
So, grab your coffee (or tea… or whatever’s in that travel mug you’ve been carrying around) and join me for the Mom Mentality Podcast. Together, we’ll laugh, learn, and build homes where love and connection come first.
You’ve got this, mama—and I’m here to remind you of it.
Subscribe now, and let’s transform the way we parent—one perfectly imperfect moment at a time.
