Juggling Two Worlds

There’s a moment that sums up my life perfectly. I was standing in my kitchen, coffee in one hand, laptop open on the kitchen table, my five year old tugging at my leg asking for another snack, and my tween shouting from upstairs that she couldn’t find her a piece of her uniform for school. A client was texting asking for a "quick meeting" to discuss a challenge they were facing in the office, and I needed to still get everyone to school and be back in time for a Google meeting shortly after drop off.

Sound familiar?

That is a typical morning in our house. This isn’t about failing at balance — it’s about living in the blur of two full-time roles: parenting and running a business. And it’s hard. Whether you're a REALTOR®, a freelance graphic designer, a small business owner, or someone building something meaningful outside the traditional 9–5, managing it alongside kids of any age — from newborns to teenagers — means living with constant interruptions, shifting priorities, and a never-ending to-do list.

It’s also not just a “mom thing.” More and more, we’re seeing dads, solo parents, grandparents, and caregivers stepping into the juggle, too. But for many women — especially mothers — the invisible workload still lands disproportionately. The planning. The emotional labour. The everything.

So, I thought it might be helpful to have a short series on the blending of work and life as a parent.

My Reality: A Foot in Both Worlds

In my world, no two days look the same. Some days are client-heavy, packed with strategy calls, content creation, meetings with brokers, management or vendors. Others are all about parenting — managing a meltdown over forgotten socks, packing lunches, navigating dentist or doctor appointments, or running out to pick the kids up at two different gates. And most days, it’s all of the above!

I’ve taken client meetings from my car in a school parking lot. I’ve finished presentations at midnight. I’ve postponed calls when a fever hit, and rescheduled work or meetings to attend a dance recital. Not every moment looks polished, and mistakes can be made along the way; however, these imperfections are a part of life and every decision is made with heart.

With the school year ending, the shift from daily drop offs at school, now are to managing schedules and transport to camps, or multitasking and attempting to work while having two kids fluttering about needing help or a cuddle.

The Truth Behind the Scenes

If you’re in this season, too, here’s what I want you to know:

• You are not “less than” for doing business differently.

• You are not behind because your path includes daycare drop-offs or your child needing a little bit of extra support or a talk in the morning.

• You are not failing if some days feel like survival.

  
  

Ways to Navigate the Blur (Without Burning Out)

The reality is that there is no easy fix here. Sometimes you have to go through the motions, make adjustments and let a few things slide in order to survive and prioritize work and life.

That said, here are some suggestions of a few small, practical ways to manage both worlds without losing your mind:

1. Plan Light, Prioritize Smart

Try the top 3 rule: What are the three things that must happen today — in work and in parenting? Everything else is a bonus. This gives you flexibility without pressure.

Example: On a “heavy home day,” my list might be: Review and finalize social content and captions for a client. Pick up the birthday gift for the party this weekend. Book an appointment with a client. That’s a win. The laundry and inbox can wait.

2. Time Chunking Over Time Blocking

Traditional time blocking assumes control over your day. With kids? Not so much. I prefer time chunking — morning, midday, evening blocks — with one focus task per block. It’s flexible and forgiving.

3. Accept the Help. Ask for It When You Can.

If someone offers to help — let them. If you need to hire out a task (social media, bookkeeping, even meal prep), consider it an investment in your sanity, not a failure.

Some weeks, I have groceries delivered, laundry piled up, and social content outsourced — and it’s still not “easy,” but it’s survivable.

4. Let Go of Guilt Around the Messy Middle

You’re allowed to be tired. You’re allowed to have a tough day. You’re allowed to say, “Today, I need to just be a parent,” or “Today, the business needs my full focus.” Flexing in either direction isn’t weakness — it’s reality.

We won’t always get it right. There are days when something’s going to give. But there’s beauty in the juggle, too — in showing your kids what it looks like to pursue something meaningful. In building a business that reflects your values. In doing your best, even when it’s messy.

You’re not alone in this. In fact, if you’re reading this while your kid’s watching Bluey and your inbox is overflowing — welcome. You’re in the right place.

If you are in need of support, perhaps fractional services to help you delegate tasks like social media monitoring or content creation, reach out. We're here to help!

---

Next up in the series: Why “balance” is a myth — and how to release the guilt of not doing it all.