Let’s be honest: Being a working mum feels like spinning ten plates while balancing on a tightrope. Deadlines, school runs, packed lunches, forgotten PE kits, and somehow finding time to eat (let alone breathe) — it’s enough to make anyone feel frazzled.
But here’s the thing: after 20 years as a journalist and almost that long as a mum, I’ve learned a few tricks. Not just surface-level tips, but real, practical strategies that have kept me afloat during those chaotic seasons. So, grab a coffee (or reheat it for the third time) and let me share 10 game-changing tips every working mum needs to hear.
Tip 1: Embrace Imperfection—Done is Better Than Perfect

Perfection is overrated. Whether it’s a half-finished craft project, a slightly burnt dinner, or an email sent with one typo, it’s okay not to get everything right every time.
Sometimes, the pressure to be a flawless employee, mum, and partner can become suffocating. Here’s your permission slip: good enough is still good.
Focus on progress, not perfection, and remind yourself that done really is better than perfect.
Tip 2: Master the Art of Saying No
Your time is finite, and every “yes” to something you don’t want to do is a “no” to something that matters.
- Decline politely but firmly when you can’t commit.
- Protect your time for priorities that truly align with your goals.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting your energy.
The art of saying no is a rule that I learnt to abide by many, many years ago, and it has meant that I can be unselfish with my time for the things (and the people) that mean the most to me, and not feel like one slither of butter being spread thinly on every slice of bread in a loaf. Ditch the guilt and do what is right for you. the only people who get offended at your busy schedule are the ones that are prioritising themselves over you.
Tip 3: Time-Block Like a Pro
Time-blocking isn’t just for CEOs—it’s a working mum’s secret weapon.
- Break your day into chunks for work, family, and self-care.
- Set specific hours for tasks like emails, playtime, and focused work.
When you treat your time like gold, you’ll get more done and feel less frazzled.
Tip 4: Create a Non-Negotiable Self-Care Routine
Self-care isn’t selfish. Whether it’s 10 minutes of meditation, a solo walk, or just a hot cup of tea in peace, carve out time for yourself every day.
- Schedule self-care into your calendar like a meeting.
- Guard it fiercely—it’s not “optional.”
You can’t pour from an empty cup – that’s at home or in the workplace.
Tip 5: Build a Support Network You Can Rely On
It takes a village, and not just for raising kids—for raising you, too.
- Connect with other mums who get it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or even paid support.
No one expects you to do it all alone, so call in all the favours (and be prepared to lend another working mum a hand from time to time, so you spread the love and support when your network needs you).
Tip 6: Keep Work and Family Boundaries Clear

Blurred boundaries lead to guilt on both sides. When it’s work time, focus on work. When it’s family time, be present.
- Have a clear “end of workday” ritual.
- Avoid answering emails at the dinner table.
Your presence is the best gift you can give.
I used to have a rule that I didn’t have any pictures of my family on my desk when I worked in the media. I also didn’t have piles of whatever magazine or brand I worked on at home, either. this meant I could focus as much as possible on wherever I was and then switch off when I needed to be elsewhere.
Tip 7: Prioritise Your Energy, Not Just Your Time
Your energy isn’t endless, so spend it wisely.
- Tackle demanding tasks when you’re at your peak.
- Save low-energy tasks for slower moments.
Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.
Tip 8: Streamline Your Daily Routines
Simplify wherever you can:
- Plan meals weekly.
- Lay out clothes the night before.
- Use apps and reminders to stay organised.
Small efficiencies add up to big-time savings. If you don’t know about AI like Chat GPT, this is the time to learn! You can get it to plan your week for you, prepare meals, and teach you all sorts of things that can make you even more efficient at work. If used to be that we Googled everything, but time has definitely moved on – don’t get left behind!
Tip 9: Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you tick something off your to-do list? Did you handle a meltdown without losing your cool? Celebrate it.
- Acknowledge your efforts.
- Reward yourself with small treats—yes, even if it’s just a quiet 10 minutes.
Every win counts.
Tip 10: Remember, You’re Not ‘Just a Mum’ – You’re ‘You’
Motherhood is a huge part of your identity, but it’s not your entire identity.
- Nurture your passions.
- Make space for hobbies.
- Honour the person you were before kids—she’s still there.
You deserve to thrive, not just survive.
The Takeaway
Being a working mum isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about finding what works for you, letting go of guilt, and leaning into the messiness of it all.
These 10 tips aren’t magic fixes, but they’re lifelines I’ve held onto during the busiest seasons of my life. And if they help even one other mum breathe a little easier, they’ve done their job.
You’ve got this. And if all else fails? Put the kettle on, take a deep breath, and try again tomorrow.