This article was originally sourced from the document: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Working from Home as a Stay-at-Home Mom.docx
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Working from Home as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Working from home as a mom sounds like the dream, right? Flexible hours, no commute, more time with your kids. But the reality can sometimes be very different. Over the years, I’ve learned so much through trial and error, and I want to share the top 10 things I wish I knew before diving into work-from-home life.
Whether you’re starting a side hustle, freelancing, or running an online business, these insights will help you avoid common pitfalls, set yourself up for success, and maintain your sanity while balancing work and family.
1. Expectation vs. Reality: It’s Not Always a Smooth Ride
Expectation: You’ll sit down at your home office, get to work, and breeze through your tasks while the kids nap.
Reality: The baby wakes up early, the dog needs a walk, the toddler wants snacks — distractions abound.
Understanding that working from home with kids is unpredictable helps you set realistic expectations. Productivity won’t be like a 9-5 office job, and that’s okay.
Pro Tip: Embrace flexibility and focus on progress, not perfection.
2. Creating a Dedicated Workspace Is a Game-Changer
You need more than just a corner of the couch. A dedicated workspace helps you mentally switch into “work mode” and signals to your family when you’re busy.
Setup Tips:
Choose a quiet, well-lit spot
Invest in ergonomic furniture (think: supportive chair, desk at the right height)
Keep essential tools (laptop, chargers, notebooks) organized and accessible
Add personal touches that inspire you, like plants or motivational quotes
Recommended gear: Home office chair, adjustable desk, noise-canceling headphones
3. Boundaries Are Essential — For You and Your Family
Working from home blurs the lines between work time and family time. Setting clear boundaries will help everyone respect your work hours.
How to set boundaries:
Communicate your schedule to your partner and kids
Use visual cues, like a “working” sign or closed door
Schedule breaks to be fully present with family
Avoid working during designated family times (like dinner or bedtime)
4. Mental Health Matters: Take Care of Yourself
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, lonely, or burnt out when you’re balancing work and mom duties under the same roof.
Mental health tips:
Schedule self-care just like work tasks — even 10 minutes of meditation or a walk counts
Connect with other work-from-home moms for support
Use apps or audiobooks to unwind
Seek professional help if anxiety or stress feels unmanageable
5. Time Management Requires Realistic Planning
Your kids won’t stick to your schedule, so time management is about working around your family, not against them.
Lessons learned:
Use time blocking to carve out focused work periods
Identify your peak productivity times (early morning, nap time, late evening)
Batch similar tasks together for efficiency
Allow buffer time for interruptions
6. Technology Can Be Both a Help and a Hindrance
Reliable tech is crucial, but constant notifications, apps, and devices can distract you.
Setup tips:
Use tools like noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions
Turn off non-essential notifications during work blocks
Choose productivity apps (Trello, Notion, Google Calendar) that simplify, not complicate
Have a backup plan for internet outages or technical glitches
7. Organization Is Your Best Friend
With so many roles to juggle, staying organized keeps chaos at bay.
Organizational hacks:
Use planners or digital calendars to track deadlines, appointments, and kid activities
Create daily to-do lists with priority tasks
Declutter your workspace regularly
Use cloud storage to keep files accessible and safe
8. Flexibility Is the Key to Consistency
You won’t always get your ideal workday. Some days will be interrupted, others will be productive marathons.
How to stay consistent:
Focus on daily or weekly goals instead of hourly schedules
Be gentle with yourself on tough days
Adjust your plan regularly based on what works best for your family and business
9. Investing in the Right Tools Pays Off
You don’t have to spend a fortune, but having the right tools boosts your productivity and comfort.
Recommended tools:
Home office gear: ergonomic chair, desk lamp, laptop stand
Planners: physical or digital planners for time blocking and goal setting
Self-care tools: massage balls, aromatherapy diffusers, meditation apps
10. Celebrate Your Wins — Big and Small
Working from home with kids is challenging, so take time to celebrate achievements — whether it’s landing a client, finishing a project, or just getting through a tough day.
How to celebrate:
Keep a wins journal
Share successes with your support network
Treat yourself with small rewards
Final Thoughts: Working from Home as a Mom Is a Journey
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but these lessons can make your journey smoother and more fulfilling. With the right mindset, setup, and self-care, you can thrive professionally without sacrificing precious family moments.
Bonus: Recommended Products to Support Your Work-from-Home Mom Life
Home Office Gear: Ergonomic chair, adjustable desk, blue light blocking glasses
Planners: Daily/weekly planners for moms, digital apps like Notion or Trello
Self-Care Tools: Meditation apps (Calm, Headspace), essential oil diffusers, cozy blankets
Want My Free Printable Work-from-Home Mom Planner?
I created a simple weekly planner to help you organize your work, family, and self-care all in one place. Download it here!
Your Turn!
What’s the biggest challenge you face working from home? Drop a comment or DM me — I’m here to support your journey.
