Balance in Motherhood doesnt mean doing it all

When we talk about balance, especially in motherhood, it’s easy to picture color-coded calendars, meal prepped lunches, and a life that runs like a perfectly oiled machine. But let’s be honest—real life is a little messier than Pinterest-perfect schedules.

Balance is deeply personal.
For some mums, it looks like working three days a week and spending the rest of the time at home. For others, it’s about running a business from the kitchen table while their toddler naps. And sometimes, balance looks like quietly stepping away from a high-pressure role into something that offers a little more breathing room.

For me, finding balance meant reconnecting with my work, but on my terms. It involved making tough calls—like dropping some days, stepping into a lower-paid but less demanding role, and most importantly, advocating for what I needed with my workplace. I’m lucky to have a supportive environment, but that didn’t make those decisions easy. Still, it was one of the best things I could’ve done.

It gave me space to pause and ask myself a grounding question:
What do I need to feel balanced this season?
Because balance isn’t a one-time achievement—it shifts and evolves as your family, your goals, and your energy do.

And here’s the thing I’ve come to believe:

Your career goals and your family goals should coexist, not compete.

You don’t have to put your ambitions on hold to be a present, loving mother. And you don’t have to sacrifice your family to chase success. The sweet spot? It’s somewhere in the middle—and it’s different for everyone.

Defining Your Version of Balance

We’ve been sold this idea that balance is a fixed point we should all be aiming for—but in truth, it’s more like a rhythm. Some seasons are high-energy, high-output. Others are slower, more inward. The key is knowing which season you're in, and what that version of balance looks like for you.

Here are a few guiding questions to help you begin defining what balance means in your life right now:

1. What season am I in?

Think emotionally, physically, and practically. Are you in a season of growth, healing, survival, or something else entirely? Being honest about this can take the pressure off unrealistic expectations.

Example: “Right now, I’m in a season of transition with a new baby, so my capacity is different—and that’s okay.”

2. What do I need to feel grounded this week?

This question changed everything for me. Balance doesn’t mean doing it all—it means doing what matters, with presence.

Is it more sleep? A morning routine that’s just for you? Delegating one more task at work or at home?

3. Where do my work and family values meet?

Instead of thinking of them as opposing forces, try asking: how can these values support each other?

If one of your career goals is to lead with impact, maybe that looks like modelling resilience and leadership to your children. If family time is your priority, perhaps flexible hours or project-based work aligns better right now.

4. Am I making room for joy?

It’s easy to fall into a loop of survival mode, especially when you’re managing home, work, and caregiving. But joy isn’t a luxury—it’s part of what keeps us going.

What’s something small that brings you joy, and how can you make space for it this week?

Let Go of the Guilt

Here’s something I wish more people said out loud: You are allowed to change your mind. You are allowed to want both a career that fulfills you and a family life that feels connected. You’re not failing if you pivot, scale back, or dream bigger.

You’re evolving—and that’s what balance really is:
An ongoing practice of checking in, adjusting, and honouring the complexity of who you are.

A Final Thought

If balance feels hard to pin down, it’s because it was never meant to be a destination. It’s a compass, not a finish line. And you don’t have to walk that journey alone.

✨ Want support redefining balance in your life? I share weekly tips and digital tools to help working mums find their rhythm. Check out the free resources here or head to my Instagram bio for something to support you this week.

“From Survival Mode to Flow: The Power of Automating the Everyday”

Let’s be real—no amount of mindset work can help you feel balanced if your day is packed to the brim with decision fatigue, endless to-dos, and running mental checklists that never seem to end.

That’s why part of my journey toward balance also meant getting strategic about the things I don’t need to carry—the tasks that don’t require my emotional energy or unique strengths.

Here’s the truth:

You don’t have to be the one who remembers everything.
You don’t have to do it all yourself to be a good mum.
And you’re allowed to design systems that make your life feel lighter.

This is where automation and delegation became game-changers for me.

A Few Things I’ve Automated or Delegated:

• Meal Planning + Grocery Orders: I use repeating meal plans and shopping lists so we don’t start from scratch every week. Apps like [Coles app / Woolworths app] help me stay sane.

• Household Admin: Bill-paying, calendar syncing, and even birthday reminders are all on auto. A shared family calendar and Notion template means fewer surprise tasks and missed appointments.

• School + Kid Routines: Uniform checklists, snack box restocks, and permission slips now live in a digital home base. Even older kids can help check things off!

• Content Creation for My Business: I use templates, batching, and AI to cut hours off my weekly workflow.

• Outsourcing Where I Can: For a season, I hired a cleaner once a fortnight. That single choice gave me more rest time and more energy to show up well for work and family.

You can download the Automate your life checklist and subscribe to my newsletter here: Automating your Life Checklist