Some days, it feels like I’m juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Work deadlines, my kids’ needs, and my own well-being all demand attention—and somehow, I’m expected to keep everything in the air. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t always work out perfectly, but it’s my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to balance work, parenting, and myself—messy moments, small victories, and all.

Morning: Organized Chaos

The alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m., but the real wake-up call is the sound of one child looking for socks and another asking existential questions about pancakes. Mornings in my house are equal parts routine and chaos—a delicate dance between non-negotiables and surprises.

There’s breakfast to prepare, wait. There’s 3 breakfasts, 4 snacks and 2 lunches to prepare, backpacks to check, and plenty of sensory needs to address. One child might need quiet time and snuggles before they’re ready to start the day, while the other is already bursting with energy and stuck on the spin-cycle. Meanwhile, I’m clutching my coffee like a lifeline and mentally running through my to-do list for the day.

By the time I drop everyone off, I feel like I’ve already lived a full day—and it’s not even 8:00 a.m.

Midday: The Work Zone (or Attempted Work Zone)

With the kids at school or therapy, I switch into work mode. Or at least, I try. My to-do list is ambitious, but so is the pile of laundry staring at me from across the room.

Somehow, I squeeze in client calls, emails, and maybe even a few uninterrupted minutes to brainstorm new ideas. But let’s be real—working from home isn’t all zen and focus. It’s more like juggling spreadsheets while making a mental note to defrost dinner and remembering I still need to schedule a dentist appointment.

Switching between work mode and parenting mode is like flipping a switch—except the switch is broken, and sometimes sparks fly.

Afternoon: Parenting in Full Swing

By 3:20 p.m., the kids are home, and the house explodes into a mix of snack negotiations, therapy “homework”, and spontaneous dance parties. One child might need help decompressing after having completely unleashed from a long day of masking, while the other is full of stories about everything they learned and stuck on repeat.

The afternoon is all about managing transitions. Some days, it’s seamless; other days, it’s survival mode. But even in the chaos, there are these little moments—giggles over snack time, a high-five after a successful therapy session—that remind me why this juggle is worth it.

Evening: Finding Myself Despite the Noise

Dinner, baths, and bedtime routines are their own adventure, filled with requests for “just one more story” and the occasional missing pajama crisis.

Finally, when the house is quiet, it’s my time. Some nights, I’m productive—writing, planning, or tackling a creative project. Other nights, I collapse on the couch with my favorite show and a snack I don’t have to share.

Self-care looks different every day, but I’ve learned to prioritize it, even if it’s just a few minutes to breathe and reflect. It’s not about doing it all perfectly—it’s about doing what I can and giving myself grace for the rest.

Mini-Coaching Moment: Your Life, Your Balance

Every family’s balance looks different, and that’s okay. Take a moment to reflect:

• What’s one small change you could make to create a little more harmony in your day?
• What’s one moment in your routine where you could carve out a little space for yourself?

You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Small, intentional changes can make a big difference.

The Messy Beauty of It All

Balancing work, parenting, and myself isn’t about perfection. It’s about embracing the messy beauty of it all—the moments when everything comes together and the ones when it all falls apart. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters most.

Janel Stewart

Let’s Begin

Like what you’re reading? Subscribe below for more tips, insights, and stories delivered right to your inbox.