The Realities of Being a Remote Working Mom: Juggling Meetings, Munchies, and Multitasking
Being a mom is already a full-time job— Now lets add in a remote work setup, and you’ve got a life that’s both beautifully flexible and occasionally chaotic. The growing number of remote working moms is proof that many of us want to balance career and family life without sacrificing either. But let’s face it, while working from home offers flexibility, it also introduces unique challenges (cue the toddler meltdown and a yelling 16 month old who now found her voice during a video call). Here’s a look at the reality of being a remote working mom, along with some tips to make the balancing act a little easier.
The Joys of Flexibility and Time with Family
One of the best things about working remotely as a mom is having the freedom to be more present with your family. Instead of commuting, you’re making breakfast with your kids, having lunch together, and maybe even squeezing in a story or two. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be close by for those little, special moments you might have missed otherwise. You’re there to pick your kids up from school, attend their events, and lend support when they need it.
Not to mention, that extra flexibility means you can work during the times that suit you best. If you’re a night owl, you can catch up on work after the kids are in bed, or maybe you prefer the quiet early hours before everyone else is awake. Remote work lets you create a schedule that aligns with your family life—a huge plus for many moms.
The Real Struggles of Multitasking
On the flip side, the balance isn’t always easy. You might find yourself bouncing between emails and snack duty, or handling last-minute work tasks while helping with math homework. Unlike an office setting, where you can focus on your work with fewer interruptions, working from home often means you’re “on” as both mom and professional, all day long.
The mental switch between "work mode" and "mom mode" happens a dozen times a day. And while we’ve all heard that multitasking isn’t effective, the reality is that working moms have to make it work. But the line between work and home gets blurry fast, leading to an ever-present feeling of needing to be in two places at once—emotionally, if not physically.
The (In)Famous Background Noise
For remote moms, the idea of a "quiet work environment" is laughable. Kids don’t care if you’re in the middle of a big presentation; if they need mom, they need her now. You can mute your mic on Zoom, but there’s no way to mute a toddler's sudden need for a snack or the drama of siblings arguing in the next room.
But here's the thing: these interruptions can also help us learn to be flexible and laugh at the unpredictable moments. Plus, most colleagues are understanding when they hear little voices or the clatter of toys in the background. The work-from-home culture has given many people a better understanding of family life, and sometimes those moments make meetings more relatable for everyone.
Tips for Remote Working Moms to Keep Things Sane(ish)
Establish Boundaries: It’s hard, but setting boundaries with both your work and your family can help. Try to create clear working hours, and let your kids know that during these times, you're “at work.” Setting a boundary doesn’t mean you won’t get interrupted, but it does help set expectations.
Create a Dedicated Workspace: Even if it’s just a corner in your bedroom or a small desk in the living room, having a specific spot that’s dedicated to work can make a difference. When you’re there, you’re in work mode; when you’re away, you’re in mom mode. This separation, even if it’s psychological, can help you switch between roles more smoothly.
Involve the Kids: If your kids are old enough, let them know what your workday looks like. It’s empowering for them to understand that mom is working hard, just like they “work” hard at school. And if they have a little “project” to do at the same time, it can help keep them occupied.
Give Yourself Grace: It’s okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly. There will be days when you feel like you’ve accomplished everything, and others where you feel like you’re barely hanging on. Working remotely with kids at home is hard work. Give yourself credit for showing up every day and doing your best.
Take Breaks for Yourself: It’s easy to fall into a routine of constantly giving—to your job, your kids, your partner. Make sure you’re taking breaks just for you. A quick walk, a cup of coffee, or even just five minutes of quiet can do wonders to recharge you.
The Big Picture: You’re Making It Work
At the end of the day, being a remote working mom is all about resilience. You’re balancing work demands with family needs, trying to do your best in both worlds, and that’s an accomplishment worth celebrating. You’re showing your kids that it’s possible to pursue a career while still being a present, caring parent. And in the process, you’re setting an example of flexibility, hard work, and adaptability.
So, the next time you have to mute yourself on a video call to handle a mini-crisis, remember: you’re doing an amazing job. The juggling act might be messy, but it’s yours, and it’s a testament to your strength and dedication. Here's to all the remote working moms making it happen, day in and day out!
