“Balance” as a working mom can feel like a joke sometimes. One minute, you're in a Zoom meeting trying to sound like a professional adult, and the next, you're bribing your kid with snacks so they don’t interrupt (again). And let’s not even talk about the laundry pile that’s basically another member of the family at this point.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re being stretched so thin that you might snap, you are not the only one.

The truth is, balance isn’t something that magically happens—it’s something we have to create. Otherwise, we wake up one day realizing we’re running on empty, snapping at the people we love most, and wondering when we last drank water that wasn’t just the backwash from our kid’s sippy cup.

Why Balance Feels Like a Myth

If trying to juggle work and family makes you feel like you're constantly dropping the ball, it’s not because you’re failing—it’s because modern motherhood puts way too much pressure on moms.

We’re supposed to work like we don’t have kids and parent like we don’t have jobs. We’re expected to be fully present at work and at home, make Pinterest-worthy lunches, schedule all the doctor’s appointments, keep the house from looking like a crime scene, and somehow still have time for “self-care.”

It’s no wonder moms feel like they’re drowning.

Here are some of the biggest struggles we face:

• Mom guilt: No matter what we do, we feel bad about something. If we focus on work, we feel like bad moms. If we focus on our kids, we feel like bad employees. If we take a break? Forget it.

• The mental load: We’re the ones remembering permission slips, snack days, and when the next shoe size-up is needed.

• Zero time for ourselves: When was the last time you finished a hot cup of coffee? Exactly.

• Burnout: We’re so busy keeping everything running that we forget we’re not machines.

Sound familiar? The good news is that we can create balance—we just have to redefine what it actually means.

How to Create Real, Sustainable Balance

1. Forget Perfection—Aim for “Good Enough”

Let's get real for a minute: You will never have a perfectly balanced life. Some days, work will demand more of you. Other days, your kid will need you more. The trick isn’t to split your energy evenly—it’s to give the right energy to the right things in the moment.

Instead of striving for some impossible version of balance, ask yourself: What actually matters today? Then focus on that, and let the rest go.

2. Set Boundaries Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does)

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, it’s probably because your boundaries are as strong as a wet paper towel. Boundaries protect your energy, your time, and your patience.

• At work: Set clear work hours and actually stick to them. You don’t need to respond to emails at 10 p.m.

• At home: If you’re spending time with your kids, put the phone away. If you need solo time, don’t feel bad about it.

• With yourself: Stop saying “yes” to everything. You do not need to volunteer for every PTA event or bake 200 cupcakes for the class party.

3. Drop the Mom Guilt—You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Mom guilt is that little voice that whispers, "Are you sure you're doing enough?" even when you're running on fumes. It’s sneaky, persistent, and often completely unfair.

Instead of focusing on what you think you’re doing wrong, remind yourself of what you’re doing right.

Did your kids eat today? Did you make them laugh? Did you keep them alive? You’re crushing it, mama.

4. Make Time for Yourself (Yes, You Actually Need To)

Let’s be clear—taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. When you’re running on fumes, you’re not the best version of yourself for anyone.

And no, “self-care” doesn’t have to mean bubble baths and spa days (though, hey, if that’s your thing, go for it). It can be as simple as:

• Taking a 10-minute walk alone

• Watching a show without folding laundry at the same time

• Actually eating lunch instead of just finishing your kid’s leftovers

• Scheduling therapy so you have a space that’s just for you

How EMDR Therapy Can Help Moms Find Balance

Balance isn’t just about managing your time. It’s also about managing your emotions. If stress, anxiety, or past experiences are making it hard to be present, EMDR therapy can help.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy that helps moms process stress, anxiety, and past experiences that might be affecting their ability to find balance. It can help with:

• Easing the constant feeling of overwhelm

• Releasing mom guilt that keeps you stuck

• Managing emotional triggers so you don’t lose your patience over small things

• Processing past experiences that still weigh on you today

If you feel like you’re always running on stress, therapy—especially EMDR and intensive sessions—can help you break the cycle and find peace in the middle of the chaos.

Balance Starts with Choosing You

You are not just a mom, an employee, or a never-ending to-do list. You are a person who deserves rest, joy, and moments that are just for you. Finding balance isn’t about getting it all perfect—it’s about giving yourself permission to live a life that feels good to you.

And if you need help figuring out what that looks like, reach out. I'm here for you.