There’s a myth that once your children go to school, you’ll suddenly have “more time.”
More time.
That elusive, much-longed-for thing. Like a mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Those pockets where you’ll finally get stuff done.
I hate to break it to you- but it doesn’t really happen.
The school day structure, the school run, after-school clubs, sickness, nativity plays – the list goes on. Suddenly, that much longed for time, feels like sand slipping through your fingers.
Maybe, just maybe, you’ll get ‘more time’ when they hit secondary school.
Here’s the reality; we all have the same 24 hours in a day – it’s just that our availability differs. That’s why, as a mum in business, it’s essential to make the most of the time you have. Running a business around motherhood is as much a way of life as it is a source of income- and it works best when you make it work for you.
A small disclaimer before we continue: I’m no time-management guru. I’m a woman who has run her business around her children for over 13 years, supporting thousands of other mums along the way. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – it’s about finding what works for you, which is part of the beauty of being a ‘freelance mum’.
Time management isn’t about squeezing more in. It’s about making the most of your minutes.
Forget Perfection—Focus on Priorities
After becoming a mum, my motto quickly became “Done is better than perfect.” It wasn’t easy to embrace, but it was the only way to get things done.
Don’t let perfection stop you from making progress. Focus on what truly matters—whether that’s ticking off a short-term task or gentle progress towards a long-term goal.
Look at those over-arching goals and into manageable chunks. I love the saying “How do you eat an elephant? Chunk by chunk.” Small weekly nudges toward your bigger goals add up. At Freelance Mum, we celebrate flexibility and realistic success – not polished perfection.
Gentle Accountability
Accountability can make a huge difference. Knowing someone will check in on your progress can spur you along, to get things done.
It helps you reflect on how you spend your time, spotting areas where it might be slipping away. Some people prefer a structured approach with a written action plan and regular check-ins. Others simply value the space to connect weekly, share progress, and see how others are doing.
At Freelance Mum, our weekly virtual Coffee Morning and monthly Netwalks provide exactly that; a safe, supportive space to check in, celebrate wins, and share challenges. Lean on your community- it’s one of the most powerful tools you have.
The Rose Review highlights how vital networks and mentorship are for women entrepreneurs and this is exactly the kind of support that makes a real difference.
Batch Your Tasks
Batching tasks boosts productivity, focus and calm- especially important when juggling multiple roles as a mum in business.
Designing images in Canva? Do several at once. Writing social posts? Dedicate a block of time for editing, another for writing. Switching between creative modes wastes energy and focus. Chunking your work not only improves efficiency but also protects your mindset, swapping in and out of modes.
Even place time aside to ‘check messages’, switch notifications off. Don’t forget, if you’re really concerned about missing a call from the school or a parent, then you can always allow that number to ring. But reducing the interruptions will really help with your work flow.
Set Boundaries Around Work Time
One of the joys of being a mum in business is choosing your hours – but boundaries are key, to making it work.
What works one day might not work the next. Some mums plan around their energy level with their menstrual cycle. Others take advantage of flexible hours and pick the hours they feel most energised or work with their household. I often find the ‘last hour before the school run’ is a golden power hour, while evenings or weekends can offer a quiet time and only if you’re happy to work then.
Boundaries ensure work doesn’t spill into personal time. They also allow space for friends, life admin, or just breathing. Remember: your time is yours, so spend it wisely.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Breaks aren’t a luxury – they’re essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Screen breaks, lunch, or stepping outside isn’t just restorative; they sparks creativity, give perspective in just about every sense.
Time away from your desk reminds you why you do what you do and gives your brain space to generate new ideas. Inspiration often hits when you step out, not when you’re hunched over your laptop. It can feel tempting to keep beavering away and ‘slaying those jobs’, but the reality is, we all need to stop.
Progress Over Perfection
Remember, time management is an evolving process, not a fixed formula. Focus on small, doable steps. Make incremental progress and celebrate the wins.
If you want accountability, connection and encouragement, to support you, as you manage your business around motherhood, why not try a Freelance Mum Netwalk or online event? Support, structure and a little breathing space – just what your business and your life need.
