How to Manage a Business as a Working from Home Mama
Finding Balance in Faith and Life
Hey sis!
I totally get it…being a mom is already a full-time job, but running a business from home!? Now, that can sometimes feel like you're juggling 100 balls in the air—especially if you also want to nurture your relationship with God, your family, and yourself. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly running on empty, but with a little organization, and grace, it’s not only possible to manage, it’s possible to thrive!
Here’s some helpful tips, that I use, on how to navigate the beautiful and sometimes chaotic world of being a working-from-home mom, like myself, all while keeping your faith as your foundation.
1. Set Clear Boundaries and Define Your "Work Hours”
One of the hardest parts of running a business from home is knowing when to "clock in" and when to "clock out." As a mom, there’s always something to do—laundry, dishes, toddlers needing something or kids needing help with homework, or just the constant rhythm of daily life. To avoid burnout, set clear boundaries for when you’re working and when you’re focused on your family.
- Create a designated workspace: Even if it’s just a corner of the living room (…like my favorite recliner) having a specific place where you work helps you mentally shift into business mode.
- Establish work hours: Block out specific hours in your day for work and stick to them. Communicate these hours to your family so they understand when you're available and when you need uninterrupted time. OR if you’re a mom of really little-littles, maybe your work hours have to revolve around nap times and late nights after the kids are in bed. Whatever works for your schedule let it flow.
- Be flexible: Life with kids is unpredictable, so know that some days you’ll need to adjust. It’s okay to take a step back and trust that God will help you manage it all.
As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." This verse helps me refocus when things feel overwhelming—reminding me that my work is not just for personal gain but for God's glory.
2. Embrace the Power of Routine (and Grace)
Building a routine is crucial when you’re managing a business at home, but it’s just as important to embrace grace. Life will never go perfectly, and there will be days when the routine is thrown out the window. And that’s okay.
- Morning rituals: Start your day with prayer and devotion. Even if it’s just a few minutes before the kids wake up, this time sets the tone for your day. Ask God for wisdom, patience, and strength to get through the tasks ahead.
- Use a planner or digital tool: Write down your most important tasks for the day, prioritize them, and tackle them one at a time. This helps you stay focused while allowing room for those unexpected interruptions. A good rule of thumb that I use is to set yourself no more than 3-5 obtainable tasks for the day. Your list doesn’t need to be 15 tasks long.
- Be flexible (again): Kids get sick, business deadlines shift, and sometimes the laundry pile gets bigger than expected. Allow yourself grace on those days when things don’t go as planned.
Remember, God is with you in both the mundane and the extraordinary moments. Psalm 16:8 says, "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Keep your eyes on Him, and trust that He will guide you through the busyness.
3. Involve Your Kids (When You Can)
Being a working mom doesn’t mean you have to keep everything separate. Find ways to involve your children in your work, especially if they’re old enough to understand what you do.
- Teach them about your business: Explain the basics of your business in a way that’s relatable to them. They might not fully understand your work, but they’ll appreciate how hard you’re working to provide for the family. You may also be handing down valuable life and business lessons that they may never get from a traditional school setting.
- Give them small tasks: Depending on their age, they can help you with simple tasks like organizing paperwork, sorting materials, or even answering the phone (with a little supervision). Growing up my mom was a secretary for many different companies, including my dad’s construction business. She taught us the importance of courteous phone skills, taking messages (names, phone numbers, etc) even if it was a simple house call or family/friend on the other end.
- Model good habits: Let them see you working hard but also taking breaks to spend quality time with them. Balance is key! Amen
By involving them, you show them that work and family don’t have to be opposing forces—they can exist together in harmony, just as God designed families to do.
4. Prioritize Self-Care (Your Body is a Temple)
As moms, we often put ourselves last on the list; I’m also guilty of this. But taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for your well-being and your ability to serve others, including your family.
- Get enough rest: Sleep may be hard to come by, especially if you have an infant or toddler that doesn’t sleep through the night, yet; but make it a priority. Trust me, you can’t pour from an empty cup. (this is coming from your friendly massage therapist… me!)
- Exercise: Even a short walk each day can refresh your mind and body. A body in motion, stays in motion. Also, I don't know about you, but after I come in from taking my kiddo outside, even for 30 minutes, I feel refreshed.
- Take time for hobbies: Whether it’s reading, crafting, or just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, make time to nourish your soul.
Remember, your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Taking care of yourself honors God and enables you to serve others better.
5. Pray for Wisdom and Strength
It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by the demands of both motherhood and business ownership. But when things feel too heavy to carry, remember you’re never alone.
- Daily prayer: Start each day with prayer, asking God to guide your steps, give you wisdom, and fill you with peace as you balance all the responsibilities you have.
- Cast your anxieties on God: 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Trust that He will equip you for the tasks ahead.
God promises that He won’t put you in a situation that is more than you can withstand (1 Corinthians 10:13), but He will give you the strength to handle what’s before you. On the tough days, take a moment to breathe, pray, and trust in His plan for your life.
6. Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small!
Finally, remember to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether you land a big client, finish a project, or simply get through the day where all the laundry is folded and put away, take a moment to thank God and acknowledge your hard work.
Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Each day, no matter how challenging, is a gift. Rejoice in the victories, both big and small.
Conclusion
Managing a business as a working-from-home mom is no small feat. But by leaning on your faith, creating boundaries, and embracing the balance between work and family, you can thrive in both roles. Above all, remember that you are doing meaningful work, not just for your family, but for God. With His help, you can juggle both your business and your family without losing sight of what matters most. And on those challenging days, His grace is more than enough to carry you through!
Be well,
Meghan