The Modern Mum’s Juggle: Balancing Family And Business On Our Own Terms
- Christine Bernard
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Mums who work full time - this one's for you:
Being a mum is a full-time job in itself, but when you add running your own business into the mix, the juggling act reaches a whole new level. After years working in corporate and retail, my family and I took the leap to start our own small business in 2019. It’s been both liberating and challenging, an experience that has taught me the true art of balancing work and family life.
One of the biggest shifts since starting our business is the freedom to set my own schedule. I now work on my own terms. I can attend school events, watch my kids play sports, and be present for their important milestones, all while still managing the daily demands of our business. The flexibility means I can be fully engaged with my children without feeling like I’m neglecting work, though I won’t sugarcoat it. Yep, the juggle is very real.
Running a business doesn’t come with a nine-to-five clock-out. Even when I’m home with the kids, I’m thinking about new opportunities, answering customer inquiries, and planning for growth. Some weekends, to make the most of both worlds, I take my kids to markets with me. They get to see the work that goes into running a business, I get to spend time with them, and we all learn something new together. It’s not always picture-perfect, but it’s our way of weaving family life into the business.
Everything we do in life, and especially in our business, revolves around our kids. They are our daily inspiration and the reason we create natural products. Every soap, serum, and skincare item we make is designed with their health and wellbeing in mind, and to look after their skin. Knowing that our work contributes to the health of other families’ children as well makes the effort even more meaningful.
The reality for mums who work full-time, particularly those running a business, is that there’s no perfect formula. There are moments of guilt, days where you feel stretched too thin, and times when work bleeds into family life. But there’s also immense satisfaction in creating something of your own while raising your children. I’ve learned that the key is being intentional with my time and accepting that some days may lean more heavily toward business, while others are dedicated entirely to family.
I also realise the importance of redefining what success looks like. In the corporate world, success was measured by hours worked, targets met, and promotions earned. Now, success is measured in more personal ways, like cheering my kids from the sidelines, laughing with them at the market stall, and knowing I can provide them a life that blends opportunity, creativity, and family connection.
Ultimately, being a mum and a business owner is about making choices that suit your family and your values. It’s about embracing flexibility, carving out presence where it matters most, and understanding that balance doesn’t mean equal time, it means intentional time. Some days, the business demands more; other days, my children do. And that’s okay.
For mums working full-time, particularly those forging their own path through business, the juggling act is complex, exhausting, and yet deeply rewarding. The key is to remain present, flexible, and compassionate with yourself. Because in the end, the work is important—but the moments with your children, and the inspiration they provide, are priceless.
