How to Juggle Mom Life and Freelance Writing Without Losing Your Sanity

Motherhood changes you—in every possible way.

Before I had kids, I was certain I’d be that mom who had it all together. I just knew I’d juggle motherhood, a thriving career, a healthy lifestyle, a spotless house, and well-dressed kids who only ate homemade organic meals—because, obviously, I wouldn’t allow them to be picky eaters.

Cut to yesterday: My 3-year-old was happily munching on an ancient Cheeto he excavated from his car seat while I drove us to the nearest coffee shop in my sweats and a ball cap, desperately chasing my next caffeine fix.

Yeah… life doesn’t always go as planned.

Which is exactly how I found myself in freelance writing.

For me, freelancing allows me to be mom while still contributing financially to my family—without completely losing my sanity.

So, if you’re deep in the chaos of motherhood and wondering whether you can possibly add one more thing to your already mile-high to-do list without losing your mind, I’m here to tell you: If I can do it, so can you.

Here’s how I juggle being a stay-at-home mom and a freelance writer—and stay (somewhat) sane.

Set realistic expectations and embrace the chaos

Let’s face it—no day is ever the same when you’re a mom.

Whether it’s sports practices, last-minute homework (due tomorrow, of course), or an unexpected fever, motherhood is a special kind of chaos. Predictable? Not even close.

That’s why setting realistic expectations for yourself when starting out as a freelance writer is so important. Because trying to do it all perfectly? That’s a one-way ticket to burnout. Here’s how I manage it:

1. Get Clear on How Much Time You Actually Have

Take a moment to figure out when you can realistically write. Is it early in the morning before the house wakes up? After bedtime? During practices or when your partner’s home from work? Knowing how many hours you can consistently dedicate each week helps you gauge how much work you can take on—and helps you avoid overcommitting (and under-sleeping).

2. Accept That Plans Will Fall Apart (And That’s Okay)

Remember that chaos we mentioned? It’s going to show up—guaranteed. Some days, the toys don’t get picked up. Some days, Cheetos win over fruit and crackers. And some days, the writing doesn’t happen. This is where we let go of perfection and lean into grace. I’m always reminded of that one Bluey episode (yes, I’m quoting Bluey,) when Bella, the sweet pink poodle, tells Chili: “You’re doing great.” Sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to hear—and believe.

3. Define What “Good” Looks Like for You

Letting go of perfection doesn’t mean letting go of standards—it just means redefining them. What does a “good” day feel like for you? For me, it’s happy, healthy kids, no toys on the living room floor, clean kitchen counters, and checking off my writing to-dos. Do I hit that every day? Nope. But most of the time, it’s within reach. Having a personal definition of “good” helps me feel accomplished—without chasing the impossible.

4. Maximize Your “Pockets of Productivity”

Right now, I try to write while my youngest is at preschool. But if you’ve ever had a kid in half-day pre-K, you know those 2.5 hours fly. So, I prioritize anything that needs deep focus during that time—and I save lighter tasks for those random moments throughout the day when things are (semi) calm. Because once he’s home, the interruptions are endless and the brain space is limited.

5. Set Boundaries (Yes, Even With Your Favorite People)

My husband works from home now (thanks, Covid,) and when I first started freelance writing, he’d pop in to chat whenever he had a break. I love the guy—but those small windows of writing time?

They’re precious. Eventually, I had to lovingly set a boundary: unless it’s urgent, we’ll catch up after my writing window. Boundaries aren’t about being cold—they’re about protecting your time, your sanity, and your ability to show up well in both your work and your motherhood

You can totally do this

Alex Barron holds the Guinness World Record for juggling 11 balls at once. Impressive, right? But honestly—motherhood throws way more than 11 balls at us on any given day.

That’s the beauty of freelance writing, though. You don’t have to juggle it all at once. You can start small—just one ball at a time—and build your way up. Slowly grow your portfolio, take on what you can handle, and find a rhythm that works for you.

Not every day will go perfectly (spoiler: most won’t), but if you stick to your expectations, protect your time, and give yourself a little grace along the way, you can make this work—for you and your family.

Need some help getting started? I highly recommend checking out The Pajama Writer. There are tons of helpful resources to guide you as you start your freelance journey.