How to Design a Work-Life Balance That Actually Works (Especially When You’re a Mom with a child with ADHD)

Life, as we know it, can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris. The pieces (or tasks) constantly shift, and something else comes crashing down when you think you’ve figured it all out. And if you’re a mom like me—a mom to a boy with ADHD, balancing work, family life, and self-care can feel like juggling flaming torches while walking a tightrope. 

But here’s the thing: work-life balance doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, it’s a myth. The goal isn’t perfection—finding a rhythm that allows you to juggle your responsibilities without burning out. And trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. 

So, how do I make it all work? Here’s my take on designing a work-life balance that works for me—and my family. 

1.     Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them) 

This is my number-one rule. The lines between work and home can get blurred, primarily when you work from home or have a flexible schedule. For me, the moment I learned to set clear boundaries, things shifted for the better. 

When it’s work time, it’s work time. I’ve got my laptop for my tasks, and I’m on a mission. But when it’s time for my son—whether homework help or playtime—I’m all in. That means no emails, social media scrolling, or thinking about work while I’m engaged with him. 

Of course, this isn’t always easy. There are moments when I’m caught in a task, and my son needs my attention, or when I’m deep in thought about a blog post, my phone buzzes. But the key is setting those boundaries and sticking to them. When you respect your own time, others will, too. 

2.     Prioritize What Matters Most 

My days are filled with things I should do, things I could do, and things I need to do. And let me tell you, it’s common to get overwhelmed by endless possibilities and lose sight of what’s essential. 

To keep my sanity, I’ve learned to prioritize. What really matters? For me, it’s my son’s needs, his emotional well-being, and our quality time together. Once I’ve locked that in, I move on to the must-do tasks—like writing that blog post or preparing a lesson. Everything else? Well, it can wait. 

If something feels urgent but isn’t crucial to my immediate goals, I don’t give it the power to stress me out. It’s all about keeping your eyes on what truly makes a difference. 

3.     Create Time Blocks, But Stay Flexible 

I’ve found that time-blocking is my best friend. In the mornings, I focus on work—emailing clients, writing blog posts, or researching for future projects. This way, I can complete big tasks before my son is home from school. 

But when it’s his time, I switch gears completely. I’m present whether we play basketball in the yard or read together before bed. 

I know what you might think: “What if something goes wrong? What if my plans get derailed?” Trust me, that’s going to happen. Life with a child (especially one with ADHD) can be unpredictable. So, while I have time blocks, I’ve learned to stay flexible—and that’s been a game-changer. 

4.     Simplify Where You Can (Without Compromising on Quality) 

Simplifying has become a secret weapon in my work-life balance arsenal. Take meals, for example. I don’t spend hours in the kitchen daily; instead, I opt for quick, healthy oven recipes my son can help with. That way, we spend quality time together, and I save energy for the things that really need my focus. 

The same goes for other tasks. I don’t try to do everything myself. I’ve delegated laundry duties to our maid so I can focus on spending time with my son or getting some work done. If you can simplify and delegate without sacrificing quality, do it! 

5.     Focus on One Thing at a Time (Multitasking is a Myth) 

Here’s a truth bomb: multitasking doesn’t work. At least, it doesn’t work for me. I’ve tried it, and every time I do, I feel stressed, overwhelmed, and not fully present in either task. 

Instead, I focus on one thing at a time. When I’m with my son, I’m with him. No checking emails or sneaking glances at my phone. When writing a blog post or working on a project, I dive in fully and give it my best. 

It’s incredible how much more productive and calm I feel when fully engaging in one task rather than trying to split my attention between ten different things. 

6.     Remember, Self-Care Isn’t Optional 

Self-care is non-negotiable. You cannot pour from an empty cup. I know it’s easy to put yourself last when juggling a million things, but trust me, you must prioritize yourself. 

For me, self-care looks like listening to music, humming my favourite tunes, or singing along to a song while I’m doing the dishes. It’s not about dancing (although that would be fun!)—it’s about reconnecting with myself and finding moments of joy in the everyday. 

I’ve learned that even five minutes of self-care can make all the difference in my day. Whether it’s sipping my morning coffee in peace or doing a quick stretch to shake off the tension, these moments are essential for keeping me grounded. 

Final Thoughts: Work-Life Balance is About Your Life 

Work-life balance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not about trying to get everything perfect—because, let’s be honest, perfection doesn’t exist. It’s about finding what works for you and your family and designing a life that allows you to thrive in all the areas that matter. 

For me, balance is a constant dance between my son’s needs, work, and self-care. And when I set boundaries, prioritize, simplify, and focus on the present, I find that the balance works. 

So, what works for you? How do you design a work-life balance that lets you live life fully without burning out? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips! 

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Recommended Products to Help Design a Work-Life Balance That Works

Balancing work, family, and self-care can feel like juggling, but some products can make life a little easier. From tools to help streamline your day to gadgets that encourage self-care, here are a few of my personal recommendations to help you stay organized, focused, and calm:

1.      Time-Blocking Planner  

A time-blocking planner is essential for anyone trying to balance multiple responsibilities. It helps you set aside time for work, family, and self-care, allowing you to focus on one task at a time. Look for one with daily and weekly layouts where you can prioritize and track your progress throughout the day. 

Recommended Product: The Passion Planner – Great for goal-setting, prioritizing, and staying on top of work and personal tasks. 

2.      Smartphone App for Task Management  

Keeping track of tasks and appointments can be overwhelming, especially when juggling work and home life. A good task management app can keep everything organized and in one place. Set reminders, track your tasks, and sync them across all devices to easily stay on top of everything. 

Recommended Product: Todoist – An easy-to-use app for task management that helps you prioritize your to-do lists and stay focused. 

3.      Noise-Cancelling Headphones  

When you’re working from home, distractions are inevitable. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones to help you stay focused, especially if you have young children or live in a noisy environment. These can make a massive difference during deep work sessions. 

Recommended Product: Sony WH-1000XM5 – Known for its top-notch noise cancellation, long battery life, and comfort. 

4.      A cookbook or Healthy Meal Planning Subscription  

Simplify meal prep with a cookbook or meal planning subscription focusing on quick, healthy meals. These resources can save you time in the kitchen while ensuring you and your family get nutritious meals without stress. 

Recommended Product: The Skinnytaste Cookbook – A collection of easy, healthy recipes perfect for busy families. 

5.      Aromatherapy Diffuser for Self-Care  

Taking a few minutes to unwind with aromatherapy can promote relaxation and transform your environment into a calming space. Use essential oils to calm your mind after a hectic day and transform your space into a sanctuary. 

Recommended Product: Vitruvi Stone Diffuser – Stylish and practical, this diffuser is perfect for adding a calming touch to any room. 

6.      Ergonomic Desk Chair  

Comfort is essential during long work hours, and using an ergonomic desk chair can significantly improve your posture and overall well-being. A good chair supports your back, promotes better posture, and can reduce the strain of working at a desk for long periods. 

Recommended Product: Herman Miller Aeron Chair – Highly rated for comfort and back support, designed for long-term use. 

7.      Fitness Tracker to Promote Movement  

Balancing work and family responsibilities can often push personal well-being to the backseat. A fitness tracker can encourage regular movement and activity while helping monitor sleep patterns and manage stress effectively. 

Recommended Product: Fitbit Charge 5 – Tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, and even mindfulness activities to keep you focused on your health. 

Adding some of these tools to your routine can help you design a more balanced and manageable day. Whether it’s staying organized, reducing stress, or simply finding moments of calm, these products can make a big difference in creating a work-life balance that works for you.