Mompreneur Routines: Balancing CEO Life and Toddler Tantrums
Welcome to my kitchen table! I’m so glad you could join me for this virtual coffee chat. If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re a mompreneur—juggling a growing business, a small human (or maybe more than one!), and the never-ending demands of daily life. Let me tell you: I’ve been there, and some days, I’m still very much there.
Picture this: It’s 7:00 AM. My phone is pinging with notifications about a client meeting that starts in 45 minutes, my toddler is losing his mind because his favorite Minion toy vanished down the floor register (yes, toys go down there quite often!), and we both need to be out the door for daycare drop-off in ten minutes. Some mornings, I feel like I’m running a full-on circus. But with a few years of experience under my belt, plus countless meltdown moments, I’ve picked up some tricks to help me manage those CEO responsibilities while also tending to tiny but mighty toddler tantrums.
In this post, I’m going to pull back the curtain on my morning routine—equal parts messy, equal parts magical—and share what has worked (and what has definitely not worked) in my attempts to balance business ownership and motherhood. By the end, I hope you’ll feel less alone and more confident in crafting a routine that blends the reality of toddler chaos with the ambition of building a thriving business.
Early Morning Hustle: Embracing the Unexpected
1. The “Wake-Up” Shuffle
Despite my best efforts, my mornings rarely go as planned. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, hoping to sneak in 30 minutes of quiet journaling or maybe some light yoga—but let’s face it, more often than not, I wake up to my toddler crying for a water bottle or having misplaced a beloved dinosaur toy. As soon as my feet hit the ground, I’m running damage control.
The Challenge: You want quiet “me time,” but your toddler has other plans.
The Solution: Build a flexible wake-up buffer. If you aim to get up at 5:00, or even 6:00, accept that some days you might only manage ten minutes alone before the pitter-patter of little feet finds you. Use that quick window to do one simple self-care act—drink a glass of water, do a short breathing exercise, or read a motivational quote. It might not be a perfect half-hour of zen, but it sets a positive tone for the day.
2. Breakfast Negotiations
Next comes breakfast. My toddlers are quite the selective eaters —one day, they’ll only eat cereal out of a specific blue bowl, and the next, they want a pancake but only if it’s topped with precisely three blueberries. Meanwhile, my inbox is filling up, and I need to confirm the day’s priorities.
The Challenge: Finding time to feed your toddler, feed yourself, and confirm your business to-do list.
The Solution: Prep the night before as much as possible. Set the table, prepare easy breakfast options, and layout your to-do list. If your child is old enough, get them involved—let them choose tomorrow’s cereal the night before so you can avoid morning battles. For yourself, keep quick breakfast items on hand (smoothies, overnight oats, protein bars) so you don’t end up skipping your own meal when time is tight.
3. Toddler Tantrums and Work Calls
Fast-forward to 6:30 AM: My phone buzzes with a message from a client who needs to reschedule our meeting. Right then, my daughter decides it’s the perfect moment to have a meltdown over wanting the iPad. Sometimes, it feels like the entire world is competing for my attention at once.
The Challenge: Handling unpredictable toddler emotions while managing business tasks that can’t always wait.
The Solution: Visual schedules and clear boundaries. Toddlers thrive on predictability. Use a simple, picture-based routine chart, showing a sequence like “Wake Up → Breakfast → Socks → Brush Teeth → Daycare.” Include symbols for “Mommy’s Work Time” and “Play Time” when appropriate.
Bonus Tip: If you have a phone call you absolutely cannot miss, prepare a “special box” of toys or snacks that only come out during emergencies. This helps your child stay engaged so you can handle business without constant interruption.
Navigating Morning Chaos: Practical Tips to Keep You Sane
1. Streamlining Out-the-Door Prep
One of the biggest stress points for mompreneurs is simply getting out the door on time. You have to pack your toddler’s daycare essentials, ensure they have all their comfort items, and also grab your laptop, notes, or sample products for upcoming meetings.
The Challenge: Leaving the house without forgetting something crucial (like your toddler’s favorite blanket or your business proposals).
The Solution: Pack bags (and the car, if possible) the night before. Keep a checklist near the door—diapers, wipes, extra clothes, laptop, charger, notebooks. Enlist your child’s help with small tasks, like picking out their clothes or finding their shoes. This doesn’t just lighten your load; it also gives them a sense of involvement and responsibility.
2. Batching Small Work Tasks
You’d be amazed at how productive you can be in ten-minute increments. While your toddler is preoccupied with a puzzle or finishing up breakfast, you can knock out a quick email or schedule a few social media posts.
The Challenge: Limited, fragmented work time.
The Solution: Mini Work Sprints. Use a timer (like the Pomodoro technique) and work in short, focused bursts—20 minutes of work followed by a quick toddler check. If your child is happily playing or watching an educational cartoon, seize the moment to get through a few emails. This approach helps you maximize those in-between moments without feeling like you’re ignoring your child all morning.
3. Boundary Communication
Your toddler may not fully grasp the concept of “Mommy is working,” but they do understand rules and visual cues. I use phrases like, “When the door is closed, I’m working. When it’s open, we can play,” or I place a red card on my desk that means “Please don’t interrupt unless it’s important.”
The Challenge: Toddler disruptions during crucial work time.
The Solution: Clear, consistent boundaries. Stick a colored sign on your office door or your table. Red means busy, green means they can come ask you questions. It might take time, but consistency pays off. Eventually, toddlers learn to wait or find another activity instead of rushing to you with every whim.
Building Flexibility into Your Routine
1. Expect the Unexpected
Some mornings go well: your toddler smiles through breakfast, you get them to daycare on time, and you still have five minutes to collect yourself before your first Zoom call. Other mornings feel like a marathon of tears, spilled milk, and urgent client questions. The key is to accept that you’re not failing if things don’t go smoothly every day.
Flexible Mindset: Each morning is a new adventure. Let go of perfection and focus on adaptability. If your child is having a hard day, pivot your work schedule accordingly, if possible. Reschedule a non-urgent meeting, or switch to tasks you can do later in the evening.
2. Back-Up Plans for Curveballs
I always keep a “just in case” plan for when things go sideways. Sometimes, the kids wake up sick, or a project requires immediate attention. Here’s what works:
Childcare Backup: If you have a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member, see if they can help in a pinch.
Flexible Client Communication: Be transparent with clients about your working hours. Most people understand and appreciate honesty.
Emergency “Digital Babysitter”: Let’s face it, screen time can be a sanity-saver. If you need a 30-minute block of uninterrupted work, an educational show on the tablet can buy you that crucial window. No shame!
Time Management Strategies that Actually Work
1. Visual Routine Charts
If you have an autistic child, or just a toddler who thrives on routine, visual schedules are a game-changer. They outline every step of the day, from wake-up to bedtime, using simple icons or pictures.
How It Helps You: You can plan your work blocks around your toddler’s scheduled activities. When “Mommy’s Work Time” shows up on the chart, it gives your child a concrete understanding of what’s happening.
2. Focus Blocks and Micro Tasks
The Pomodoro method—work for 20-25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break—can help you be more productive during the day. But the real magic is in micro tasks.
Examples of Micro Tasks:
Drafting an email
Quick social media update
Setting up a meeting agenda
Checking analytics
Writing a short client follow-up
Do these tasks in the brief pockets of time you have. It may not seem like much, but these little bursts add up.
3. Strategic Multitasking
Though multitasking can sometimes reduce overall productivity, there are certain low-intensity tasks you can combine:
Listen to Podcasts or Audiobooks while folding laundry or cleaning the kitchen.
Meal Prep while discussing simple project details with a business partner on speakerphone.
Schedule Social Media Posts during your toddler’s snack time.
Self-Care as a Necessity, Not a Luxury
1. Embrace Micro Self-Care Moments
Your self-care doesn’t have to be an hour-long spa session (though wouldn’t that be nice?). Sometimes, it’s a matter of carving out small moments:
Five Minutes for Coffee: Sip it slowly, savor the taste.
Quick Walk: If weather and toddler’s schedule allow, take a short walk around the block.
Deep Breathing: Practice a brief breathing exercise between tasks to reset mentally.
2. Involve Your Child in Self-Care
If alone time is impossible, incorporate your toddler into your self-care routine:
Yoga Stretches: Show your toddler some basic poses. They’ll love the playful aspect.
Gratitude Practice: During meals, share one thing each of you is thankful for. It teaches them empathy while giving you a positivity boost.
3. Non-Negotiable Ritual
Choose at least one self-care activity that you will not compromise on—maybe it’s a 5-minute journal entry each night or a relaxing shower without interruptions. Communicate this boundary with everyone in your household, so they understand that this time is crucial for your well-being.
4. Boundaries and Protecting Your Energy
It’s easy to say yes to every invitation or keep your phone on 24/7 to show you’re “always available.” But remember, you’re a human with limits.
Practical Tip: Set an end time for emails and messages. For instance, no emails after 6:00 PM. That’s when family time begins and your energy refills.
Setting Realistic Expectations
1. Imperfect Balance is Still Balance
Society may paint the picture of a perfectly organized morning routine—complete with color-coordinated planners, freshly-baked muffins, and a toddler who smiles politely. Let me assure you, that’s not an everyday reality for most of us. Balance doesn’t mean you have it all figured out every single day; it means finding a flow that allows you to handle life’s curveballs without losing your sanity.
2. Manage Your Own Expectations
We often blame ourselves for not accomplishing enough, forgetting that we’re raising humans while building businesses. Give yourself credit for the million micro-tasks you do daily— from soothing a tantrum to closing a sale. Both are victories.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you manage to pack lunches the night before? Did you spend an uninterrupted half-hour on a key project? Did your toddler learn a new word today? Each small success is worth celebrating. Keep a “victory log” or jar where you note or drop in small achievements.
Progress Over Perfection
At the end of the day, remember that “balance” isn’t about having an immaculate routine that never deviates. It’s about flexing and adjusting your schedule in a way that works for your unique family and business needs. Some days, you’ll feel on top of the world. Other days, you’ll wonder if you got anything done at all (and that’s okay).
The real secret to being a successful mompreneur is resilience. Embrace the joyful chaos, learn to pivot when things go wrong, and let go of the guilt when you can’t do it all. By setting realistic expectations, establishing clear boundaries, and weaving in small moments of self-care, you’re already setting yourself up for a life that honors both your professional ambitions and your role as a loving mom.
So next time you’re up at 5:00 AM, phone buzzing with work messages while your toddler wails about something entirely out of your control, take a deep breath and remind yourself: You’re not alone, and you’re doing an incredible job. Here’s to messy mornings, big dreams, and the unstoppable power of a mom with a mission!