Naptime Hustle: 10 Ways to Work from Home with Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real: building a business while raising tiny humans is like trying to send professional emails while someone screams at you because the peanut butter and jelly sandwich they begged you for 5 minutes ago is not what they want. It’s chaotic. It’s beautiful. And yes, it’s 100% doable—with a little strategy and a whole lot of coffee. Here’s how I (semi) keep it together while working from home with kids in tow:

1. Time block your day.

Anchor your work around naps, meals, and independent play windows.

2. Use a mom-friendly planner.

Ditch the corporate planner. Use one designed for flexible, stop-and-go workdays.

3. Set 1–3 priorities each day.

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to move the needle.

4. Plan screen time with purpose (a.k.a. MISS RACHEL is your new assistant).

It’s a tool—not a failure. Use it when you need focused work time. If you’re completely against screen time - I totally get it! There are some really great resources out there helping your children with independent play so you can get things done!

5. Batch your tasks.

Answer all emails at once. Schedule social posts in one sitting. Batch = efficiency. Context switching (aka going back and forth between 5 different tasks makes you less efficient…and makes you feel more overwhelmed)

6. Prep ahead of time.

Set out snacks, activity bins, and your to-do list the night before. I know this takes time and when you’re exhausted it is the last thing you want to do, but you will thank yourself later.

7. Create visual cues (or wear a tiara—whatever gets their attention).

A simple sign on your office door (or kitchen table!) helps kids know when mom is working. One of my incredible clients know that when mommy puts her headphones it’s time to sit on the couch and read.

8. Ask for help.

Whether it’s a partner, family, or a sitter—even a couple hours a week makes a big difference. Look- I know I’m beyond lucky to have a supportive partner and great parents and in-laws that can help from time to time but I also had to learn to ask for help. It isn’t always easy when we feel like we need to do it all.

9. Be flexible (because someone will spill something, somewhere, every day).

Some days will go sideways-the kids will be sick, the dogs will throw up everywhere, the baby who is so good at napping WILL wake up before a scheduled client meeting. Give yourself grace and keep going.

10. Celebrate your progress—even if it's just responding to an email without being asked for a snack mid-sentence.

You’re doing something incredible. Don’t forget to cheer for yourself!