Hey y’all! Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart—how to stay present with your child while chasing your own dreams. It’s something I’ve been navigating personally, and I know so many other moms are trying to figure out the balance, too.
First Things First—Have a Goal!
Before we even dive into how to make time for both motherhood and your dreams, I want to challenge you to have a goal outside of being a mom. I truly believe that having a personal dream—big or small—makes you a better mom.
It doesn’t have to be anything crazy. Maybe it’s running a 5K, starting a side hustle, writing a book, or just committing to a new hobby. Whatever it is, let it be something that excites you and brings you joy.
For me, one of my biggest goals right now is my Road to $4,000—where I’m working on making $4,000 in side hustle income while still working full-time. And trust me, I get it. You might be thinking, “How do you even have time for your kid?” But it all comes down to prioritizing your time and making the most of it.
1. Prioritize Your Time Like It Matters (Because It Does!)
I’m currently reading “You Are a Bad A$$ // How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life”, and there was this chapter about time that really hit home. It talks about treating time with respect—because when you respect time, it will respect you back.
That means taking a hard look at how you spend your time. Ask yourself:
- How much time do I spend scrolling social media?
- How much time do I spend watching TV?
- Could I use some of that time to work toward my goal?
For example, instead of winding down with TV after my child goes to bed, I use that time to work on my side hustle. Or if she’s watching her 30 minutes of wind-down TV, I knock out a quick task. Little time swaps like this add up.
2. Involve Your Child in Your Goals (When You Can!)
If there’s a way to include your child in your dream—do it!
Last year, I was training for a 10K, and the majority of my runs happened while pushing a stroller. She was with me, we were moving together, and we always ended our runs with playtime at the park.
Now, some goals don’t lend themselves to this as easily—like painting for me—but I still find ways to share it with her. She knows I love painting, so now she enjoys little painting crafts. It makes the process even more special.
3. Set Clear Boundaries Between Mom Time & Goal Time
Not all goals can be done with a kiddo around, and that’s okay! That’s why boundaries are so important.
For example, my afternoons from 2:30 PM to bedtime are my dedicated time with my daughter. I don’t work during those hours—I just focus on her. But once she’s asleep, I dive into my goals guilt-free.
And sometimes, I multitask in a way that doesn’t take away from her. Like right now—I’m recording this blog as a voice memo while we go on a walk. She’s happy in her stroller, enjoying the ride, and I’m knocking out a task. Win-win!
4. Take Rest Days—Without Guilt
Rest is just as important as hustle.
If you have a chance to get a babysitter and take a break—take it! But even if you don’t have extra help (we don’t!), schedule one full day a week with no work. No side hustles, no full-time job, no chores—just a day to reset, recharge, and be present with your family.
For me, that looks like soccer games, park time, or just kicking the ball around as a family. And honestly? Those days are what make all the hard work worth it.
Motherhood Is Part of You—But It’s Not All of You
At the end of the day, we’re not just moms—we’re women with dreams, ambitions, and passions. And we don’t want to lose ourselves in motherhood, only to wake up one day when our kids move out and wonder, Who am I now?
I want my daughter to see me chase my dreams, so she knows she can chase hers, too.
So, if you’re a mom with a dream—go for it! Prioritize your time, set boundaries, get your kids involved when you can, and don’t forget to rest. You can be an amazing mom while still being you.
If this blog resonated with you, let me know! I love talking about how moms can pursue their goals without losing themselves in motherhood. See you in the next post! 💛
