Let’s be honest, building a brand while raising kids is not for the faint of heart. There are moments when it feels empowering and fulfilling... and other times when it feels like your brain is a browser with 47 tabs open (and one of them is playing music, but you can’t figure out which one).

With summer just around the corner and the school routine taking a pause, many of us are adjusting again, trying to keep our businesses moving forward while also soaking up the fleeting magic of popsicles on the patio, library visits, and road trip adventures.

After ten years of building Des Moines Parent, launching my personal brand, and juggling life as a mom of two, here are five real lessons I’ve learned about balancing business and motherhood, especially during the summer months.

1. Balance Isn’t a Fixed State—It’s a Moving Target

I used to believe balance meant everything being perfectly divided: equal time for work, kids, home, and rest. Spoiler alert, it doesn’t work like that.

Balance, I’ve learned, shifts depending on the day or season. Some weeks are deadline-heavy and involve early mornings or late nights. Other days are light on emails but full of playdates and poolside snacks.

This summer, give yourself permission to redefine what balance looks like for you. For me, it’s about setting realistic expectations and protecting “anchor hours,” a few core times each day when I’m available for work, and the rest is flexible.

2. Honest Communication Builds Stronger Relationships

One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve made is being upfront with collaborators, clients, and partners about my availability. Especially in the summer, when my kids are home, it’s important to set clear expectations.

I’ve started adding simple notes to my emails like:

"I may be slower to respond during the day as I spend time with my kids, but I’ll circle back by the end of the day or first thing tomorrow."

That kind of transparency doesn’t weaken your professionalism, it strengthens it. People appreciate honesty, and it sets the tone for healthy, flexible collaboration.

3. Give Yourself Grace (And Then Give Some More)

Let’s normalize not doing it all.

There will be days when the to-do list goes untouched because a child needs your full attention or a spontaneous adventure feels more important than inbox zero.

Those days count too.

Grace is a huge part of surviving and thriving as a mom and entrepreneur. It’s okay to extend a deadline. It’s okay to miss a social post. It’s okay to log off early. The work will be there. Your people need you now.

4. Involve Your Kids—Let Them See You Lead

One of the best parts of working for yourself is that your kids get a front-row seat. Let them see the real stuff, brainstorming, messy middle moments, and small wins.

I’ve had my kids help pack orders, sit beside me during a Zoom, or tag along to an event setup. They see me juggling, but they also see me building something that matters. That’s powerful.

A little tip for summer: create a “work time” visual or timer so your kids understand boundaries in a kid-friendly way. And when that time is up? Celebrate together. Walk to get ice cream. Hit the park. Make it fun.

5. Make Room for Magic

We only get so many summers with our kids at home. This one won’t come again.

That’s why I intentionally block off time, full days or half-days, to be just Mom. No laptop, no to-do list, no multitasking. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Remember the why behind your business. For many of us, it’s the freedom to be more present. So let yourself take the day off. Let the emails wait. Let the memories win.

FREE Summer Planning Worksheet

Let’s plan for a season that works for you, not against you.
I created a free Summer Planning Worksheet to help you map out priorities, set flexible routines, and make space for both work and memory-making.

>> Download it here!

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, especially in the summer. But these five lessons have helped me navigate the juggle with a little more grace, joy, and intention.

Whether you’re squeezing in work during naptime, setting boundaries with clients, or just trying to keep your sanity while running a business with sticky fingers at your keyboard, I see you.

You’re not alone in this. And you’re doing better than you think.