Being a working mom, I start my day around 5 a.m. Our two kids, Reese and Jack, wake up soon after me, hungry. And it’s absolute chaos trying to cook for them. While they eat, I make breakfast for Josh and lunch for Reese. Then I get her ready for school and clean up Jack before putting him down for a nap. Finally, I get my morning coffee and log in for my first of many ESPN production meetings.
Working moms accomplish a lot before we even clock in at our jobs. We juggle so many roles, trying to do it all and be everything for everyone around us. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but Mom, you’re amazing. You’ve got this! And when you start to doubt that, try putting into practice these 4 ways to find joy in the juggle of being a working mom.
1. Look for your pockets of joy.
One of my favorite things about my daughter, Reese, is how she turns any given moment into a full-out dance party. When she gets going, I have no choice but to join her on her dance floor. She’s a vibrant reminder to celebrate the moments that are gone too fast. Most of the time, I needed the dance party more than she did, especially after a long day at work.
Finding joy as a working mom looks different for us all. Maybe for you, it’s singing in the car together after childcare pickup, cuddling on the couch after dinner, or giving your baby belly kisses during a diaper change. These moments might not be headline-worthy, but being intentional about looking for them adds to a richer and more fulfilling life.
2. Embrace the “bounce back.”
Years before I became an ESPN commentator, I worked as a regional baseball reporter. I quickly learned the importance of the “bounce back.” Some days, the interviews didn’t go as planned, or I missed a crucial moment in the game. But the beauty of sports reporting is that there’s always another game, another chance to get better at my job the next day. Motherhood is a lot like that.
We all have those tough days where nothing seems to go right. But just like in baseball, there’s always tomorrow, another opportunity to show up and try again. Embracing the “bounce back” means giving yourself the grace to have a rough day without letting it define you as a mom. Every new day is a fresh start, a chance to learn from yesterday and move forward.
3. Let go of perfection (and guilt).
As a teenager, I trained to be a professional ballet dancer, and pursuing perfection became ingrained in me. Every movement needed to be flawless, and anything less felt like failing. But motherhood isn’t a ballet. We’re not meant to be perfect. We’re managing so much, and expecting ourselves to get it all right all the time sets ourselves up for disappointment. It’s OK to miss a step because perfection isn’t the goal—showing up and loving our families the best we can is.
Letting go of that need for perfection has been one of the most freeing things I’ve done as a mom. It doesn’t mean I stop trying to show up with my best for Josh and our kids. It does mean I give myself grace when things don’t go as planned. Letting go of perfection (and the guilt we carry when we miss the mark) opens up space for joy—joy in the messy, imperfect, and beautiful reality of being a working mom.
4. Be where your feet are.
“Be where your feet are” is one of the best working mom tips I’ve learned. It’s all about being fully present in whatever you’re doing. When you’re at work, give yourself permission to focus on your job without the guilt of thinking about what’s happening at home. And when you’re at home, let work take a backseat so you can truly connect with your family. This helps create a clear boundary between your roles, making you more effective and fulfilled in both areas.
It’s easy to let the lines blur. I know I do it more often than I’d like! But when we commit to being present where we are, we can give our best to each moment, whether it’s a work project or reading a bedtime story.
Being a working mom, what’s one small change you’ve made that has brought more joy into your daily routine?
