Working From Home as a Mum: What 9 Years of Remote Work Has Taught Me
- Merly Hartnett
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Working from home as a mum sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? No commute, flexible hours, more time with the kids. But after working remotely since 2016, back when I was heavily pregnant with my first child, I can tell you this: it hasn’t always been easy.
There have been days I’ve wanted to pull my hair out. Days where nothing went to plan. Days that felt like pure survival mode.
But over the years, I’ve also learned what does work and what definitely doesn’t. What I share here comes from real-life experience, shaped by trial and error, and guided by my own personality and temperament.
I’m someone who likes things compartmentalised. I thrive when there’s a clear distinction between work and home. And when you work from home with kids, that distinction can blur very quickly if you’re not intentional.
Here’s what working from home as a mum has taught me.
1. You Have to Be More Intentional With Boundaries Than You Ever Were in the Office
When you work in an office, there are built-in “guard rails” for your commute, the office building, the desk, and the lunch break. These all signal to your brain and body when it’s work mode and when it’s home mode.
When you work from home, those guardrails disappear.
That means you have to become even more intentional about boundaries. Not just for yourself, but for your children… and even for friends, family, and people who know you work from home.
Because let’s be honest, when people know you’re at home, some assume you’re always available.
2. A Firm Routine Is Everything
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of a consistent routine.
If you were commuting, you’d know exactly what time you’re supposed to be at work. Working from home shouldn’t be any different. Have a clear start time.
Show up to your desk with purpose, even if that desk is in your own home.
And yes, I’ve attended Zoom meetings while breastfeeding. I’ve worked in pyjamas during early motherhood. But whenever possible, I’ve learned that getting dressed for work matters.
You don’t need to wear a blazer, but getting into smart casual clothes, doing your hair, even light makeup, this becomes a powerful psychological transition from “mum mode” to “work mode”.
It changes how you feel. And how you show up.
3. Create a Designated Workspace (Even If It’s Tiny)
Whether it’s a home office, a corner of your bedroom, the kitchen table, or a café, your brain needs a space that signals “this is where I work”.
Even if it’s just a nook in the corner of a room, the key is creating a clear visual boundary that your children can recognise too.
“This is mummy’s office.”
It won’t be perfect, especially with little ones, but the clarity helps.
4. When Working Remotely, Visibility Doesn’t Happen Naturally ... You Have to Create It
One of the hardest parts of working from home is the lack of visibility. Your manager can’t see how hard you’re working. Your colleagues don’t overhear your conversations. Your contributions easily go unnoticed.
Not because people don’t care, but because they literally don’t see it.
This means you have to advocate for yourself.
That doesn’t mean bragging. But if you receive great feedback from a client, share it. If you’ve completed a project, communicate it. If you’re contributing behind the scenes, make it visible.
Because the truth is:
What people don’t see, they can’t fully appreciate.
5. Control What You Can… and Expect the Unexpected
There is no parent on the planet who hasn’t had a meeting interrupted by a child.
Someone screaming.
Someone hungry.
Someone fighting.
Someone needing you right now.
You can plan activities.
Set up crafts.
Turn on a show as a last resort.
But no matter how organised you are, some things are simply out of your control.
One thing that helps?
Setting expectations in advance.
Letting your client or colleague know: "I’m working from home today and my kids may interrupt, just a heads up."
That way, if it happens, it’s not a shock. It’s already been acknowledged with grace and transparency.
6. Get Your Children On Board With What ‘Working From Home’ Really Means
When kids see you leave for work, they understand you’re working.
When you’re home all the time? That line becomes blurry.
That’s why it’s so important to explain to your children:
What your job is
Why you work
What working from home actually means
I’ve explained to my boys that my work helps support our family, that it pays for jiu-jitsu, activities, Dreamworld passes, and the life we enjoy together. They also understand that remote work gives us more flexibility and time together than traditional office work ever could.
And slowly, that understanding builds respect.
7. Don’t Neglect Relationships Just Because You’re Remote
When you work in an office, relationships build naturally. When you work remotely, they don’t.
It’s easy to rely only on emails. But real connection happens in conversations.
Pick up the phone.
Have a quick Teams chat.
Ask how someone’s really doing.
Talk through a referral instead of just reading it.
These relationships matter more than we often realise, especially when:
You’re overwhelmed
You’re sick
The kids are unwell
You need support
Strong relationships make it easier to ask for help and to receive it without guilt.
The Truth About Working From Home as a Mum
Working from home with kids is not easy.
It’s not peaceful.
It’s not perfectly balanced.
But it is possible.
It is powerful.
And when done with intention, boundaries, and support, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
You don’t need to do it perfectly.
You just need to do it consciously.
If working from home has left you feeling stretched, stuck, or quietly overwhelmed, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I support mums who want to protect their energy, grow their careers, and enjoy motherhood without burning out. You’re so welcome to explore my coaching space whenever it feels right for you.
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