Being a mompreneur is a challenging balancing act. You’re managing a business, raising kids, and fulfilling countless other roles. If you’re anything like me, you understand that boundaries are essential to success. But while we know boundaries matter, actually sticking to them is another story.
There’s often this urge to say “yes” to everything, to meet everyone’s needs, and to avoid disappointing anyone along the way. But here’s what I’ve learned: boundaries don’t come naturally. I’ve gained insight from books like Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Atomic Habits by James Clear, but the real lessons came from actually putting boundaries into practice and refining them over time.
You can read all about boundaries, but it’s only when you begin to actively practice them that change occurs. The beauty of boundaries is that they’re not rigid; they are adaptable commitments that you can adjust as you learn what works best for your business, family, and personal life. Let’s explore five boundaries that have made a significant impact on my life as a mompreneur and can help you create more space for your passions, your family, and your business.
1. Start With Yourself: Self Care Boundaries for Your Own Needs
The most important boundaries are often the ones you set with yourself. If you don’t protect your energy, time, and passions, no one else will.
As my kids grew out of the baby stage, I found myself with a bit more bandwidth in my day. While my first instinct was to fill that time with work, I realized I needed something different—something that would allow me to reconnect with myself. That’s when I randomly joined the local rowing team this summer. It was a bit of a stretch for me, requiring early mornings and time away from my usual routine. But it gave me the opportunity to challenge myself and bring balance and joy back into my life. I’ll never forget texting Drew after one of those early morning sessions on Lake Superior, saying, “This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time.”
As an introvert, having time to reconnect with myself outside of my usual roles is crucial. Setting boundaries around what fills my cup has been transformative for both my well-being and my business. When I take care of myself, I’m able to show up better for my family and my work.
Think about what energizes you. Whether it’s a hobby, a workout, or even a quiet moment to read or journal—make it a non-negotiable part of your schedule. When you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.
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2. Curating Your Support System: The Key to Staying Focused
Support doesn’t just happen; it’s something you create intentionally. It’s about building a support system that aligns with your needs and goals—both in business and at home.
For years, Drew and I tried to balance everything ourselves. But when we finally decided to hire a nanny, we found it to be a major relief. Not only did we gain time to reconnect as a couple, but we also had extra help for our girls. Just a few hours a week has made a significant difference, allowing us the freedom to take date nights and focus on things that matter outside of parenting. I was initially resistant to this change, but now I can’t imagine our routine without this extra support.
Your support system will look different depending on your circumstances. It might be a virtual assistant, a family member, or even a coworking group. Whatever it is, make sure that it’s in line with your goals and values—and never feel guilty about needing help.
3. Creating a Dedicated Workspace: Enhancing Focus and Productivity
A well-defined workspace can have a profound impact on your productivity and mental clarity. Working from home means the lines between work and life often blur, but creating clear boundaries in your physical space can help maintain focus.
For me, establishing a dedicated workspace has been transformative. It’s not just a desk in the corner—it’s a space designed to help me do my best work. I keep it clean, well-lit, and stocked with everything I need to stay productive.
Here are a few tips for creating your own effective workspace:
- Invest in a comfortable chair and a desk setup that suits your work style.
- Keep your space free of distractions (no laundry piles in sight).
- Personalize it with items that inspire you, such as photos, plants, or motivational quotes.
One of my favorite touches in my workspace is a bulletin board that serves as a mix of vision board and art gallery. It’s filled with my kids’ artwork and sticky notes—reminders of the joy they bring to my life. Their artwork keeps me grounded and inspired throughout my workday.
When you have a dedicated workspace, it helps you mentally switch between work time and family time with ease. It’s an important boundary that signals to your brain when it’s time to focus.
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4. How to Minimize Mom Guilt With Workflow Boundaries
One of the toughest challenges for mompreneurs is managing the pull between work and family without feeling guilty. The truth is, boundaries are the antidote to guilt. They give you the ability to be fully present, whether you’re working on your business or spending quality time with your family.
I’ve found that mom guilt stems from trying to be “half in” on everything. When you’re working, you’re thinking about your kids, and when you’re with your kids, your mind is on work. Setting clear boundaries has helped me be fully present in both areas of my life.
For me, minimizing mom guilt started with creating a clear work cutoff time. I make it a point to clock out at 4:30 p.m., no matter what’s left on my to-do list. That’s when I shift into mom mode, sitting down with my daughters to listen to their stories, enjoy bathtime, and just be fully present with them. Another important boundary I’ve set is no screens during family time. While work could easily creep into my evenings, I remind myself that I built this business so I could be present for moments like these.
The more intentional you are with your time, the less guilt you’ll feel. When you’re at work, give it your best. When you’re with your family, give them your full attention.
RELATED: How to Change Your Mindset When You Can’t Change Your Circumstances
5. Boundaries Are Yours to Define
The most important thing to remember about boundaries is that they are personal. Your boundaries won’t look the same as mine, and that’s completely fine. What matters is that you take the time to define them based on what works for you.
Take a moment to reflect: What does your business need from you? What do your family and partner need? What do you need to feel supported and balanced? The key is to try different boundaries, assess how they feel, and adjust as necessary.
Recently, Drew and I sat down and revisited our boundaries to make sure they still align with our needs. What’s working? What’s not? What stresses us out, and what’s bringing us joy? We learned that boundaries are not set in stone—they should be revisited and adjusted as life changes.
Remember, boundaries are meant to help you live and work in alignment with your values and goals. By defining them, owning them, and adjusting them as needed, you’ll create a life that supports both your personal well-being and your business.
For me, self-care will always be a non-negotiable.
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