How to Manage as a Single Mom Working from Home

Being a single mom working from home can feel like juggling a thousand tasks at once. You’re not just managing your career — you’re also taking care of your kids, running a household, and trying to find a little time for yourself, too. The good news? It is possible to find a balance that works for you and your family. And you’re not alone! We’re going to explore practical tips and strategies to help you thrive as a single mom working from home. Whether you’re juggling back-to-back meetings and carpool runs or searching for ways to boost your productivity, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Finding Balance: Why It’s Important for Single Moms to Manage Working from Home

If you’re a single mom working from home, you already know it’s not easy. We won’t even attempt to list all the things you’re juggling because, let’s be honest, that mental to-do list is already on a nonstop loop in your head. Instead, let’s focus on why learning to manage your day is so important. It’s not about getting everything perfect — it’s about finding what works for you and making it just a little easier. Here’s why it matters:

Reduces Stress: A plan helps you feel more in control, even on the craziest days.
Creates Space for Quality Time: When your day is organized, you can carve out more moments with your kids (without feeling like work is lurking in the background).
Boosts Productivity: When you have a routine, it’s easier to focus and get more done, even if your “office” is the kitchen table.
Helps You Handle the Unexpected: Let’s face it — surprises are a part of the deal. Having systems in place makes those moments easier to manage.

Finding balance is a challenge, but you’ve already proven you’re up to it. You just need a few good strategies and a little flexibility to make it work.

11 Unique Tips for Single Moms Working from Home

Managing remote work as a single mom isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about finding creative ways to make your day a bit smoother. Here are 11 strategies that focus on helping you thrive, even when the chaos hits.

1. Set Boundaries with a “Start-Up” and “Shut-Down” Ritual

As a single mom working from home, it’s easy to blur the lines between work time and home time. You might find yourself answering emails while making dinner or checking Slack while helping with homework. Creating a clear start-up and shut-down ritual can help separate your work and personal life.

Your start-up ritual could be as simple as making your favorite coffee, lighting a candle, or taking a few deep breaths before diving into tasks.
Your shut-down ritual might be closing your laptop, tidying your workspace, and taking a moment to acknowledge what you accomplished.

Actionable Item:  Write everything down. At the end of your workday, take 5 minutes to jot down what you want to accomplish tomorrow. This simple practice gets your to-do list out of your head and onto paper, giving your brain permission to stop thinking about it. This way, when it’s time to focus on the kids, you can be fully present without your mental checklist running in the background.

2. Make Use of Voice-to-Text Tools

Typing with kids around isn’t always practical, especially when you’ve got one on your lap or a toddler pulling at your arm. As a single mom working from home, you need every shortcut you can get. Voice-to-text apps on your phone or computer can help you get things done faster by letting you dictate emails, notes, and even that grocery list you keep forgetting. This tool isn’t just for work — it’s a time-saver for personal admin tasks, too. Using voice-to-text can be a game-changer when you’re on the go or when you need to keep one hand free for cuddles or snacks.

Actionable Item: Next time you need to write an email or message, use the built-in voice-to-text feature on your phone. Notice how much easier it is when you can speak your thoughts instead of typing them out. It’s a small change that can save you a lot of time throughout your day.

3. Adopt the “One-Touch Rule” for Better Focus

This tip is a lifesaver for minimizing distractions and keeping your day on track. The one-touch rule means handling tasks as soon as they come up (when possible) instead of setting them aside for later. For example, respond to a quick email right away rather than leaving it unread, or file that document instead of letting it clutter your desktop. This rule helps cut down on the mental load of remembering dozens of tiny tasks throughout the day. It’s one less thing to worry about, freeing up your mind to focus on bigger priorities — or simply to be more present with your kids.

Actionable Item: For the next hour, practice the one-touch rule. Notice how much mental clutter you clear when you don’t let small tasks pile up. It’s a small habit that can lead to big improvements in your productivity and peace of mind.

4. Designate a “Magic Hour” for Deep Work

For single moms working from home, finding time for focused, uninterrupted work can feel impossible. That’s where your “magic hour” comes in. It’s a single hour in your day when your energy and focus are at their peak — whether it’s early morning before the kids wake up or late at night after they’ve gone to bed. If it’s while the kids are in school, make sure and block your work calendar for that one hour every day.

Use this time for your most demanding tasks, like writing reports, tackling big projects, or joining key meetings. Treat this hour like it’s sacred, and don’t let anything (or anyone) interfere. By carving out this dedicated time, you can get more done in less time, giving you the freedom to be fully present with your family when you’re off the clock.

Actionable Item: Block off your magic hour on your calendar today. Let your team know it’s your dedicated “focus time,” so they understand it’s not to be interrupted unless it’s truly urgent. This helps set expectations and gives you a better chance of working without distractions.

5. Use the “5-5-5” Strategy for Quick Resets

We know it’s easy to feel pulled in a hundred different directions. The overwhelm can build up fast, especially when you’re juggling deadlines and family needs. The 5-5-5 strategy offers a quick and effective reset when you’re feeling scattered. Here’s how it works:

Spend 5 minutes tidying up your workspace (because a clear desk can help clear your mind)
5 minutes stretching to release tension
5 minutes taking deep breaths or meditating to calm your thoughts.

This simple routine helps you pause, recharge, and regain focus — without taking up too much of your valuable time. It’s like hitting a mental refresh button, so you can tackle the rest of your day with a bit more calm and clarity.

Actionable Item: The next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, set a timer for 15 minutes and go through the 5-5-5 reset. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more focused you feel afterward.

6. Create a Personal “Power Playlist”

We’ve all been there. Your days can often feel like they’re filled with the soundtrack of kids’ shows or nursery rhymes or Top 40 pop songs on repeat. It’s time to change the station — literally. Music can be a powerful motivator, and creating your own “power playlist” filled with songs that you love can help you get through your toughest tasks with a smile.

Whether you need upbeat tracks to stay focused or calming tunes to ease stress, the right music can turn mundane work tasks or household chores into something more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a chance to reclaim a bit of the day for yourself, even if it’s just for a few minutes. After all, it doesn’t have to be all work and no play — let your favorite songs bring some fun back into your routine!

Actionable Item: Set aside a few minutes today to create your personal power playlist. Put it on during your next work task and feel the difference in your energy and mood. Enjoy listening to your music for once!

7. Master “Batching” for Efficiency

For a single mom working from home, the constant switching between tasks can be a major drain on your focus and energy. That’s where batching comes in. Batching means grouping similar tasks together and tackling them in one dedicated block of time. Instead of responding to emails throughout the day, set aside 30 minutes to go through your inbox in one go. Do the same for phone calls, brainstorming sessions, or admin work.

This approach helps you stay in the zone, cuts down on distractions, and makes your day feel more organized. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment, freeing up time to spend with your kids without the lingering feeling of unfinished work hanging over you.

Actionable Item: Take a look at your to-do list and identify tasks you can batch together. Block out a 30-minute window for one category today, and notice how much more efficient you feel without the constant context switching.

8. Learn to Embrace Imperfection with the “Good Enough” Mindset

We know the pressure to be perfect can feel overwhelming as a single mom working from home. You might think you need to excel at everything — nailing every work project while also keeping a spotless house and making home-cooked meals every night. But striving for perfection is exhausting and unsustainable.

Instead, try adopting the “good enough” mindset. This doesn’t mean lowering your standards — it means recognizing when something is satisfactory and letting go of the guilt. Did you finish that work presentation but leave a pile of laundry untouched? That’s okay. The “good enough” mindset helps you prioritize what truly matters and frees up mental space, giving you more energy to be present with your kids rather than constantly worrying about unfinished tasks.

Actionable Item: The next time you start feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, pause and ask yourself: “Is this good enough for now?” If the answer is yes, give yourself permission to move on guilt-free and focus on what’s most important in the moment.

9. Leverage the “Two-Minute Rule” for Instant Wins

It’s easy for small tasks to pile up and become a source of stress. The two-minute rule is a simple yet powerful tool to help you tackle this issue. If a task takes less than two minutes, handle it immediately instead of setting it aside for later. Whether it’s responding to a quick message, filing away a document, or putting away a cup, taking care of these small tasks on the spot keeps your to-do list from spiraling out of control. It might seem insignificant, but these tiny wins add up, creating a sense of momentum throughout your day. Plus, it helps reduce mental clutter, making it easier to focus on bigger projects when you sit down to work.

Actionable Item: For the next hour, commit to using the two-minute rule. Notice how much lighter you feel when you clear out the small, nagging tasks that usually sit in the back of your mind. It’s a quick way to regain a sense of control and keep your day moving smoothly.

10. Create a “Just Breathe” Corner

We know that as a single mom, you’re pulled in many directions, often with little time to catch your breath. That’s why having a designated “Just Breathe” corner can make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be fancy — a simple chair by the window, a comfy cushion, or a cozy spot on the couch will do. This is your mini retreat, a place you can go when everything feels overwhelming.

Stepping away, even for just a few minutes, can help calm your mind, lower your stress, and recharge your energy. It’s a small act of self-care that can make the rest of your day more manageable, giving you the mental space to handle the next challenge.

Actionable Item: Set a timer on your phone to remind you to take a 3-minute break every two hours. Head to your “Just Breathe” corner and focus on deep, slow breaths. You’ll be surprised how much it helps you reset and refocus, even on the busiest of days.

11. Gather Your Village: Build a Support Network You Can Rely On

You’re already doing a lot on your own, but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself. It’s okay (and smart!) to lean on your village for support. Whether it’s family members like your parents or siblings, close friends, or even your ex-partner, having a few people you can rely on can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life.

And don’t be afraid to get creative — consider creating a small support group of school moms, sports moms, or dance moms who are in the same boat. You can trade favors like school pick-ups, grocery runs, or even an hour of babysitting in a pinch. Setting up a regular carpool schedule or sharing drop-off duties can also help lighten the load for everyone involved. Remember, your village is there to help — you just need to ask.

Actionable Item: Think about who’s already in your circle that you can lean on, and reach out today to start building or strengthening that support network. Even setting up a group chat with a few trusted parents can be a game-changer when you need a quick hand.

Finding Your Balance as a Single Mom Working from Home

Managing life as a single mom working from home is no small feat. It takes patience, flexibility, and a lot of creativity to make it all work. But remember, you don’t have to be perfect. It’s about finding the small strategies that help you feel more in control, less overwhelmed, and more present with your kids. From building your support network to creating a calming corner just for you, these tips are here to make your day a bit easier. Take it one step at a time, try out the ideas that resonate with you, and know that you’re doing an amazing job — because you truly are.

Get Extra Support from Our Career Coaches

Feeling overwhelmed as a single mom working from home? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our expert career coaches are here to help you create a plan that works for your unique situation. Reach out today for personalized advice and practical strategies to make your work-from-home life easier and more manageable. Let’s work together to find the balance you deserve!

Do you have any tips as a single parent working from home? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

Original December 2020 article written by Eric Schad.