Published in: Blog

Balancing Business and Parenting Without Burning Out

Author hamza

Published on: June 4, 2025

Self-employment and parenting: how to make it work without losing yourself

Running a business while raising kids isn’t just about time — it’s about energy, focus, and pressure. Most self-employed parents aren’t working 9 to 5. They’re working in pockets of time, often late at night or early in the morning. And while social media might make it look easy, the reality can feel messy and overwhelming.

At Tree Shepherd, we meet women every week who are doing just that — building something for themselves and their families, often with little support. So here are five practical ways to balance business and parenting, based on what’s really working for our community.

1. Plan like you’re not superhuman

Don’t start the week with a to-do list that would take three people to finish.

Pick three key business goals each week, for example: finish your website update, book a mentoring call, post one product on Instagram. Then plan your week around those. Add family tasks around that, not the other way round.

Simple planning tools like Google Calendar or a weekly planner on the fridge can help make everything feel more manageable.

2. Set work times that actually work

Traditional working hours don’t suit most parents, and that’s okay.

Instead, many of the women we work with set up focused work blocks during nap times, early mornings, or after bedtime. What matters most is being consistent, not copying someone else’s routine.

As Debáy Semere, founder of Debay Beauty Bar, shared with us:

“Outside of work, I love spending time with my children, running, and exploring new cultures through travel. It’s about finding a rhythm that fits you and your family.”

Being clear with yourself, and your clients about when you’re available can make things run more smoothly.

3. Don’t skip help

Support is part of the plan, not a bonus.

Ask a friend or family member to cover childcare for a couple of hours a week. Talk openly with your partner about sharing responsibilities. Swap a few hours with another parent who’s also juggling work.

And when it comes to your business, speak to someone who’s been there.

Tree Shepherd offers free mentoring sessions (online or in person), where you can talk about business goals, stress, time management, whatever’s getting in the way. Having a sounding board can change everything.

4. Lower the pressure, not your standards

You don’t need to post every day or say yes to every opportunity. You do need to protect your energy.

Focus on one or two core activities, for example, completing orders and showing up once a week on social media. That’s enough when things are tight.

If a child is unwell or life gets in the way, adjust your plans without guilt. That’s not failure — it’s flexibility.

5. Leave the house (even for a few hours)

Working from home with children around can feel like you’re never off the clock. Getting out, even once a week, can help you reset.

Tree Shepherd runs Thrive and GLOWS, our affordable workspaces in South London. You can rent a desk, meet other local founders, and finally get some quiet to focus. Or just drink a coffee in peace.

A change of scenery can make you feel like a business owner again — not just a parent juggling too much.

You’re not alone in this

Self-employment gives you freedom, but it can also be isolating. That’s why community matters.

At Tree Shepherd, we offer: