Parenthood is a journey full of love, learning, and constant adaptation. Running a business while raising a toddler—especially one who doesn’t like sleep—is a challenge in itself. But over the next six months, my biggest challenge won’t just be about time management or business growth. It will be about ensuring that Amelia always feels safe and loved, even as I dedicate myself to helping other families through my work.
Balancing Business and Motherhood
When I started this journey—writing books, running a podcast, and advocating for families of premature and neurodivergent children—I did so because I knew how isolating and overwhelming it could be. I wanted to create the support that I wish I had in the past. But as my work grows, so does my awareness of how much time it demands.
There are emails to answer, books to write, and content to create. There are collaborations and campaigns to push forward, particularly my work advocating for neonatal leave and better support for families in the NICU. These things are my passion, but at the same time, my biggest purpose is being Amelia’s mum.
She is growing, changing, and absorbing everything around her. I want her to always feel that no matter how busy life gets, she is my priority. That means being present—physically, emotionally, and mentally—even when there are deadlines looming and new opportunities calling.
The Emotional Weight of This Challenge
One of the hardest things about this challenge isn’t just the logistics of balancing work and home life—it’s the emotional weight of it. As a neurodivergent parent raising a neurodivergent child, I know how important it is to create a sense of safety, predictability, and love in our home. Amelia, like any child, deserves to grow up knowing she is cherished.
But I also know that for me to show up fully for her, I need to give myself the same care I encourage other parents to have. That means acknowledging when I’m overwhelmed, setting boundaries with work, and making sure I don’t stretch myself so thin that I lose sight of why I started this journey in the first place.
Practical Steps to Tackle This Challenge
To ensure Amelia always feels safe and loved while continuing to run my business and help other families, I will:
1. Prioritise Presence Over Perfection – I won’t always get the balance right, and that’s okay. What matters is that when I’m with Amelia, I’m fully with her—without distractions, without my mind elsewhere.
2. Set Clear Work Boundaries – There will be dedicated times for work, but equally, there will be times when work simply has to wait.
3. Involve Amelia in My Passion – As she grows, I want her to understand what I do and why I do it. If she sees me helping others, I hope it teaches her the value of empathy and kindness.
4. Take Care of Myself Too – Parenting and advocacy can be exhausting. I need to make sure I am looking after my own well-being so that I can continue being the best mum I can be.
5. Ask for Help When Needed – Whether it’s from my husband, close friends, or my community, I know I don’t have to do this alone.
The Heart of It All
At the end of the day, my business, my advocacy, and everything I do is rooted in love—for my family, for the families I help, and for the message I want to share. The biggest challenge I will face in the next six months is one I embrace wholeheartedly because it means I’m doing something that matters.
I want Amelia to grow up knowing that she is loved beyond words. I also want her to see that helping others can be part of that love too. This is not about choosing between my work and my daughter—it’s about making sure she always knows she comes first while still following the path that allows me to make a difference.
It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
What challenges are you facing right now as a parent? Let’s support each other—comment below and share your thoughts. And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay connected!
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
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