How I finally learned to set boundaries as a work from home mom

Two doctors appointments, a breathing treatment (due to unforeseen wheezing) and a trip to the pharmacy later, the girls and I were back home. I had 10 minutes to spare before a call with my manager. Barely breaking a sweat, I thought . Oh, the smug confidence.

I texted a quick update to my mom who’d asked how the girls were. Exasperated, my 3-year-old began pacing in circles in the kitchen. She might have been sick, but somehow her energy never faltered. She gestured with frustration— her palms up and little fingers spread wide, “It’s not time for texting, Mommy. It’s time for lunch!”

Some people have the type of kids who get colds and melt into the couch for days. They sleep more than usual, they’re quieter and they are more than happy to zone out to a movie. I do not have such children.

But she was right. I apologized and sloppily slathered some peanut butter and honey on stale bread ends. Then added bread to the running grocery list.

Five minutes to spare.

As I served up a gourmet lunch, of PB&H and a juice box, I fumbled around to find the conference code when I heard the splat of baby barf hitting the floor (it’s possible there is no worse sound . )

“Mommy! Ew! She barfed!”

I made a mental note to talk to the toddler about using the word, ‘barf.’

My confident attitude about taking the day head on was now in a swift downward spiral. Sure, I could still join my meeting. I could half listen on mute and soothe the coughing baby with some gentle hip bouncing. But I’d likely have to answer a question and unmute myself, no doubt as the baby started crying again or the dog barked at a UPS truck.

I could make it happen and later face my oldest asking why I’m always on the phone or always texting and never playing. Basically, I could make it work, but not work well.

So, here’s what I did.

I sent one final text to my manager that said, “Thought I could make today work but can’t. Two sick kids. Need to reschedule.”

I then breathed a huge sigh of relief for making one decision and not trying to squeeze in 50 things. I was able to refocus my attention to the little people who actually needed me. My manager sympathetically—and genuinely—responded, “Mom job comes first.”

Because let’s face it—my 3-year-old doesn’t care that my inbox is full and my calendar is back-to-back. All she knows is this: When I’m home she wants to play.

And just because I can work anywhere , doesn’t mean I should . I have to learn to stop “making it work.” Some days it just doesn’t work. I need the reminder to put the phone down. Close the laptop. Focus on what’s in front of me. Find a way to shut off the part of my brain that’s yelling and anxious about everything I need to do.

Sometimes I need to just s l o w d o w n.

My career isn’t going to come to a screeching halt because I spent a few hours or even a few days with sick kids. But I’d like to think my kids will remember the times I spent snuggling and relaxing with them when they were sick. I’d rather they hold on to those memories than ones of me texting and scheduling and over-scheduling and trying to make ALL of it work.