Dishes and Deadlines: A Day in the Juggle Lane

Chaos 101

Most mornings in my house start well before my alarm even gets a chance to serenade me, because the kids are usually up first. Sometimes they’re cheerful, sometimes decidedly not, either way, the quiet dissolves into the thud of little feet, the clink of cereal bowls, and the inevitable passionate debate over who gets to sit in “the good seat” at the breakfast table.

While I’m whipping up school and work sandwiches, I mentally map out my day. It’s funny, those few minutes of slicing bread are often the calmest of my whole morning. Somehow, that little ritual helps me feel like I’ve got a handle on things (even if I’m still in my pyjamas and running five minutes behind).

It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. And if you’re juggling business and parenting, I know you’re already nodding.

So, I thought I’d give you a peek into a typical day. Not just to show the behind-the-scenes of my life, but to share some practical things that help me keep all the balls in the air. Because if you’re running a business and a household, you’ll get it: it’s never dull, rarely quiet, and always a juggle.

Morning Madness

Before I head to my office, I usually do a quick round of household jobs, maybe it’s putting on a load of washing, emptying the dishwasher, or resetting the kitchen bench. It might not sound like much, but it’s a small investment that pays off later. Ticking off one or two of those little things gives me a sense of acheivement to start my day, and helps clear the mental clutter before I switch into work mode.

After we’ve survived the daily “Where is your other shoe?” and missing sock crisis (why is it always socks?), the kids pack their lunchboxes & bookbags and head out the door. That’s when I switch hats from Mum to Business Owner.

Some mornings are smoother than others, of course. But even if the wheels fall off a little, those tiny wins help me leave the house with my brain in a better place.

Productivity Tip:

While I’m making sandwiches, I mentally check in on my top priorities for the day. I don’t try to plan every hour, I just pick key things I really want to get done. It keeps me focused without tipping into overwhelm.

Work Mode: On

Block One: Easy Does It

I try not to book anything in the first 30 minutes of my workday. This is my ease-in time… a chance to check emails, have a scroll through the calendar, and get my bearings. Then, I like to do some more focused tasks like Xero reconciling for my regulars.

Reconciling might feel like a small thing, but I know it can be a mental block or feel like a time-suck for many business owners. So, when I’m able to take that off someone’s plate, it feels like I’m doing more than just ticking a box – I’m lightening the load for them.

Block Two: Meeting & Momentum

Mid-morning tends to be when I hit my stride. If I’ve got client calls or Zooms, I’ll prep beforehand – review notes, check up on their most recent data, and bring up anything we need to walk through together.

This is also when I create reports, create content, or check in with clients doing one of my setup packages. These deeper tasks are easier when I’m still fresh and haven’t hit the 2pm slump yet.

Productivity Tip:

I block out time in my day based on energy levels – analytical work in the morning, more creative or repetitive tasks in the afternoon. It doesn’t always go to plan, but when it does, I’m way more productive (and less cranky by the end of the school day).

Mum Taxi & the 3pm Switch

In the afternoon, the kids have recently started walking home from school – something I’m epically grateful for because it gives me a sacred 15-minute window between “Biz Tiffany” and “Muuuuuum Tiffany.” I make a cup of tea, stare out the window, and mentally reset.

When they arrive, we shift into the evening rhythm: lunchboxes get emptied and reset for the next day (this one habit has saved so many chaotic mornings, when all they have to do in the morning is open packets, lunchbox time/stress is cut in half), uniforms get peeled off and thrown in the laundry – most of the time, then homework & chores get done. Then it’s onto reading, Minecraft, or whatever sibling negotiations are brewing while I start dinner.

Sometimes, if there’s a blog, podcast idea, or client thing bouncing around in my head, I’ll sneak in a quick 20–30 minute burst to get it out of my brain and into a document or task list. Getting it out of my head and onto paper (or screen) helps me be more present with my family later.

Of course, it’s not always as simple as being at home. Some afternoons I’m in full “Mum Taxi” mode, with kids needing to be at dance, drums, or whatever activity is on the roster that day. Those are the days I am so grateful for my slow cooker. If I can chuck something in earlier in the day, we can walk back in the door at 5:55pm and still eat dinner like organised humans. (Pro tip: throw chicken legs and a tin of chopped tomatoes in the slow cooker for an easy-peasy weeknight hero.)

And because the juggle doesn’t stop just because the kids are home, sometimes I’ve got evening board meetings or webinars. On those nights, Ben and I do the classic tag-team parenting routine – we swap in and out like wrestlers in a championship match. He walks in the door, I throw him the metaphorical mic (and sometimes an actual child), and dash off.

Productivity Tip:

If something’s niggling in your brain, it’s okay to take a moment to write it down or action it. Getting it out can help you be more grounded in the next part of your day.

Evening Reset

Once the kids are tucked in (and no one’s suddenly remembered a school project, homework or permission slip due tomorrow), I get a bit of breathing space.

My favourite? A glass of Pinot, The Woman’s Weekly Puzzle Book, or a silly iPad game that lets my brain coast for a bit. Something low-stakes and soothing before I transition into reading a novel or watching something on TV.

I don’t always manage a full wind-down routine, but I’ve learned to appreciate the evenings when I do. That small bit of calm helps me sleep better and sets the tone for the next day.

Messy, But Worth It

Every day is a little different. Some days are wildly productive; others feel like I’m chasing my tail. But having rhythms, routines, and – most importantly – forgiveness for myself helps keep everything moving.

There are messy bits, missed bits, and completely unexpected detours… but there’s also deep satisfaction, flexibility, and so much purpose in this juggle.

If you’re trying to do business and life too, I see you. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by the back-end of your business, or just need to chat to someone who gets it, I’d love to connect.

P.S. You might like this podcast episode about self-forgiveness and the messy juggle of family and business life.

Or just DM me – I’d love to hear what your days look like too.