The Real Life of a Working Mom: Balancing Career, Kids, and a Business

The Reality of Being a Working Mom 

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I often struggle with being a working mom. The balancing act is one you simply cannot describe unless you're living it. A working mom’s life can be summed up as “living in a constant state of rush.” I rush to get ready in the morning so I can find some time to engage with my boys before they head off to school. I rush through work, hoping to leave early and get home faster. Then it’s a race to get dinner going, squeeze in some playtime or a quick walk, then the whirlwind of bath, stories, and bedtime. 

But in those slower moments—splashes in the tub, giggles during storytime, rocking them to sleep—I’m reminded why I do it all. The chaos is worth it for those moments of calm. 

Adding an errand like a grocery run into the mix only intensifies the “rush,” so those things wait for the weekend. And even then, it’s more of a juggling act than a break. 

Growing up, I always thought I’d be a stay-at-home mom. I was a nanny and absolutely loved kids. Their joy, their wonder—it made life feel so full. But then I entered the working world. After transitioning from Sales to Recruiting, I thought I had found my place. Eventually, I landed in Project Management and fell in love with the role. It challenged me, energized me—I felt like I’d found my calling. I poured everything into my career, and I didn’t mind the long hours. 

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Expecting And Working 

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When I found out I was pregnant, I was simultaneously over the moon and scared because my whole world was about to change in ways I’d never even dreamed of. I had built a career I loved, but I knew it couldn’t be my whole world in the same way anymore. Something bigger was coming. Something more important. I had found my true purpose—being a mom. 

After having my first son, I quickly realized I wasn’t the “stay-at-home mom” type and that was hard for some people to understand, especially my parents. “How can you let someone else raise him?” they’d ask. “Don’t have kids if you don’t want to raise them.” I tried to explain that today’s family looks different than theirs did. I reminded them they raised a strong, independent woman. But still, I had my doubts. 

When Louin and Liam (now 10 and 7) were born, I was in awe. I could stare at them for hours. But the repetitive cycle—feed, burp, nap, repeat—left me feeling lost. I missed adult conversation, being part of a team, problem-solving. I even took a few work calls on maternity leave and went into the office now and then—just to feel like me again. 

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Work Was Never The Same 

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Returning to work early wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my well-being. That said, work was never the same because I could no longer compartmentalize. I was always wondering: What is he doing? Did he nap okay? Did I miss his laugh? A milestone?

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The Tug-Of-War In My Heart Never Stops 

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And it was in one of those “rush” moments, running late to dinner while juggling a fussy baby and a toddler, that The Table Tyke was born. I was out with the boys, and I realized just how stressful it was trying to keep everything clean, safe, and calm while we were out—especially 

when one of them was teething and gnawing on the edge of a dirty restaurant table. I remember thinking, There has to be a better way. 

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The Table Tyke Is Born 

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That thought stayed with me. During late-night feedings and long commutes, I started sketching, researching, prototyping. I wanted to create something that would ease one small part of the chaos for parents like me. Something thoughtful. Something safe. Something designed by a mom in the thick of it. 

And so, The Table Tyke came to life. A small solution born from the very real challenges of being a working mom. It’s more than just a product—it’s a piece of my story, a reflection of the messiness and beauty of motherhood, and a reminder that even in the rush, we can create something meaningful. 

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At The End Of The Day 

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Being a working mom is a constant pull on your heartstrings. But sometimes, from that tug-of-war, something truly powerful can emerge and I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey because it got me here. If you’re a working mom reading this, I see you. The day to day isn’t always easy, but when it’s all said and done it ends up being deeply rewarding. You got this. 

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5 Tips Berlyn Has for a Working Mom: 

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Time Management is Key

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Staying organized and managing my time properly helps ensure I can get everything I need to get done for the day. I also like to sprinkle in easy tasks I know I can complete to feel accomplished for the day. 

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Be Comfortable Asking for Help

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This day in age it can be hard to work up the courage to ask for help, but I promise it is not a sign of weakness. The saying “it takes a village” is real, especially when it comes to raising kids. After my 2nd son was born I was really struggling juggling it all, but once I asked for help from loved ones I was able to be an even better mom, partner, and friend to everyone around me. 

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Know Your Strengths (and Weaknesses)

You are a working mom with an incredible skillset, own it! Play to your strengths, but it’s also okay to acknowledge there may be areas you need extra help. This is where I would encourage you to find and ask someone to help fill in the gaps. 

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Your Mental Health Matters

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I went back to the office because I love the work. I love being able to problem solve with a team of colleagues and then be able to go home to my family. Both make me happy and feel fulfilled. 

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Don’t Let Anyone Make You Feel Bad for Choosing to Work AND be a Mom

There are still many people this day in age that may not agree with the idea of being a working mom, but I love it. It’s okay to choose both, they fill different needs and it’s not one or the other. You get to decide what is best for you and your family. 

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And Last But Not Least: Support other Moms

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If you would like to support a small, mom owned business (that was also on Shark Tank! Season 15 ep 11), feel free to check out The Table Tyke at thetabletyke.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @thetabletyke

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