By Timea, Founder of TGC and Mom of Zoe
As a working mother and founder of The Governess & Co., I’ve experienced firsthand the delicate balancing act that comes with nurturing both a career and a family. Juggling professional responsibilities while making sure my daughter Zoe receives the attention and care she deserves is something I work at every single day. Over the years, I’ve developed strategies that have helped me maintain this balance, and I wanted to share them with other parents navigating similar waters.
Embrace Quality Over Quantity
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that quality truly matters more than quantity when it comes to time spent with children. Rather than feeling guilty about hours spent away from home, I focus on making our time together meaningful. This means putting away devices, being fully present, and engaging in activities that my daughter genuinely enjoys. Even 30 minutes of undivided attention can be more valuable than hours of distracted presence.
Build a Support System You Trust
Finding the right childcare solution has been absolutely essential to my ability to focus on work when needed. Whether you’re working with a professional nanny, relying on family members, or using a daycare center, having someone you trust completely with your child allows you to be productive without constant worry.
When I hired our first nanny, I looked for someone who would not just supervise Zoe but enrich her life with new experiences and learning opportunities. The search was daunting and I was faced with so many challenges, I felt that no nanny agency is truly, actively listening. This was in fact one of the reasons I started The Governess & Co., to help other parents find professional childcare perfectly tailored to their needs.
Integrate Your Worlds When Possible
Some days, I bring Zoe to the office or work from home while she plays nearby. These moments allow her to see what mommy does when she’s “at work,” which I believe helps her understand and respect what I do outside of being her mother. Similarly, I’ve found ways to involve my team in understanding my family commitments, creating a work culture that respects parenting responsibilities.
Schedule “Non-Negotiable” Family Time
In my calendar, certain blocks of time are marked as family time and treated with the same importance as board meetings. Whether it’s our Saturday morning pancake tradition or bedtime stories every night, these consistent touchpoints provide stability for my daughter, and something we both look forward to regardless of how busy the week gets.
Communicate with Your Childcare Provider
Our nanny has become an extension of our family, and clear communication with her ensures continuity in Zoe’s care. I make sure to keep our nanny updated on any behavioural changes, or special family circumstances. This information helps her provide consistent care that aligns with our parenting approach.
I also encourage our nanny to share detailed updates about their day together—learning moments, challenges, and joyful experiences alike. This way, I can reference these activities in conversations with Zoe, showing her that I’m interested and engaged in her daily life even when I’m not physically present.
Finding the appropriate nanny was an essential part in developing this, and I encourage everyone to aim for that perfect fit for you and your family dynamic.
Manage Guilt Productively
Parent guilt is real and can be particularly intense for working parents. When those feelings arise, I try to reframe them as evidence of how much I care rather than as proof that I’m failing. I remind myself that by pursuing my career passions, I’m modelling determination and work ethic for my daughter while providing financial stability for our family.
Find Childcare That Extends Your Parenting Philosophy
One of the reasons I founded TGC was my belief that childcare shouldn’t just be a substitute for parental presence but an enhancement to a child’s development. When your nanny or childcare provider shares your fundamental values about education, discipline, and emotional support, your child experiences consistency that benefits their development.
Remember That Work-Life Balance Looks Different Every Day
Some days I’m more present at work, other days more present at home—and I’ve learned to accept this fluidity rather than expecting perfect balance each day. What matters is the overall pattern that emerges over weeks and months, not the distribution of attention on any given day.
Give Yourself Grace
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be kind to yourself. Parenting while building a career is challenging, and there will be days when you feel like you’re falling short in both areas. On those days, I remind myself that showing Zoe how to handle imperfection with grace and resilience is perhaps one of the most valuable lessons I can teach her.
The journey of balancing work and family is ongoing, with constant adjustments as both our careers and our children evolve. By establishing systems that support this balance and maintaining open communication with everyone involved—colleagues, childcare providers, and family members—we create environments where both our professional aspirations and our children can thrive.
What strategies have helped you balance work and family life? I’d love to hear your experiences!