Navigating the Chaos of Teaching and Motherhood
Being a high school teacher and a mom to two young children is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, balancing acts I’ve ever faced. On any given day, I juggle the demands of my classroom, lesson plans, grading, and preparing students for tests while also navigating the chaos of a toddler and a newborn at home. The constant back and forth between these two roles is exhausting, emotional, and often overwhelming, but it’s also full of love, growth, and moments of pure joy.
Let me start by saying that I am beyond grateful for both of these roles. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and raising my children is a dream come true. But the truth is, doing both at the same time can feel like an impossible task some days. The struggle of being a teacher and a mom to young kids is real, and the guilt—oh, the mom guilt—is often all-consuming.
The Struggle of Mom Guilt
One of the hardest parts of being both a teacher and a mom is the constant feeling of guilt. At work, I want to be fully present for my students—creating engaging lessons, grading assignments promptly, and making sure that every student feels heard and supported. But at home, I want to be the best mom I can be for my 3-year-old daughter and my 3-month-old son. The moment I leave my classroom at the end of the day, I’m consumed by the thought of my children—wondering if I’ve been there enough for them, if I’ve given them the attention they need, or if I’m simply not doing enough in either area of my life.
The guilt doesn’t stop there. There are nights when I find myself staying up late, grading papers or preparing for the next day, feeling like I’m not giving my family the time they deserve. I constantly find myself questioning whether I’m dividing my attention in the right ways—whether I’m giving enough to my students at school or enough to my children at home.
The truth is, no matter how hard I try, I can’t be everything to everyone at all times. And as much as I hate to admit it, sometimes something (or someone) has to give. It’s taken me a while to come to terms with this fact and accept that it's okay to not be perfect in every area of my life.
Establishing Family Time
One of the toughest parts of balancing teaching and motherhood is finding time for my family. As a teacher, my job doesn’t end when the school bell rings. There are lesson plans to write, papers to grade, and emails to respond to, which often means my workday spills into evenings and weekends. At the same time, my children need me at home, and I need to be present for them—not just physically, but emotionally.
The key for us has been to try our best to establish clear family time. My husband, Josh, and I try our best to carve out specific times each week where we focus solely on our family—no work distractions, no phone calls, just us. This has become our sacred time—whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, an evening board game, or a family movie night. These moments allow us to reconnect as a family and create memories that will last long after the papers have been graded or the lesson plans have been completed.
**Check Out: Board Games to Elevate Game Night
A few months ago, when I was on maternity leave with our son, I thought I could keep up with my grading and planning, even though I was recovering from childbirth. I remember staying up late at night, grading papers and preparing for the new school year, despite the fact that I was still adjusting to life with a newborn. I told myself it was important to stay up to date on my grading, even though I should have been taking more time to rest. Josh grew concerned as he noticed that I was spending more and more time working on school stuff instead of bonding with our newborn or getting the rest I needed. He gently reminded me that I needed to focus on healing and enjoying this time with our son. It took some convincing for me to finally put down the papers and embrace the fact that I didn’t have to do it all right away.
In those moments, I realized how easy it was to lose myself in the pressure to be perfect, both as a teacher and as a mom. That period taught me how essential it is to be intentional about when and where I give my time. Sometimes, work will have to wait so I can focus on what matters most in the moment—whether that’s my children or my own well-being.
Tips for Managing a Demanding Job and a Busy Household
The balancing act between teaching and parenting is no joke, but over time, I’ve picked up some strategies that help me manage the demands of both roles.
Create a Daily Schedule (and Stick to It)
As a teacher, having a structured day is essential. But when you’re juggling kids at home, it’s even more important. I’ve found that sticking to a flexible daily routine helps me stay on track and minimizes the chaos. I set aside specific times for lesson planning, grading, and personal time, while also creating time blocks for meals, naps, and family time at home. Having a routine makes it easier to manage both work and family life, though I remind myself that it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned.Delegate and Ask for Help
I can’t do everything on my own, and neither can you. I’ve learned to lean on my husband, Josh, for support. Whether it’s handling bedtime for the kids or stepping in to help with house chores, teamwork is crucial. I also don’t hesitate to ask for help from my friends and family when I need a break or just need someone to talk to. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness.Set Boundaries
Teaching is a demanding job, but it’s essential to set boundaries to protect your personal time. I’ve learned that once I walk through my front door, I need to focus on my family. I try to limit the amount of work I bring home, and when I do work after hours, I make sure to schedule it for a time when my kids are asleep or otherwise occupied. I also make sure that my weekends are primarily for family and rest, leaving schoolwork for the evenings during the week.Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is so important. As a teacher and a mom, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. But burnout is real, and I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment for myself with a cup of tea, getting some fresh air, or finding time for a hobby, self-care is non-negotiable. It doesn’t have to be a spa day—sometimes, it’s just a few minutes of peace and quiet to recharge.Embrace Imperfection
Lastly, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have it all together. There will be days when I feel like I’m failing both as a teacher and as a mom. But I remind myself that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Some days are harder than others, but that doesn’t mean I’m failing. I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m doing the best I can.
Being a teacher and a mom is a tough combination, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. The struggles are real—whether it’s dealing with mom guilt, navigating a never-ending to-do list, or trying to create time for family—but the love, growth, and moments of joy make it all worth it. It’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about finding balance, leaning on your support system, and prioritizing what matters most.
Through it all, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, set boundaries, and most importantly, embrace the mess. After all, life—both in the classroom and at home—is a beautiful blend of chaos and joy.
With love and a little chaos,
Avery
