How to Balance Your Passion Projects with Family Life: A Soccer Mom’s Guide

As a soccer mom, business owner, and creative, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to juggle passion projects with family life. Between driving to practices, running a business, and trying to squeeze in self-care, it often feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But over time, I’ve found ways to strike a balance—one that allows me to nurture my passions while being fully present for my family. If you’re in the same boat, here are some strategies that might help you, too.

1. Prioritize What Truly Matters

Not all tasks are created equal. Identify what’s truly important each day. Some days, your passion project might take center stage, while other days, it’s all about your family. Understanding that balance shifts daily can help you ease the pressure of trying to “do it all” at once.

Tip: Each morning, list your top three non-negotiables—one for family, one for your passion project, and one for self-care. This ensures you’re not neglecting any aspect of your life.

Hardcover Fern Journal

The plain journal I use to schedule and plan: https://amzn.to/42GmRrh

2. Time-Block Like a Pro

Scheduling your day can be a game-changer. Block out time for work, family, and even personal downtime. I often schedule work hours while my kids are at school or after they go to bed, so I can focus without distractions.

Tip: Use a planner or a digital calendar to set aside specific times for your projects, just like you would for a soccer game or a doctor’s appointment. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable.

3. Involve Your Family in Your Passion

Your passion project doesn’t have to be separate from family life. Get your kids involved when possible! Whether it's helping with small tasks, giving you creative ideas, or even just understanding why your work matters, involving them makes balancing easier.

Tip: If your kids see you excited about your work, they’ll understand and respect your dedication. Plus, they might even develop their own creative passions by watching you!

4. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

It’s easy to let work spill into family time and vice versa, but setting clear boundaries is key. When it’s family time, put away your phone and be fully present. When it’s work time, let your family know you need uninterrupted focus.

Tip: Create a simple “work mode” signal—whether it’s closing the office door, wearing noise-canceling headphones, or having a specific workspace that indicates you’re busy.

5. Learn to Say No

You don’t have to take on every project, attend every event, or volunteer for every school function. Saying “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities gives you more time for what truly matters.

Tip: If you struggle with saying no, try saying, “I’d love to, but my plate is full right now. Can we revisit this another time?”

6. Make Self-Care a Non-Negotiable

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Whether it’s a quick workout, meditation, reading, or even just a quiet cup of coffee, carving out time for yourself helps you stay energized and present in both your family and business life.

Tip: Start small! Even five minutes of deep breathing or journaling can reset your mind and keep you balanced.

7. Give Yourself Grace

There will be days when everything falls apart—the house is a mess, deadlines pile up, and the kids need extra attention. And that’s okay. Balancing everything isn’t about perfection; it’s about flexibility.

Tip: Instead of feeling guilty, acknowledge what you did accomplish and remember that tomorrow is a new day.

Final Thoughts

Being a soccer mom and a business owner and a creative person isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible with a little planning, a lot of flexibility, and a whole lot of grace. Your passion projects matter just as much as your family, and finding that balance will ultimately make you a happier and more fulfilled person.

How do you balance your passion projects with family life? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!