On Call for Life: Balancing Parenting, Work, and Being There When Your Kids Need You Most

Being a parent doesn’t come with a clock-in and clock-out system. You're always "on call"—for fevers at midnight, forgotten homework at 7 a.m., or the surprise text that baseball practice was moved up an hour. Add a full-time job (or two) to the mix, and the balancing act becomes more like a high-wire performance with no net.

So how do we juggle it all without losing our minds—or neglecting ourselves? Here's what I’ve learned about staying available for your kids while keeping your professional life afloat:

1. Accept That Balance Looks Different Every Day

Some days you’ll crush a presentation at work and make it to your kid’s spelling bee. Other days, something will slip—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence. Being there when it really counts matters more than being everywhere all the time.

2. Create a Family Command Center (Seriously)

Whether it’s a whiteboard, a shared Google Calendar, or a giant paper calendar on the fridge, having one place where all activities, appointments, and reminders live is crucial. Everyone should know where to look. Color-code it if you’re into that kind of thing—it helps more than you’d expect.

3. Master the Power of “No”

Saying “no” doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or employee. It means you know your limits. If volunteering for every school event or taking on every last-minute shift is burning you out, it’s time to set boundaries. Your well-being is just as important as your availability.

4. Make the Most of Small Moments

You might not be able to attend every game, but you can be the one who listens intently during a five-minute car ride or sends a heartfelt note in their lunchbox. Don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent acts of connection.

5. Have a Support System and Use It

Whether it’s a co-parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, or a reliable babysitter—don’t be afraid to lean on your village. You’re not weak for needing help; you’re wise for accepting it.

6. Communicate with Your Kids About Your Work

Kids understand more than we give them credit for. Let them know when you have a busy day or an important deadline. When they see you respecting your commitments, they learn responsibility. And when you carve out time just for them later, they feel seen and valued.

7. Carve Out Time for Yourself—Non-Negotiable

You can't pour from an empty cup. Even 20 minutes of alone time with a cup of tea, a podcast, or a walk can help reset your energy. Burnout serves no one—least of all your kids.

Final Thoughts:

Being “on call” for your kids isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. You’re showing them that love can be strong, even when it’s busy. That care can be flexible and resilient. And that showing up, again and again, matters most of all.

After the chaos settles and the kids are finally down for the night, I give myself permission to unwind. My go-to ritual? Turning on Pure Nature Tones—soothing sounds of rain, ocean waves, or gentle forest ambiance. It’s how I reset my mind, reclaim a few quiet moments, and breathe before doing it all over again tomorrow.

Because while we’re always on call for our families, we have to answer our own needs, too.