Balancing Motherhood and Writing: How to Make Time for Writing When You’re So Busy

As a mom, you wear multiple hats every day. From caring for your children to managing the household, your schedule is often packed with activities that leave little room for pursuing your own passions. But if you’re a writer at heart, you don’t have to let your busy schedule stifle your creative aspirations. Finding time to write amidst the chaos of motherhood is possible, and in this blog post, I’ll share some practical tips on how to make it happen.

1. Embrace the Power of Routine

One of the most effective ways to find time for writing as a busy mom is to establish a routine. Routine provides structure and predictability, helping you create a dedicated writing time in your daily schedule. Here’s how you can go about it:

Morning Magic – If you’re a morning person, wake up a bit earlier before your household stirs. Those quiet morning hours can be incredibly productive for writing.

Naptime Niche – When your little one takes a nap, seize that time to write. It might not be an extended period, but even short, focused bursts can yield results.

Evening Escape – After the kids are in bed, consider spending some time writing. It’s quiet, and you can concentrate without interruptions.

Weekend Retreat – If you have a partner, arrange for them to take over childcare for a few hours on weekends, allowing you some uninterrupted writing time.

2. Plan and Prioritize

Planning is your ally when it comes to making time for writing. Here’s how you can effectively plan your writing time:

Set Clear Goals – Decide what you want to accomplish during your writing time. It could be a certain word count, finishing a chapter, or editing a specific section.

Create a To-Do List – Make a list of writing tasks or projects you want to complete. Prioritize them based on deadlines and importance.

Time Blocking – Allocate specific time slots in your schedule for writing and stick to them. Treat these appointments with your creative self as non-negotiable.

Batch Tasks – Try to batch similar tasks. For instance, set aside a day for brainstorming, another for drafting, and a different day for editing. This approach minimizes the mental shift between different writing stages.

3. Utilize Time-Saving Tools

In our modern age, technology offers numerous tools and apps that can help you maximize your writing time. Here are a few to consider:

Word Processing Software – Use tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener to streamline your writing process. They provide features like word count tracking, spelling and grammar checks, and cloud-based storage.

Dictation Apps – If you can’t physically write, consider using dictation apps like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or the speech-to-text feature on your phone. Speak your thoughts, and let the app transcribe them for you.

Productivity Apps – Apps like Trello, Evernote, or Todoist can help you stay organized by creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and managing your writing projects.

4. Delegate and Share Responsibilities

As a mom, you don’t have to do it all alone. Delegate tasks and share responsibilities with your partner, older children, or even family and friends who are willing to help. Here’s how you can do it:

Create a Support System – Communicate your writing goals and schedule with your partner and loved ones. They can help by taking on childcare duties or other household tasks.

Hire Help When Possible – If your budget allows, consider hiring a babysitter, cleaner, or someone to help with cooking. This can free up more of your time for writing.

Establish Playdates – Arrange playdates for your children, where they can interact with other kids while you gain a few hours for writing.

5. Stay Flexible and Adapt

Life as a mom can be unpredictable, and sometimes your best-laid plans may need to change. Be flexible and adapt as needed:

Grace Under Pressure – There will be days when you won’t be able to write as much as you’d like due to unexpected situations. Don’t be too hard on yourself; simply pick up where you left off the next day.

Use Short Snippets – Make the most of small pockets of time. Even 15 minutes here and there can add up over time.

Modify Your Goals – If your writing goals are too ambitious given your current circumstances, it’s okay to adjust them. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Self-Care Matters – Ensure that you’re taking care of your own well-being. When you’re rested and recharged, you’ll be more productive during your writing time.

Being a mom and a writer can coexist harmoniously with some strategic planning and a dash of creativity. You don’t need large blocks of time to nurture your writing passion. Instead, make the most of the time you have, prioritize your writing, and remember that every word you write brings you one step closer to achieving your goals. So, embrace the beautiful chaos of motherhood, and keep on writing, one word at a time.