How to Be a Present Mom & Successful Business Owner: Practical Strategies That Work

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no easy feat. If you’ve ever found yourself mentally checking out while playing with your kids or feeling guilty for not doing enough in your business, you’re not alone.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between being a great mom and building a successful business. With the right mindset shifts and daily habits, you can show up fully present in both areas of your life. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite strategies that help me balance both worlds—without the overwhelm.

The #1 Misconception About Being Present

Most people think being present means physically being with your kids all the time. But presence isn’t about proximity—it’s about mental clarity and being fully engaged in the moment.

When your mind is racing with to-do lists, upcoming launches, or unfinished tasks, you’re not actually present. Presence is about having an empty mind—free from distractions—so you can fully enjoy the moment.

Signs You’re Not Fully Present:

✔ Your brain constantly jumps to what needs to be done next. ✔ You feel distracted, even when spending time with your kids. ✔ You pick up your phone without thinking just to check emails or social media. ✔ You struggle to relax, even during family time.

The first step? Recognizing when your brain is caught in the cycle of distraction—so you can actively break free from it.

5 Strategies to Stay Present as a Mom & Business Owner

1. Put Your Phone Away After 6 PM

One of the biggest distractions? Your phone.

As entrepreneurs, we feel the urge to check DMs, emails, and notifications constantly. But here’s the truth: There’s nothing you can do after 6 PM that will move your business forward faster.

Try this:

• Plug your phone in a different room once you clock out.
• Turn off notifications or enable Do Not Disturb mode.
• Use an actual alarm clock instead of your phone to avoid scrolling at night.

By creating firm boundaries, you’ll reclaim genuine quality time with your family without the constant pull of work.

2. Schedule a 5-Minute Daily Silence Session

One of my most powerful presence practices? Building in intentional silence.

How it works:

• Find a quiet space (before bed, early morning, or during nap time).
• Sit in complete silence for 5 minutes—no phone, no music, no journaling.
• Let your thoughts settle without trying to “do” anything.

At first, this might feel uncomfortable (hello, overactive brain!). But over time, you’ll train yourself to find stillness—which will naturally carry over into your interactions with your kids and your business.

3. Use the “Gravity Check” to Snap Into the Present

Ever catch yourself mentally checked out while spending time with your kids? The “Gravity Check” is a simple way to bring yourself back to the here and now.

Try this:

• Ask yourself: Where do I feel gravity on my body?
• Notice how your feet press against the ground, how your back leans against the couch, or how your hands rest on your lap.

This micro-moment of awareness grounds you in the present—helping you fully engage with your kids instead of drifting into work thoughts.

4. Empty Your Mind With Journaling

If your brain feels overloaded with to-do lists, reminders, and ideas, it’s nearly impossible to stay present.

Instead of letting these thoughts clutter your mind, write them down in a journal or notes app. This simple habit: ✔ Clears mental space so you can focus on the moment. ✔ Reduces stress by capturing thoughts instead of replaying them. ✔ Helps you prioritize tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Bonus tip: Do a quick brain dump before bed so you wake up with a clear mind instead of an instant to-do list running through your head.

5. Shift from “Doing” to “Being”

One of the biggest mindset shifts? Realizing that your worth isn’t tied to productivity.

Many moms (myself included) feel like we need to “earn” rest by finishing everything on our to-do list first. But the truth is, you are already enough—without doing more.

Instead of constantly thinking What should I be doing right now?, try shifting to How can I fully enjoy this moment? Whether it’s a bedtime snuggle or a morning coffee before emails, presence is about fully embracing the now.

Final Thoughts: Presence is a Practice, Not Perfection

If you’re struggling to balance motherhood and business, start small. Presence isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about practicing daily awareness.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only feel more connected with your kids but also run your business with greater clarity and intention.

Which presence practice resonated with you the most?