Freelancing offers flexibility in many ways so it can be seen as a great option for parents. The reality of freelancing with children is often much more challenging than expected, and the juggle is real. We talked to parents about their tips for making it work while keeping your sanity intact.
“Plans are worthless, but planning is essential.”
If you’re a natural planner, you might have your return to freelance work after having a baby all mapped out and be determined that nothing will change that. The reality is everything will have changed. Even when they’re teenagers, the only predictable thing is unpredictability.
“Give yourself as much grace as possible. I know it's a cliché, but you'll likely come out the other side of having a baby as a completely different person, with a completely different life, different priorities, and a totally different outlook.
People said this to me before I had a baby, and I poo-pooed it. There was no way it was going to change me that much. I was wrong. As a natural planner and over-thinker, I'd mapped out my return to business well before the wee guy appeared on the scene. I imagined getting stuff done during naps, in the early mornings and evenings. Joyfully balancing work and baby. Screw anyone who said I couldn't have it all. But rather than a joyful balance, it's felt like more of a scrabble. And those plans I made pre-baby are, frankly, laughable now.”
Felicity Wild, Writers Against The Algorithm
Sleep deprivation is like nothing else
Everyone’s children are different when it comes to sleeping. Some might sleep through the night, and others might leave you feeling punched in the face because of a lack of sleep. Sleep training your baby can help if that appeals to you.
A top tip from parents: Sleep when your baby sleeps.
“Nine months in, I still haven't had more than four consecutive hours of sleep. Despite weaning being well underway, my hungry wee guy still breastfeeds almost as often as a newborn. I'm caught in a never-ending cleaning and laundry death spiral.
Yes, there's joy. So much joy. But also way more chaos than I expected. The stuff long-term sleep deprivation does to your brain is wild. And time feels more precious than I ever imagined possible.”
Wiggle it just a little bit
In reality, you’ll probably need to wiggle it much more than a little bit when it comes to parenting and freelancing. “Leave plenty of wiggle room,” says Steve Folland, founder of Being Freelance. You may need to drop everything at any moment so having clients that are understanding can really help ease the stress. Push for long deadlines so you can do the projects without so much pressure.
14 things you can do to help
1. Set up your workspace
Create a dedicated area for work, even if it's just a corner of your dining room. Having a specific spot helps you focus and signals to children that you're working. Keep essential items within reach and organise your space to minimise distractions.
2. Structure your day
Work when your children are at school, most likely to be occupied or asleep (if you’re not sleeping). This might mean early mornings, during school hours, or after bedtime. Break your day into focused chunks rather than trying to work in one long stretch.
3. Be realistic with your workload
Calculate how many hours you can actually work each week, accounting for school runs, homework help, and family time. Then set client expectations accordingly. It's better to under-promise and over-deliver than risk missing deadlines.
4. Build a support network
Connect with other freelancing parents who understand your situation. They can offer advice, moral support, and potentially even client referrals. Consider joining online communities or local business groups that welcome children.
5. Plan for school holidays
School holidays need extra planning. Options include:
- Working reduced hours
- Booking holiday clubs or childcare
- Scheduling client work around term times
- Teaming up with other parents to share childcare
- Taking on less work during these periods
6. Create clear boundaries
Let clients know your working hours and stick to them. Being available 24/7 isn't sustainable. Set up an email autoresponder outside your working hours and turn off notifications when spending time with your children.
7. Have backup plans
Things go wrong - children get ill, childcare falls through, schools close. Always build buffer time into your schedule and have contingency plans ready. Keep a list of emergency childcare options and be honest with clients if you need to adjust deadlines.
8. Make the most of technology
Use tools to maximise your productivity:
- Time-tracking software to monitor your hours
- Project management apps to stay organised
- Cloud storage for accessing work anywhere
- Calendar apps for scheduling
- Video conferencing for client meetings
9. Look after yourself
Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Schedule regular breaks, eat properly, and try to exercise. A burnt-out parent can't run a successful business or look after their family well.
10. Set up your business properly
Get your business foundations right:
- Register as self-employed
- Set up a separate business bank account
- Keep good financial records
- Save for tax and National Insurance
- Consider income protection insurance
11. Manage your finances carefully
Irregular income is common in freelancing, so build an emergency fund covering at least three months of expenses. Set aside money for holidays, sick days, and quiet periods. Consider working with an accountant to manage your finances efficiently.
12. Include your children
Help your children understand what you do and why you need to work. You might:
- Explain your job in age-appropriate terms
- Create a visual schedule they can follow
- Give them special activities for 'work time'
- Reward good behaviour during important calls
- Include them in simple tasks when possible
13. Focus on quality over quantity
When you're with your children, be fully present. Put the phone away and close the laptop. Similarly, when working, focus entirely on your tasks. This helps reduce guilt and increases productivity.
14. Remember why you started
Freelancing as a parent has its challenges, but it can provide valuable flexibility and work-life integration. Keep sight of your reasons for choosing this path - whether it's being present for school events, avoiding costly childcare, or pursuing work you love while raising your family.
15. Stay professional
While clients should understand you're a parent, maintain professionalism. Have plans in place for quiet client calls, meet deadlines consistently, and deliver high-quality work. Your reliability and professionalism will help build long-term client relationships.
16. Parenting IS the work
“The world has it wrong when it comes to parenting and work. Parenting IS the work. Everything else is an aside.”
Parenting will always be the priority, and your freelance business will fit in with your family responsibilities. It's easy to feel guilty about parenting and taking time away from work, but be kind to yourself.
The skills you gain from parenting will also make you a better freelancer. Multitasking, problem-solving, patience, negotiation, and time management are valuable business assets. Your experience raising children makes you more adaptable and resilient. Rather than seeing parenting as competing with your freelance work, recognise it as complementary. The emotional intelligence you gain from parenting can help you better understand client needs, while the organisational skills required for family life transfer directly to project management. Both roles will make you better at the other.