How to find time to write as a mom: a guide to balancing motherhood and creativity
- CoraLynn
- Mar 10, 2025
- 6 min read
How to find time to write as a mom and balance motherhood and creativity.
We all know motherhood is a full-time job. One that does not come with clocking out at a certain hour or personal days off. Parenthood is a constant responsibility we have to navigate and in between, we try to steal a moment for ourselves. Because yes, we all deserve that moment of peace between all the chaos of parenting. The challenge is just finding the time, energy, and head space to write while navigating parenthood.
If you’ve ever just tried to sit down and write only to be interrupted for a snack, or to play, or they want to ask you one question (or maybe ten) you know exactly how tough it can be. But here’s the good news: it is possible to have good writing practice while parenting. It may not look the same as it did before motherhood, or be as productive and maybe even challenging at times, but it will offer you a space to practice your passion.
This post is for the moms who have stories building inside their hearts and words waiting to be written down but are struggling to find that space to make this all come together.
1. Let go of the idea of a “perfect” writing routine.
Before you had kids, your writing routine might have been a sacred structured ritual. A steamy cup of tea, an hour of uninterrupted writing time, or maybe a cozy corner with just the right ambiance to inspire you. But motherhood has a way of disturbing those carefully laid plans. We can’t keep waiting on perfect conditions to write, because you might have to wait forever.
Instead, embrace a flexible schedule. Instead of large windows of writing time, plan short but consistent writing sessions around your family’s daily routines. Sneak in some time before the kids wake up, plan a more focused session during nap time, or try to squeeze in a session when the house becomes quiet after bedtime.
Use a planner or calendar app to block off this writing time, even for only 15 minutes. Treat these writing sessions as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
Your writing schedule might look different every day, and that’s okay. What matters is stealing those small moments in between to make your writing count.
2. Lower your expectations (just a tiny bit)
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if you can’t dedicate an hour (or three) to writing then it might not be worth doing. But here’s a secret: writing in small sections also adds up.
If you can only manage 10-15 minutes a day, then that’s still progress. A paragraph here, or a sentence there. It will all contribute to the larger goal in the end. Some days, you might get lucky and have an interrupted period for more in-depth writing. On other days, you might only get a few notes scribbled down before someone needs you. Both are valid.
The key is shifting your mindset. Writing in motherhood is not about massive word counts. It is about consistency and persistence, even if it is just a few words at a time.
3. Steal those small moments in between
For moms of younger kids, nap time can be a golden opportunity for a focused writing session, instead of using that entire time to do housework (which, let’s be honest, will never really be “done” anyway)
Independent play can be a time to do research, quickly pen down some thoughts and ideas, or even batch some writing tasks for you to work on later when you find more time to sit down and do the actual writing. Waiting times are another great moment we can squeeze in some writing. Bring a notebook or use a notes app on your phone while waiting to pick up your children from sports training or school.
4. Find efficient tools and hacks to organize
Through all the chaos of the day, we can use all the efficiency hacks we can get. Luckily, there are plenty of helpful tools that can help you organize your writing progress.
Notion for organizing writing projects.
Google Docs for writing on the go and syncing across devices.
Pomodoro timers to boost focus (work for 25 minutes, then take a break).
Scrivener if you’re working on a novel and need help structuring it.
Using the right tools will make it easier to stay organized and keep track of all your progress.
5. Batch your tasks
Trying to do everything all at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, break them into manageable tasks you can spread across different times of the day.
Idea generation: Keep a running list of writing ideas in a notebook or notes app.
Outlining: Sketch out your chapters, blog posts, or articles in advance.
Writing sprints: Set a timer for 15–30 minutes and write without stopping.
Editing days: Save revisions for a different session to separate creative and critical thinking.
By batching tasks, you can stay organized and make perfect use of any of the limited time you can steal during the day.
6. Keep a clear “writing spot”
A chaotic space can lead to a chaotic mind. Even if you don’t have a dedicated writing desk, having a designated “writing spot” helps signal your brain that it is time to focus.
Keep your essentials nearby. Notebook, laptop, favorite pens. Whatever you need.
Reduce distractions. Use noise-canceling headphones or a simple “Mom’s Writing” sign on the door.
Declutter regularly. A tidy space makes it easier to sit down and start writing without extra stress.
If you don’t have a separate writing area, consider using a rolling cart with all your writing materials that you can easily set up anywhere.
7. Outsource what you can
To find more writing time, it might be worth looking into tasks you can outsource.
Maybe you can delegate some chorus to older kids or share some of the parenting responsibilities with your partner. Plan your meals ahead to cut down on time for grocery shopping or figuring out what to make for dinner that day. Make a to-do list and see where you can cut some time to recuperate as writing time.
The less overwhelmed you feel, the more mental space you’ll have for creativity.
8. Involve your kids (when possible)
Depending on their ages, your kids might love being part of your writing process. Let them see you write, talk to them about your ideas, or encourage them to create their own stories alongside you. If they see you valuing creativity, they might be inspired to do the same.
Older kids can even help brainstorm or give feedback (kids have surprisingly good instincts when it comes to storytelling). And if nothing else, showing them that writing is important to you models the idea that moms are whole, creative people outside of just being “moms”
9. Find a support system
Writing can feel isolating, especially when you’re in the trenches of motherhood. Finding a support system, whether it is an only writing group, a local writing workshop, or a few writer-mom-friends can be a game changer.
Look for groups specifically for writing moms, or join general writing communities where you can share struggles and wins. Knowing one person who understands what you’re juggling can make all the difference.
10. Remember your “why”
Why do you write? Is it because you have these amazing stories to tell? Because it brings you joy? Because you want to make connections through the written word?
On the hard days, return to that “why”. Remind yourself that you are not only a mom but also a writer. And your words, even if written in the smallest stolen moments matter.
11. Let go of guilt
Mom guilt is very real, and it creeps in fast. You might feel guilty for writing when you could be spending time with your children or guilty for not writing enough. It is an exhausting cycle where no one wins.
But the truth is that taking time for yourself does not make you a bad mom. It makes you a well-rounded one. When you nourish your creative self, you are also modeling for your kids what it looks like to pursue your passion.
12. Celebrate small wins
Finished a chapter? Wrote for three days in a row? Penned down a great idea in the middle of the chaos? Celebrate it! Progress is progress, no matter how small.
Writing as a parent is not about giant leaps, it is about steady, determined steps forward. So acknowledge your wins, no matter how tiny they might seem.
Motherhood and writing don’t have to be at odds. They can coexist, even if it’s messy, unpredictable, and a little chaotic. And the stories you write in the midst of it all? They might become some of the most heartfelt, authentic ones you will ever create.
So grab your notebook, open your laptop, or dictate notes into your phone while folding laundry, whatever it takes. Your words matter and the world (including your kids) deserve to hear them.
Now, your turn!
Are you a mom trying to juggle writing and parenting? What strategies have worked for you? Let’s share and support each other in the comments!
If you enjoyed this post and want more valuable tips and tricks, consider subscribing to my newsletter. Let us continue this creative journey together!
Thank you for all of your support! Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to me!
All my love, CoraLynn
A Gentle Quill
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