Below, you’ll find the show notes for Episode 004 of The Made by Motherhood Podcast. The Made by Motherhood Podcast is a warm, encouraging space for moms building businesses while raising families — with gentle guidance for business, home, and motherhood. Subscribe on Spotify Podcasts, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe anywhere podcasts are available.

As a mom balancing both a family and a business, boundaries are absolutely essential. It’s easy to feel like you have to be constantly available — whether for your family or your work — but here’s the truth: if you don’t protect your time, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed and running on empty.

In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how to create boundaries that help you protect your time, energy, and focus, so you can show up as the best version of yourself—for both your family and your business.

Set Clear Work Hours

Let’s start with something that’s a game-changer: setting clear work hours. Whether you work from home or run your own business, it’s all too easy for the lines between “work” and “home” to blur. But when you don’t set boundaries around when and where you work, you risk never truly being present for either your family or your business.

Try setting specific hours for work each day—even if it’s just a few hours—and stick to them. Let your family know when you’re working and when you’re free to be with them. This clear structure helps you switch between work and family time, creating a more intentional balance.

Learn to Say No

Next up, we need to talk about learning to say no — and yes, it’s okay to say no without guilt. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re not doing your best or that you’re falling short; it simply means you’re protecting your time and focusing on what matters most. The more you say yes to things that don’t align with your priorities, the more you spread yourself thin.

Next time you’re faced with a request or opportunity, ask yourself, “Does this align with my current goals and values?” If it doesn’t, it’s okay to kindly say no. Saying no is not just about rejecting something—it’s about making space for what’s truly important.

Set Clear Office Hours

Another boundary that’s crucial is with clients, coworkers, or anyone who relies on you for work. If you’re always available, you’ll never have the time or mental space to disconnect and recharge. You deserve to have space where you’re not constantly “on.”

Set clear office hours. Let clients or colleagues know when you’re available to work and when you’re off the clock. This helps set expectations and gives you the freedom to enjoy personal time without feeling like work is always looming over you.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Let’s not forget about physical boundaries either. If you’re working from home, your space matters. When you work from your kitchen table or couch, it’s harder to mentally switch into “work mode” or “mom mode.” Having a dedicated workspace helps you mentally separate business time from family time.

If possible, carve out a small area in your home that’s just for work. This could be a desk in a quiet corner or even a designated chair. When you’re in your workspace, you’re in “work mode,” and when you leave it, you’re off the clock.

Schedule “Me Time”

And lastly, don’t overlook boundaries with yourself. As a mom and business owner, you often give so much of yourself to others, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries with yourself means recognizing when you need rest, stepping away from work, and making time for self-care. It’s okay to take breaks.

Schedule regular “me time” on your calendar, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day. Whether it’s taking a walk, reading, or simply sitting in silence—this time helps you reset, recharge, and show up as your best self.

Conclusion

Boundaries aren’t about being rigid—they’re about creating the space you need to do the things that truly matter to you. By setting clear, intentional boundaries, you can create the balance that allows you to thrive in both your business and your family life.

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe to the Made by Motherhood Podcast so you don’t miss out on more tips and strategies like this. And if you know another mom who could use this advice, share this episode with her! Let’s continue building a community where we can all support each other in creating a life and business we love.