🌞 Summer Juggle: Business, Balance and Being a Taxi Mum!

There’s something about July, isn’t there?

The scent of sun cream in the air, the sound of teenagers raiding the fridge like they’re in a competitive eating contest, and the deep realisation that your peaceful work routine is about to be lovingly (and loudly) flung out the window.

As you read this, we’ll be on holiday – a little earlier than usual this year, taking advantage of the pre-school-break lull. It’s the first time we’ve done it like this, and I must say, there’s something quite lovely about sneaking in a bit of rest before the chaos really begins.

But let’s not pretend the rest of the summer is smooth sailing. Because while the GCSE whirlwind has finally passed (hallelujah), I’ve now stepped into the next phase – the Mum Taxi summer shift. You know the one.

“Can you drop me at my mate’s?”
“Just a quick lift into town?”
“There’s a thing tonight… you don’t need to pick me up until 11…”

Meanwhile, I’m trying to keep the wheels turning in my business – client appointments, creative ideas I’m itching to explore, emails I promised I’d respond to two days ago (oops) – all while pretending I definitely remembered to take something out the freezer for dinner.

The truth is, being a female founder and a mum in summer is not for the faint-hearted.

So how do we balance it all – without the mum guilts sneaking in?

Here’s what I’ve been gently reminding myself of lately, and I hope it helps you too:

🌿 1. Balance isn’t daily – it’s seasonal

Some weeks I’m deep in business mode, inspired and productive. Others, I’m more present as a mum, soaking up those in-between teenage moments (when they let me). I try to zoom out and trust the rhythm of the season. It’s not about getting it all perfect every day.

“Balance isn’t about doing everything – it’s about knowing what matters most that day (and sometimes that’s ice cream).”

📆 2. Plan lightly, live loosely

I still like a plan – let’s not pretend otherwise – but summer demands flexibility. I give myself 2–3 business tasks a day max. The rest is bonus. That way, if I’m needed on taxi duty or we fancy a spontaneous picnic, I’m not spiralling into guilt or overwhelm.

🎨 3. Involve your kids in your world

Sometimes I bring my son into what I’m working on – asking his thoughts on colours, layouts, or if my post sounds like me. Teenagers have opinions, and occasionally they’re even helpful! It makes me feel like we’re part of something together, not just passing each other in the hallway.

🕯 4. Carve out sacred time

I’ve learned to protect pockets of time – early mornings before the house stirs, or an hour in the afternoon just for me. Whether it’s journaling, designing, or simply a hot cup of tea without interruption – those quiet moments keep me grounded.

🫖 5. Let go of the ‘shoulds’

I should be more present. I should post more. I should be making the most of this time. Ugh, the noise! I’m practising turning down the volume and tuning into what actually feels right each day. Because guilt has no business being the soundtrack to our summer.

🌻 Final thoughts…

If you’re in the messy middle right now – juggling work calls with snack requests, trying to show up for your business while being present at home – I see you.

You’re not failing. You’re not behind. You’re human.

And this season? It’s not about doing it all – it’s about doing what matters, with love, laughter, and the odd bribe involving an ice cream.

Enjoy the summer and your children as before you know it they are all grown up!