Mom Life in the Sunshine State: Balancing Work, Kids, and Self-Care

Being a mom is a full-time job, and when you add a career into the mix, life can feel like a never-ending juggling act. Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and after-school activities, finding balance can seem impossible. But for moms in Fort Myers, there are plenty of ways to embrace the chaos while still making time for what matters most—our families and ourselves.

1. Get Organized: Your Calendar is Your Best Friend

Between work meetings, soccer practice, and grocery shopping, keeping track of everything is crucial. A few ways to stay on top of your schedule include:

• Using a digital planner like Google Calendar to set reminders for important events.
• Meal planning to cut down on the daily “What’s for dinner?” debate.
• Setting a weekly family meeting to go over schedules and responsibilities.

2. Make Quality Time Count

It’s easy to feel guilty about not spending enough time with your kids, but what truly matters is making the time you do have meaningful. Some simple ways to connect include:

• Morning car ride chats – Use school drop-offs to ask about their day ahead.
• Family dinner unplugged – No phones, just real conversations.
• Saturday adventures – Explore local parks, go to the beach, or visit a new coffee shop together.

3. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Necessary

Taking care of yourself helps you be a better mom, wife, and employee. Here are a few simple ways to recharge:

• Exercise outdoors – A morning walk or beach run can boost your mood.
• Find a mom’s group – Connect with other local moms for coffee dates or Bible studies.
• Schedule “me time” – Whether it’s reading, a pedicure, or a solo Target run, carve out time for yourself.

4. Take Advantage of Local Resources

Fort Myers is full of family-friendly activities and services that make mom life easier. Some local favorites include:

• Playgrounds & Parks: Lakes Regional Park and Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.
• Drop-in Childcare: Some gyms and churches offer parents' night out programs.
• Mommy & Me Classes: Check out local libraries, The Alliance for the Arts, or The IMAG History & Science Center.

5. Give Yourself Grace

Not every day will be perfectly balanced, and that’s okay. Some days, the laundry will pile up, the kids will have cereal for dinner, and you’ll go to bed exhausted. But in the end, your kids won’t remember the chaos—they’ll remember the love.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28