If you’ve read the first post in this series, you know how powerful Deep Work can be for letting go of hustle culture. But as a mom, you might be wondering: How do I find time for deep work amidst everything else? I get it. I work remotely while my daughter is in preschool, and it can be challenging to fit everything in. I’ve found a few ways to carve out focused time —even if it’s in short blocks—and create smoother transitions between work and family life.

In this post, I’ll share my strategies for scheduling deep work as a busy mom and protecting time for what matters most.

1. Use Preschool Hours Strategically

For me, the hours when my daughter is at preschool are golden. I treat this time as my primary window for deep work—whether it’s tackling big projects, brainstorming ideas, or preparing for deadlines.

If your child is in preschool or daycare, try to structure your schedule around these focus windows. Identify your most important tasks for the day and make them your priority during this time. Save easier, less demanding tasks for later, when distractions might be inevitable.

2. Batch Shallow Work Around Meetings

Since I work remotely, my day includes scheduled Zoom meetings. I’ve learned to batch shallow tasks like checking emails, updating files, or prepping meeting notes around those calls. This frees up uninterrupted stretches of time for deeper, more meaningful work.

If you have regular meetings or appointments, try grouping similar tasks together. For example, plan admin work or shallow tasks before or after meetings to protect focus time during quieter parts of the day.

3. Protect Transition Time After Preschool

One of the most important things I’ve learned is to protect the time between work and family life. I wrap up my workday 15 minutes before I pick up my daughter, giving myself space to shift gears. Whether it’s jotting down tomorrow’s priorities or stepping outside for fresh air, this simple ritual helps me transition into being fully present for her.

For you, creating a transition ritual—no matter how small—can make a big difference. It signals to your brain that it’s time to leave work behind and focus on connection.

What’s next?

Finding time for deep work as a mom isn’t about having hours of uninterrupted focus. It’s about making the most of the time you have, creating boundaries, and being intentional with your schedule.

In the next post, we’ll explore how to set boundaries and say no to distractions (even the ones we create for ourselves!) so we can focus on what truly matters.