When I became a teenager, my mom realized that she needed to be more involved and accessible for my three sisters and I, so she sold her beauty salon in a town about 20 minutes from our house and opened another right in our home. It gave her the flexibility to be able to be more of a hands-on mom She would schedule her appointments in between our school and extra-curricular activities. And the best part was that she was just a room away if my sisters and I needed her.

Not many moms in her day were able to find family and work balance. But today is a new day, and we can start a new trend.

I’m a SAHWP, taking care of my one year old daughter full-time, participating in my three elementary age children’s school activities, and managing my 8 year old twin daughters Type 1 diabetes (diagnosed November, 2011), all the while running a business from my home (I write, illustrate and publish children’s and self-help books, speak on occasion and consult). And I love every minute of it!

My life isn’t picture perfect. Many days it’s filled with unexpected events that require lots of juggling and rescheduling. But isn’t that just like a normal career executive’s life and also a SAHM’s life? From personal experience, if you want the best of both worlds, you can have it. It just takes some commitment, scheduling and discipline. It may also take hiring extra help such as a nanny or housekeeper. Below are some tips on being able to become a successful SAHWP.

1. Master time management. Here is a great resource for understanding what clock time vs. real time is- 10 Time Management Tips That Work
2. Set boundaries for work time, family time and personal time
3. Understand and accept your limitations
4. Be flexible
5. Overcome Supermom Syndrome. In the real world, a perfect working mom doesn’t exist. Allow yourself to enjoy your children’s childhood by not over scheduling their lives. Balance is key in both a SAHWP’s life and their children’s