What Your Kids Wish You Knew About Work-Life Balance
We often define work-life balance in terms of schedules, boundaries, and productivity. But if you asked your kids, their answers would be very different.
In a recent episode of The CPA MOMS Podcast, Nicole Kehl sat down with her two sons and their friends to talk openly about what it’s like to have a working mom. The kids’ responses were funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly insightful. They revealed something many of us overlook. Our kids are watching, and they have opinions about how we’re doing.
Here’s what they wish you knew.
Being Around Doesn’t Always Feel Like Being Present
Many of the kids talked about proximity. Some moms worked from home. Others worked at an office. But what really mattered wasn’t where they worked. It was how available they felt.
One child said he sees his mom all the time because she works from home, but he still can’t play with her because she’s always on calls. Another said she only sees her mom at night after school drop-off. The message was clear. Physical presence isn’t enough. Kids can tell when your mind is still at work, even if you’re sitting next to them.
What they really want is your attention. Not 24/7. Just those small, undivided moments when you’re all theirs.
They Understand More Than You Think
The kids in this conversation didn’t just vent. They recognized how hard their moms work. Some shared how they’ve learned to cook, do laundry, and even help organize papers. Others talked about watching their moms juggle everything from calls to client meetings to housework.
These kids weren’t clueless. They noticed the stress. They admired the hustle. Many of them said they were proud of what their moms do. Even if they don’t always say it, your example matters more than you realize.
When they see you push through hard days, take care of clients, and still make time for them, they’re learning resilience. They’re learning commitment. They’re learning what it means to show up.
They Need a Clear “Off Switch”
When asked how they know it's family time, the kids mentioned things like finishing chores, turning off the laptop, or hearing their mom say, “I’m done for the day.” Those small signals made a big impact.
Kids thrive on structure and cues. If your day has no clear end, it’s harder for them to feel connected. They might not need hours of your time, but they do need moments where they know they have your full focus.
Even something simple, like shutting your office door, putting your phone down during dinner, or announcing “work is done,” tells them you’re present now. And that matters.
They Just Want You
At the end of the conversation, the kids were asked what makes them proud of their moms. The answers weren’t about income, titles, or promotions. They were about presence.
“Being with us.”
“Playing games.”
“Giving us snuggles.”
“Helping with my homework.”
These kids don’t need you to do it all. They just want to know they matter. When they feel that, the rest fades into the background.
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to work less or parent more. But your kids do wish you knew how deeply your attention affects them. They don’t care about balance the way we define it. They care about connection.
Want support from moms who get it? Join the CPA MOMS community today at https://cpamoms.com/start.
