Ever tried to answer a client email while breaking up a fight over a Lego brick? If so, you’re in good company.
Following up on our look at parental stress we noticed a common question: how do other people manage a bustling household and a growing career? To find out, we sat down with Caitlin Kersey — founder of Haus CÉ Consulting, co-owner of Gulf Coast Tree and Land, and mom to five high-energy boys (ages 4, 5, 9, 10, and 12).
Caitlin’s insights offer a masterclass in navigating entrepreneurship and family life with intention, grace, and a healthy dose of humor.
1. Redefining the Workspace: Why Working From Home Was an “Epic Fail”
Like many entrepreneurs, Caitlin initially tried the classic “work from home while watching the kids” balancing act. Her verdict: epic fail.
While working from home works wonders for some, Caitlin quickly realized that building a serious, scalable professional presence required physical boundaries. To show up fully for her clients—managing websites, advertising, Google presence, and operational systems—she needed a dedicated, quiet workspace free from domestic interruptions.
That separation did more than boost productivity, it let her step fully into “mom mode” the moment the workday ended.
2. Ditch the 50/50 Myth, Try the “Percentage Concept” Instead
The pressure to split life evenly down the middle—50% business, 50% family, 100% of the time—is a fast track to burnout.
Caitlin’s alternative: the percentage concept.
Some days call for a 90/10 focus on an urgent deadline. Other moments demand undivided attention for the family. The goal isn’t a perfect daily balance, it’s intentional scheduling. When Caitlin blocks out time for her boys, they get her full presence, not a distracted parent scrolling through email.
3. Systems That Save Your Sanity
Managing a household of seven requires structure. Caitlin shared a few everyday strategies that keep the morning and evening chaos manageable:
The Night-Before Prep: To shave down morning stress, the children select their outfits the night before.
Smart Home Boundaries: Technology can easily swallow family time, so Caitlin utilizes smart home apps to regulate screen time, cutting off access by 7:00 or 8:00 PM during the school year (and 10:00 PM in the summer).
Clear Household Rules: Non-negotiables like zero tolerance for bullying, speaking kindly, and keeping running and yelling outside help instill empathy and leadership. Teaching boys to hold doors and use polite phrases like “yes, ma’am” sets a high standard for how they show up in the community.
4. Reframing “Mom Guilt” as a Badge of Care
Most working parents know the guilt that whispers you’re not doing enough. Caitlin offers a powerful reframe: guilt isn’t proof you’re failing, it’s proof you deeply love your kids.
When the overwhelm creeps in, Caitlin recommends taking a step back to view the chaos as a blessing rather than a burden. Simple practices like taking intentional breathing exercises to regulate your nervous system and leaning on your village make all the difference. As we discussed in our exploration of toxic versus tolerable stress, a parent who regulates their own nervous system and repairs after hard moments teaches a child’s brain that relationships can always recover.
“I think mom guilt is one of the biggest things ever for moms. I mean, anytime we get onto our kids, we feel guilty. Anytime we’re away from our kids, we feel guilty… and that feeling is real, and I believe it’s real for every parent.”
5. Growing a Business Is a Lot Like Raising Kids
One of the most striking parts of our conversation: Caitlin’s comparison between building a business and raising children.
Both start with a vulnerable “startup” phase requiring round-the-clock attention. Both move through messy growth spurts (or hormonal teenage moods). And in both, you’ll feel overwhelmed and nostalgic for the simpler early days.
For Caitlin, raising five boys is also her greatest professional fuel. Building her business isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about modeling a strong work ethic so her kids grow up proud. It’s a full-circle dynamic, her dedication inspires them, and their pride fuels her drive.
Join the Conversation
Parenting and entrepreneurship are both heavy lifts, but lighter when shared.
How do you balance your professional goals with family life? Share your tips in the Build a Brain Project community and connect with other parents navigating the same beautiful chaos.
