They caught me red-handed

Working in my pyjamas at 2pm while my kids took all the sofa cushions to build a den.

My youngest looked at me and said, "Mummy, why are you always on that laptop?"

Ouch.

Summer holidays used to make me want to hide under my duvet.

Everyone else seemed to have it figured out. Perfect picnics. Day trips to the seaside. Instagram-worthy family moments.

Meanwhile, I'm taking calls while they play yet another Roblox marathon and checking emails during snack time.

The mum guilt was real.

I have three kids and I'm married to a teacher (no holiday club logistics when Daddy's available - result!). But for years, I had serious FOMO watching them have all the fun while I was hustling.

They'd be splashing in paddling pools. I'd be refreshing my inbox.

They'd be making memories. I'd be making excuses.

Then I started to get better at planning ahead

A bit less work during the holidays. More flexibility for those last-minute "it's warm and sunny, let's go to the beach" moments.

I still work during holidays, but not ALL the time. I discovered the secret (for me anyway) is trying less for perfection and taking the pressure off.

Show up for my clients when they need me. But leave the stretching targets for term time when the kids are busy anyway.

We're rewriting the rulebook

Showing the next generation that work doesn't have to mean 9-5 in an office. That mums can be spontaneous... some of the time... and still run successful businesses.

Some of my favourite summer moments happen because I work for myself:

→ Beach trips on a Tuesday morning (because I moved my calls).

→ Popping to the allotment to pick sweet peas and harvest fresh salad ingredients for lunch.

→ Proper holidays without negotiating with colleagues because we're not all allowed to be off at the same time.

The secret? Stop apologising for working.

Your business isn't competing with your family. It's supporting them. 🙌🏻

And your kids? They're learning that women can build empires from their kitchen tables. 💪🏻

This week's challenge:

Celebrate one moment your business gave you flexibility. Maybe you worked in the garden. Maybe you finished early for an adventure.

Stop feeling guilty. Start feeling proud.

The Coaching Business Blueprint mastermind is designed for real life - complete with Minecraft debates, snack demands, and working in pyjamas. Because the best businesses work around your actual life, not some fantasy version.

Join the mastermind here

Talk soon,

Lucy 💌

P.S. Writing this while someone's asking for their fourth snack today. And yes, I'm still in pyjamas. Living the dream! 😆