The Dilemma of Doing It All: Building a Business & Raising a Family.
Looking back, I can honestly say that raising my boys while building my business was one of the most challenging—and meaningful—things I’ve ever done.
These days, my sons are in the early stages of their own careers—one is finishing his apprenticeship and still lives at home, and the other is in his second year in the army. Watching them step into adulthood has me reflecting a lot on those early years, when I was juggling full-time parenting with client appointments and trying to build something that mattered—both at home and in my business.
The truth is, balancing a growing business with raising kids isn’t just about managing time—it’s about managing guilt, priorities, and the stories we tell ourselves about what a “good” parent should be. Here’s what I’ve learned about doing it all without losing yourself in the process.
Choosing to Be Present—Then and Now
When my boys were very young, I made a conscious decision to be home with them rather than working or studying. It wasn’t always easy—some days felt like Groundhog Day on repeat—but being there during those early years was something I don’t regret.
As they got older, I felt the need to do something more—something that made an impact beyond my home. I had been volunteering at my local breastfeeding support group, but it just wasn’t enough. I needed to channel my entrepreneurial spirit into something bigger. That’s how The Nurture Centre came to be.
Ironically, I built a business helping other parents navigate raising children and running households. Some days, it felt like I was never not thinking about parenting. Looking back, though, I can see that choosing to build a business wasn’t just about having a career—it was about showing my boys what it looks like to live authentically and follow your passions.
The Guilt That Comes with Growth
One of the hardest parts of building a business was dealing with the guilt—guilt for not helping out at school, for letting them have more screen time than I liked, or for resorting to takeaway dinners on busy nights.
But I’ve realised that balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making intentional choices. Sometimes, that meant prioritising a client call or attending a conference. Other times, it meant putting my laptop away and being fully present for dinner or weekend trips.
The guilt doesn’t just disappear, but I’ve learned to ask myself: Is this guilt telling me I need to change something, or is it just a sign that I care deeply about getting this right?
Sacrifices That Were Worth It
Building a business meant letting go of a lot of things—like Pinterest-worthy meals, spotless floors, and volunteering at every school event. But those trade-offs made space for things that mattered more:
Being there to listen when my boys needed to talk.
Teaching them the value of doing work that lights you up.
Showing them that it’s okay to have ambitions outside of motherhood.
I don’t regret those sacrifices. My boys saw me work hard, fail sometimes, and keep going. They learned that doing meaningful work doesn’t always look neat and tidy—and that’s okay.
Choosing to Be “Good Enough” (And Why That’s a Win)
There’s so much pressure to be the “perfect” parent—cooking organic meals, limiting screen time, and making sure everything looks just right. But I learned that striving for perfection was making me resentful and exhausted.
Choosing to be “good enough” wasn’t about settling—it was about focusing on what really mattered: connection over compliance, values over perfection. It wasn’t an easy shift to make, but it was worth it.
What I discovered is that some things just aren’t worth the stress—like keeping the house spotless or worrying about every meal being perfectly balanced. And even if I occasionally lost my patience or chose to do my work instead of playing outside with them, most of the time, I was there for the before-bed talks, the fun, and the moments that mattered most.
What I Hope My Boys Learned
If I could go back, I wouldn’t change much—except maybe to tell myself that it’s okay to pursue what matters to you without feeling like you have to apologise for it.
Watching my sons step into their own careers has been a reminder that what we model matters more than what we say. I hope they’ve learned that:
It’s okay to pursue a passion, even if it’s not the “safe” option.
Success isn’t about choosing between family and work—it’s about finding a way to integrate them.
Living authentically means sometimes disappointing people—and that’s okay.
Looking Forward—And Letting Go
These days, I find myself navigating a new kind of balance—letting go of being needed as much while staying present for the moments that still matter.
Building The Nurture Centre taught me a lot about how to balance ambition with presence—how to build a thriving business without losing sight of what really matters at home.
If you’re also trying to figure out how to do it all without losing yourself in the process, you’re not alone. Let’s talk. Whether it’s redefining balance or making intentional trade-offs, we can build a plan that works for your family.
Conclusion
Parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, living your values, and showing your kids what it looks like to build a life that feels true to who you are.
If you’re ready to move from guilt and overwhelm to clarity and confidence, book a call to talk through your next steps. Because doing it all doesn’t have to mean doing it alone.
Anne Cullen is a Family Strategist who helps mission-driven founders build thriving families without sacrificing their own wellbeing. With a focus on conscious parenting, responsive care, and breaking generational patterns, Anne blends practical strategies with values-driven insights to support parents from the very start of their journey. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her walking in nature, listening to business and wellness podcasts, or spending time with her husband and two sons.
Ready to build a family culture that feels as good as it looks? Book a call to get started.