Chapter 1
Redefining Motherhood: The Power of Skills Beyond Caregiving
Have you ever stood at the school gates, surrounded by talented women who've set aside careers for caregiving, and wondered why this wealth of skill and experience remains untapped? Louise Webster did. After selling her PR agency and moving out of the city following the birth of her first child, she found herself at a crossroads familiar to many mothers. The exhaustion of early parenthood had given way to a desire to reconnect with her professional identity-but on new terms that honored her role as a mother. This realization sparked the creation of beyondtheschoolrun.com, a platform that has since gained recognition from major media outlets and even earned Webster an invitation to 10 Downing Street. Her book offers a revolutionary perspective: motherhood isn't a career interruption but an opportunity for reinvention. As the winner of "Britain's Top Real Role Model 2014," Webster has tapped into something powerful-the untold potential of mothers working within the hours available to them, creating what she calls "a new way" that benefits themselves, their families, and society.
Chapter 2
The Awakening: Reconnecting with Your Mind
The journey beyond pure caregiving begins with reconnecting to your mind-that powerful instrument that may have been focused primarily on children's needs for months or years. This mental reawakening isn't about abandoning motherhood but adding another dimension to it.
Children themselves can be our greatest teachers in this process. While we think we're raising them, they're actually raising us into the parents they need us to be. As Dr. Shefali Tsabary notes, "our children hold the power to raise us." Though it may seem they're hindering our progress, they're actually freeing us from limiting patterns and routines. They reconnect us with flexibility, community, and the understanding that perfection is an illusion.
The mental fog that descends during intensive caregiving years isn't permanent. I remember the first time I deliberately engaged my brain again after years of focusing on children's needs-watching TED talks on topics outside my daily life, reading articles about women and work. This mental stimulation needed to happen early in the day, just as morning exercise fires up metabolism. Ken Robinson's talk on rediscovering natural skills and Steve Jobs' message about following your heart proved particularly transformative.
The media we consume shapes our perception of ourselves as mothers. I grew increasingly concerned about disempowering content suggesting motherhood meant losing individual identity. In precious moments when not focused on childcare, I craved positivity and inspiration. I became selective about information intake-turning off negative news and seeking content that would strengthen my mind. The film "Miss Representation" revealed how cultural stereotyping had infiltrated my subconscious. I experienced this firsthand when men assumed I was shopping rather than heading to meet the Prime Minister's advisor.
Motherhood provides a unique opportunity to rediscover natural abilities that may have been lost along the way. The intense caregiving period forces us out of established patterns, creating space to reassess what truly brings fulfillment. This transition often leads to discovering work that feels authentic and purposeful, even if the path isn't immediately clear. When we connect with our natural talents, the divide between work and self dissolves-it becomes part of who we are. What initially seems like a loss of self through motherhood can actually be a rediscovery of our true potential.
Chapter 3
Building Meaningful Connections
Despite constant companionship during early parenthood, many mothers experience profound isolation. The key is creating meaningful connections that energize rather than drain you, even with limited and unpredictable windows of time. Starting each day by connecting with yourself allows connections with others to happen more naturally.
The sense of isolation in motherhood stems not from being alone but from losing connection with your authentic self. By reconnecting with yourself, you unlock values that may have been tucked away. Dreams and personal purpose become incredibly important-they guide us, set us free, fill us with joy, and connect us to others. Finding your authentic voice means speaking from a place aligned with your core values without compromise.
Don't underestimate the potential of the school gates community. By shifting conversations beyond children to work and interests, you can uncover valuable expertise and connections. I discovered this when speaking with Rob, a web usability specialist who provided invaluable guidance for my website relaunch. The simple question "What did you do before having children?" can unlock hidden talents and create powerful connections. As I wrote in The Guardian, this question is rarely asked, yet it could lead to new business partnerships, mentoring opportunities, and innovative solutions.
Whether currently working or coming from full-time caregiving, start by exploring what's right for you. Determine your true work identity-entrepreneur, organization employee, freelancer-and embrace it rather than resist it. Making connections is like joining dots, but be selective about networking events. Sometimes just a brief outing can be invigorating and reconnect you with forgotten parts of yourself. Not everyone will understand your vision, so focus on those who do.
Social media has been transformative for many mothers despite initial technological hesitation. The digital world isn't beyond your reach-it's actually designed for mothers who need flexibility. Fiona Flintham, online marketing strategist, recommends finding your tribe in Facebook communities, getting support by actively participating in groups, learning what content engages people, starting with just one platform, and mastering it through online courses. Each platform offers unique value-Twitter helps establish your voice, Facebook connects you with community, and Instagram allows you to find your "tribe" of like-minded individuals.
Finding space to re-skill doesn't require significant time or money-you can skill yourself at no cost during available hours. I trained myself daily through online resources like MarieForleo.com. Volunteering is another powerful way to gain skills-not just with charities, but by sharing your work for free. When starting BeyondTheSchoolRun, I spoke at events and wrote blogs, discovering talents I never knew I had. My monthly newsletter eventually provided the framework for this book. Volunteering helps reconnect with yourself, the workplace, and your talents.
Chapter 4
Reimagining Work on Your Terms
We're creating an entirely new approach to work that moves beyond the traditional all-or-nothing, five-day workweek model. This requires developing productive yet flexible routines and nurturing workspaces that support our dual roles as parents and professionals.
Finding the right form of flexible work requires exploration-whether that's a corporate role, freelancing, or entrepreneurship. I resisted starting another business until realizing it was the only way to address the social issue I cared about. At the Silicon Valley Comes to UK Summit, I felt a moment of clarity among kindred spirits despite being the smallest business there. No one gives you an entrepreneur "badge"-you discover it within yourself. I'm establishing what it means to grow a business in an authentically female way, led by purpose, passion and compassion rather than the all-or-nothing approach I initially feared.
Beyond entrepreneurship, multiple paths to flexible work exist. Freelancing and social selling offer structure with flexibility. Elizabeth Mary Hancock advises first deciding whether you want a flexible job or your own business. Nancy Cruickshank of Myshowcase.com emphasizes that women value community, training, recognition, and collaboration beyond just earning money. Social selling can be empowering for mothers creating businesses around school hours, especially when focused on products they genuinely believe in.
Transitioning to a new way of working challenges deeply ingrained patterns. Though initially inspired, it's easy to be pulled back to familiar paths when hours versus salary don't immediately add up. We've been programmed from youth about what work and success should look like. I kept thinking productivity required a London office until realizing travel time was inefficient-I simply needed my brain and computer. The more you remove barriers and simplify your life, the more you can focus on what truly makes you happy.
Discovering your authentic path takes time-it's a process requiring adjustment from you and those around you. Many mothers transition to entirely new fields, like former lawyers becoming life coaches, finding work that feels more natural while raising a family. Your pre-kids skills often prove invaluable in new ventures. Fiona Clark, founder of Inspired Mums, shares her journey from an unfulfilling sales career to coaching. Her key lessons: don't let others talk you out of good ideas before you've explored them, stay resilient despite setbacks, and remain creative about finding solutions like flexible childcare.
Where you work profoundly impacts your productivity and well-being. I've worked everywhere from friends' London offices to hotel lobbies where my daughter could nap nearby. Eventually, I created a dedicated home workspace that reflected me perfectly, containing only work-related and personal growth materials. This home office provided the ultimate flexibility, especially during school holidays. Understanding your ideal work environment-whether quiet solitude or energizing company-helps you structure your day and decline opportunities that don't serve your working style.
Limited time and childcare constraints taught me to be highly selective about meetings-a valuable skill that helps focus on truly important connections. I learned that most business can be conducted via phone calls, reserving face-to-face meetings only for situations that genuinely require physical presence. For efficiency, I've used creative approaches like hosting breakfast gatherings where I can meet multiple contacts simultaneously. Being prepared is essential-I learned to keep a dedicated work bag with pens, notebook and business cards ready for meetings to ease the transition from caregiving mode.
Chapter 5
Finding Your Flow: Creating Sustainable Rhythms
Finding and maintaining your flow is essential for sustained energy, focus, and productivity. Flow is that state of complete immersion in work where you lose track of time and everything else fades away. It creates a meditative state where work becomes effortless rather than forced. While achieving flow requires daily practice and faces unique challenges for mothers, it's invaluable for working effectively in short time periods.
Establishing a flexible routine is crucial when balancing caregiving and work. As children transition from nursery to school, your available work hours will change, requiring adaptability. When my children started school, I created a structured routine working from my home office during school hours. However, your work must accommodate school holidays, using them as natural breaks from routine. Children teach us that change is constant-they experience new teachers, schools, and skills regularly.
Weekends often became exhausting rather than rejuvenating when I didn't properly distinguish them from weekdays. Creating a clear separation is vital-ensure you're truly working during the week rather than socializing or shopping during work hours. This discipline creates a genuine sense of accomplishment and makes weekends feel like a deserved reward. Use Sundays strategically to prepare for the week ahead-organizing the house, doing laundry, and setting up for Monday.
Mondays set the framework and intention for your entire week. After a weekend with family, it's challenging to reconnect with your work self, but staying committed to focused work on Mondays reshapes the entire week. When inspiration is lacking, seek external motivation through vlogs from figures like Marie Forleo or Gabrielle Bernstein. Better yet, create your own inspiration-I launched Monday morning video vlogs on beyondtheschoolrun.com, giving myself a consistent Monday task.
School holidays require careful preparation to maintain flow between caregiving and work. Learn from each holiday to improve your approach for the next one. Preparation is key-arrange playdates, discuss meal planning with your partner, and secure necessary support in advance. Maintain your personal routine elements as much as possible, including exercise, healthy eating, and mental engagement. The change in structure during holidays can actually benefit your work by allowing focus on different aspects.
September represents a natural fresh start, functioning as the real "New Year" for parents. As children begin new school years, it's an ideal time to set intentions, create plans, and embrace growth opportunities. Use the summer holiday space to prepare for these transitions. Though change can feel daunting after establishing comfortable routines, small adjustments can make significant differences.
Finding your flow isn't about racing to a destination but establishing a sustainable pace for long-term success. This approach recognizes the dual importance of caregiving and professional development throughout your lifetime. By creating a balanced pattern of working and caregiving, you develop an ebb and flow that maintains engagement and wellness without requiring retirement from a life you love.
Chapter 6
The Money Mindset: Reclaiming Financial Identity
Our relationship with money profoundly connects to our sense of self-worth, particularly after periods focused on caregiving. The independence money provides isn't about amounts but about making autonomous choices. For mothers, regaining financial independence represents reclaiming part of themselves that can feel lost when relying on a partner's income.
Society's undervaluation of caregiving work can damage self-worth when half your working day goes unrecognized financially. While we need societal change to properly value caregiving alongside breadwinning, reconnecting with earning-even within school hours-can be transformative. Women need to reclaim their place in money conversations, becoming informed and engaged with financial matters regardless of their working arrangements.
Reconnecting with money requires actively earning it again. Creating a long-term financial vision provides focus while navigating the present reality. Having less personal money can teach valuable lessons about needs versus wants, while maintaining aspirations for future abundance. Remaining open to unexpected financial opportunities-like competitions or grants-can provide breakthrough moments. Financial independence stems from taking charge of your money matters, understanding them thoroughly, and teaching the same principles to your children regardless of gender.
Chapter 7
Nurturing Vitality: The Foundation of Everything
Well-being is like wealth-the more you invest and understand it, the more returns you receive. During the exhausting early years of parenting, focusing on our health is crucial. As mothers, we tend to just keep going, but prioritizing well-being is essential. Our greatest journey involves understanding our individual bodies, taking full responsibility for them, and listening to their warning signs.
My first step toward better vitality was consulting nutritionist Amelia Freer to understand my inconsistent energy levels and ensure I wasn't passing unhealthy eating habits to my daughter. This consultation proved life-changing. I discovered I had food intolerances draining my energy, relied heavily on sugar despite considering myself a healthy eater, had problematic patterns like skipping meals, and was severely dehydrated. Each person's nutritional needs differ, and addressing these issues requires a gradual, step-by-step approach beginning with commitment to exploration.
I share my fitness journey because we often only see people who are already connected with exercise, not what it takes to get there. My disconnect with fitness began early when childhood asthma diagnosis led to avoiding outdoor activities. After having my daughter, I reluctantly joined a small mothers' exercise group. Initially, it felt extremely difficult as I wasn't accustomed to focusing on my body, but I gradually built strength by returning week after week. Exercise builds like skills do-the post-workout feeling resembles the empowerment of using my abilities. Rather than focusing on appearance or "bikini bodies" promoted by media, I exercise to feel strong and empowered, creating a body that supports my work.
Early in my parenting journey, I realized well-being was integral to my life-there was no calling in sick or having someone cover for me. With my energy often depleting before day's end, I explored what drained me and how to access more natural energy. In today's society, we value time and money over energy output, yet energy is an incredibly important currency-with it, you can accomplish anything. Many aspects of female health that affect energy are overlooked, including iron levels, adrenal health, and nutrition.
I've come to recognize the significance of how others' energy can either increase or drain our own. When raising children, you need every ounce of energy, making it essential to notice how you feel after spending time with different people. Monitor whether someone lifts and inspires you or leaves you feeling tired. Having to adapt yourself around certain people will drain your energy. One friendship that allows you to truly be yourself becomes the blueprint for all other connections.
Nature is an incredible force for boosting energy and mood. Even though it seems simple, spending time outside can be strengthening and supportive. Embrace the flexibility of your work and take moments to feel energized by the outdoors. I'm always amazed by how it makes me feel-energized, relaxed, and most importantly, available to everyone.
I felt like I went from my midthirties to my midforties in a flash while raising children. It's easy to develop a negative mindset around aging when society views it negatively, but I've focused on reshaping this perspective. Instead of seeing it as negative, I concentrate on the positivity of my journey, the excitement of moving forward, and reconnecting with myself. Once we connect with ourselves again, age no longer has a negative meaning-it's purely a length of time spent increasing wisdom.
Chapter 8
Creating Your Village: Support Systems That Work
I read Hillary Clinton's "It Takes a Village," which changed my perspective on support. We're meant to have the village-aunts, uncles, extended family-available to us. With many of us working in new ways, the systems aren't quite in place yet. What matters is that you keep searching for the support you need, recognizing that needs change as your child grows. A big step for me was recognizing I couldn't do it alone and needed support-not just with childcare but with housework, personal growth, and connecting with collective wisdom.
Finding childcare that allows flexible work is challenging. Until better systems exist, we must create our own solutions focused on what's right for our families. Creating a group of parents whose children are friends with yours can be invaluable. You can support one another and create additional windows of time for work as children play at each other's homes. This isn't based on money exchange but on equal sharing, caring, and trust.
As your work evolves, so must your support system. I needed flexible childcare but only found full-time nannies or nurseries. Think differently-I found a nanny who had hours available while her primary charges were in school. Au pairs have provided amazing support through exchange of home for house help. Consider local parents with older children who might babysit, or retired community members who enjoy being with children. Don't forget to review other areas like housework that might benefit from outsourcing, allowing you to focus solely on work during your available hours.
When you're the main caregiver, it can be difficult to allow space for your husband to parent. I found myself making my husband feel uncomfortable about taking charge, similar to walking into his workplace without instruction. Creating balance between parents takes time but benefits everyone. Opening a window for fathers to be involved strengthens their connection with the children while giving mothers space to explore opportunities.
Just as we need support at home, we need the right support with our work-whether it's wisdom, recognition, conversations with people who understand our projects, or offered assistance. Many mothers transition between professions, and connecting with the right people becomes crucial. When I started BeyondTheSchoolRun, I felt isolated until I connected with others working toward similar goals of empowering women. Together we could contribute and collaborate, each with our individual approach.
We need collective wisdom, but mentorship doesn't have to come from a single person. I initially thought I needed one mentor, but discovered that guidance comes from a collective group. Support appears in many forms when you're open to it and honest about your needs. No one person can mentor you to create your dreams, but individuals can help you find inner wisdom and build confidence. When others believe in you-even just one or two people-you can climb mountains.
Chapter 9
The Journey Inward: Self-Care and Personal Growth
Self-care and growth are crucial to our journey, closely linked to our work, lives, and happiness. When I grow, my perspective changes, and my whole world transforms. Creating new patterns means making lifelong changes, shifting old behaviors that no longer serve us, and moving toward our greatest self.
The BeyondTheSchoolRun journey requires bravery-taking challenging steps, following your own path, looking within. When we stop challenging ourselves, we age and get stuck. Being brave takes courage but should still feel right and authentic. I've found that each brave step-whether writing for The Guardian or visiting 10 Downing Street-felt completely right despite my nerves. Unlike those who feel like "imposters," working in this new way-unlocking your skills and following your passion-feels genuine. Every small step leads to bigger ones, from writing newsletters to publishing articles to writing this book.
Friendships often change after having children, with less time and energy available for nurturing relationships. This transition can lead to recognizing which connections truly nurture you. The starting point is becoming a best friend to yourself-speaking kindly and enjoying your own company. Find ways for friendships to work in your new reality-embrace walks in the park and early mornings rather than late nights. When you become a parent, there's no extra energy for pretending-this authenticity naturally connects you with people who will empower you.
With so much attention on children, home, and work, it's easy to neglect our appearance. Yet I believe we each have a natural style that, once unlocked, stays with us forever. After one day feeling particularly disconnected from myself at the playground, I promised to take daily moments to feel my best. Creating a "daily uniform" eliminates decision fatigue and helps you feel empowered for both work and childcare. With limited time, money, and energy, simplifying our approach to style helps us block out noise and marketing messages.
Parenthood presents a unique opportunity to release emotions from the past that may be keeping you stuck. As you experience childhood again through your children, buried feelings can resurface. Dr. Yehudi Gordon explains that early life experiences before age three drive our behavior, with negative experiences stored as rage in the body. When your emotional reactions seem disproportionate to current situations, they're likely historic. Releasing these old emotions makes you lighter, freer, and clearer about who you are.
Your family environment directly impacts your work capacity and creativity. When home life is peaceful, you can maintain flow; when it's disrupted, the emotional drain is significant. Taking responsibility for your personal growth creates greater peace for everyone. Rather than confronting others during tense moments, look inward first-your reactions may stem from childhood patterns or self-directed anger projected onto others.
Focusing on gratitude was a defining moment in my journey. It shifts your mentality from "Why don't I have that?" to "Life is good" and "This is where I'm meant to be." This peaceful mindset leads to taking the right steps forward. After years of birthday disappointments from expecting gifts, I reshaped my thinking to focus on what I already had-writing gratitude lists and displaying "thank you" reminders. Gratitude requires conscious practice in our consumer-focused society, but it stops the harmful habit of comparing yourself to others.
Chapter 10
Rhythms of Renewal: Rest, Reflection, and Moving Forward
This journey requires regular periods of disconnecting, reviewing, and resting after establishing your new way of living. Taking time to rest isn't losing momentum but rather restoring yourself to come back stronger and clearer.
While appreciating the benefits of the digital age, disconnecting from phones and computers creates vital space for thought and self-discovery. I've practiced disconnecting on Sundays and holidays, finding it difficult at first but ultimately returning with renewed energy and focus. Making authentic connections throughout the day reduces the need to search for connection online.
Decluttering has been transformative in my journey, clearing both physical space and mental fog. It's created room for new possibilities and made transitions between caregiving and work smoother. I've become more selective about purchases, buying only what I truly love. Decluttering creates a sense of achievement even on days when you're not focused specifically on work. Beyond physical spaces, decluttering your life-examining what works, what doesn't, and who you spend time with-helps life flow more easily.
Recognizing when your body needs rest is crucial. This isn't a step backward but consolidation preparing you for your next growth stage. It's challenging to recognize when to rest when you're building momentum, but your body will keep reminding you. Sometimes playing with your children rather than pushing through work is exactly what's needed.
Without traditional work structures, it's important to acknowledge each step taken. Look at all areas you've developed-not just work but health too. Recognize your investment in well-being ("well-th"). I find myself stronger, happier, more peaceful, less cluttered, more focused, clearer about my skills, and more connected to my authentic self. This awareness drives me when motivation is lacking.
Maintaining motivation can be challenging when working alone, especially during colder months with less interaction. Like exercise, some days starting feels impossible, but persisting brings energy and achievement. Stay focused even when those around you are distracted by festivities-complete current tasks rather than postponing until the new year. When motivation flags, seek inspiration from role models, listen to motivational content, or connect with supportive organizations.
When managing your own time, it's easy to leave jobs unfinished. I love creating ideas but must remind myself to complete one thing before starting another. Don't neglect admin-once organized, it helps tremendously. School holidays often provide good windows for these tasks. There's immense power in truly finishing one thing before immersing yourself in the next.
Though planning doesn't come naturally to me, I've discovered its power. At the beginning of school and calendar years, setting intentions is crucial. Flow and planning actually complement each other-you need to truly feel and see what you're creating to take steps toward your vision. Dream big, stay focused, and believe in your power.
This journey has been about reconnecting with our truest selves. The more I wrote this book, the more I realized it's about finding ways to access our authentic nature with ease. By discovering what nourishes us-the right food, environments, people, and values-we create firm foundations from which to grow. Parenting, while the hardest job on the planet, forces us to eliminate what doesn't serve us, creating space for what we truly need.
