The Toddler Stage of Business & Motherhood
When you’re a mom in the toddler stage, life often feels like a whirlwind. Add running a business to the mix, and it’s a unique season filled with challenges, growth, and a whole lot of messy yet rewarding moments. In this post, we’re diving into what it’s like to manage a business during the toddler stage, how your priorities shift, and why finding the right support is crucial. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re deep into your entrepreneurial journey, this post is for you.
Why the Toddler Stage Is a Game-Changer for Mompreneurs
Let’s be honest: the toddler stage is no joke. Toddlers are adorable, demanding, and constantly on the move. They require your attention in ways that are entirely different from older children, and balancing their needs with your business can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: the toddler stage can also be a time of incredible growth for you and your business. Why? Because these years force you to get crystal clear on what matters most. Whether it’s finding flexible work arrangements, redefining your goals, or simply learning to thrive in 10- to 30-minute increments, this season is all about adaptability and creativity.
Lessons Learned: Dana and Krista Share Their Journeys
Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom, started her business while pregnant with her first child. Over the past decade, she’s experienced everything from startup chaos to discovering the beauty of co-parenting after divorce. For Dana, starting Boss Mom wasn’t just about creating a business; it was about rediscovering her identity and proving to herself that she could make an impact while raising her kids.
Krista Lockwood, founder of Motherhood Simplified, shares a similar story. She started her business when she had a toddler and a six-month-old, needing something that fueled her creativity and allowed her to be present for her kids. Before Motherhood Simplified, Krista opened a private Montessori school in Alaska—a decision born from her desire to use her teaching skills in a way that worked for her family.
Both Dana and Krista emphasize that the toddler stage is a time of exploration—not just for your kids but for you as a mom and entrepreneur. You’re figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your time and energy.
Finding Your Identity Amidst the Chaos
Becoming a mother is an identity shift. You’re no longer just you—you’re also someone’s mom. This change can make you question everything: your goals, your dreams, and even your capacity to contribute to the world outside of motherhood. It’s a lot to process, especially when your toddler is throwing a tantrum while you’re trying to send an important email.
Dana describes this phase as a “big walkabout to figure out who you are.” It’s messy, imperfect, and full of trial and error. You might try different business ideas, invest in things that don’t pan out, or take paths that ultimately lead you back to square one. And that’s okay. It’s all part of the process.
Krista adds that this season often involves redefining boundaries—both at home and in your business. For example, when her friend asked how she managed to keep her house clean with four kids, Krista realized she’d unintentionally created a system through decluttering. That realization led to her building Motherhood Simplified, which helps moms create peaceful, manageable homes.
Why Community Matters More Than Ever in the Toddler Stage
If there’s one universal truth about the toddler stage, it’s this: you need a supportive community. Trying to juggle motherhood and business without the right people around you is a recipe for burnout. But not just any community will do. You need one that understands your unique challenges as a mompreneur.
This is where Boss Mom Plus comes in. It’s a social networking app designed specifically for moms with businesses. With live networking events, social sessions on topics like meal planning, and access to experts in everything from therapy to life coaching, Boss Mom Plus is a game-changer. For just $8 a month or $67 a year, you get a safe space to connect with like-minded women, collaborate, and grow—both personally and professionally.
Embracing the Messy Middle
One of the biggest takeaways from the toddler stage is learning to embrace the messiness. Your house might not always be clean. Your business might not always run smoothly. And that’s okay. There’s value in the chaos because it’s where growth happens.
Krista shares that during the early stages of Motherhood Simplified, she tried various things—from starting a parenting blog to experimenting with Periscope—before finding her groove. Dana echoes this sentiment, saying that everything starts as a first draft. You’re not going to nail it all on day one, and that’s perfectly normal.
Practical Tips for Mompreneurs in the Toddler Stage
If you’re in the toddler stage and trying to grow a business, here are some tips to help you thrive:
- Work in Small Increments: Accept that your life is going to happen in 10- to 30-minute blocks. Plan your tasks accordingly.
- Set Boundaries: Create clear boundaries between work and family time, even if they’re flexible.
- Find Your Community: Join groups like Boss Mom Plus to connect with moms who get it.
- Simplify Your Home: Decluttering can free up mental and physical space, making it easier to focus on what matters.
- Give Yourself Grace: You’re not going to get everything right, and that’s okay. Messiness is part of the journey.
Your Next Steps
Whether you’re just starting your business or navigating new challenges, know that you’re not alone. Surround yourself with people who understand your journey, and don’t be afraid to let things get a little messy. The toddler years might be chaotic, but they’re also filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and redefine what success looks like for you.
Ready to take the next step? Check out Boss Mom Plus to find your community and get the support you need. Because you deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued—as a mom, a business owner, and most importantly, as you.
January 30, 2025
