The Chaos Hub | Unhinged Mama

Perfectly Off Balance: Thriving in the Chaos of Motherhood

Let’s talk about the thing that sneaks into your brain at 11:42 PM while you’re folding laundry you forgot in the dryer for two days: mom guilt. That quiet, nagging voice that whispers “You didn’t spend enough time with them today,” right after you finally carved out 15 minutes to work on your business or drink a hot cup of coffee alone.

Yeah. That voice.

The Myth We’re Sold

Somewhere between Pinterest-perfect playrooms and that influencer who seems to do yoga in a white living room with toddlers, we were sold a big, glittery lie: you can have it all — perfectly balanced, flawlessly styled, and emotionally present at all times.

Spoiler alert: Balance is B.S.

There’s no magical equation where you can pour 100% into your kids, 100% into your work, 100% into your marriage, and still have 100% left for yourself. (I don’t know who made up the math, but I’d like a word.)

What Balance Actually Looks Like

Some days you’ll crush it at work but serve cereal for dinner.

Some days your toddler will melt down mid-Zoom call and you’ll close your laptop early with tears in your eyes.

And some days — the glorious unicorn days — you’ll feel like you’re doing enough in every category, and that’s worth celebrating.

But balance doesn’t mean everything is equal all the time. It means knowing what needs you right now, giving it your focus, and trusting that the rest can wait.

Guilt Isn’t a Requirement of Motherhood

Here’s the truth: You are allowed to have goals. You are allowed to build a business, chase a dream, rest on the couch, or leave the dishes until tomorrow without questioning whether you’re a “good mom.”

You’re already a good mom.

Even if your kid had too much screen time.
Even if you forgot it was picture day.
Even if your big accomplishment today was just keeping everyone alive.

Let’s Ditch the Lie Together

Instead of chasing balance, chase alignment. What feels right for you? What version of motherhood feels honest — not curated, not filtered, just real?

If you’re showing up with love, humor, resilience, and the occasional deep sigh into your coffee mug, you’re doing it. You're mothering in the real world.

So let’s toss the myth of balance into the diaper genie and light a candle for every mom who’s tired of pretending it’s all easy.

We’re in this together. And we’re doing just fine — even on the cereal-for-dinner days.

girl in white and gray stripe shirt sitting on white wooden table

two smiling women sitting on rolling chair

**Work-from-Home Wardrobe: What I Actually Wear in a Day**

Let’s be honest: the perfectly polished Pinterest version of a work-from-home mom in a crisp blazer and flawless makeup doesn’t show the full truth. Most days, I’m bouncing between Zoom calls, snack duty, and trying to remember if I’ve had a hot cup of coffee or just been reheating the same one since 7:42 AM.

Here’s what my actual daily wardrobe looks like — not what the influencers pretend to wear, but the real, functional, comfortable (and still cute!) staples that keep me feeling human and halfway put together.

Morning School Drop-Off: The Uniform

Look: Oversized sweatshirt + black leggings + sneakers
Reality: I’m out the door in under 10 minutes, so this combo is my go-to. I’ll throw on a baseball cap and call it fashion.
Pro Tip: Choose neutral leggings and longline sweatshirts so you still look intentionally casual. Bonus points if your sneakers are clean.

•• Here are some of my faves!

-oversized stripe crewneck

-casual loose Henley

I swear by these Aerie Offline leggings. They come in lengths, they’re soft, have pockets, and just enough compression at the waistband to keep me looking snatched!!

Mid-Morning Zoom Calls: The “Half-Dressed” Look

Look: Button-up shirt or knit sweater (on top) + pajama shorts (below the frame)
Reality: If the camera doesn’t see it, it doesn’t matter. I keep a few "Zoom tops" ready to go right next to my laptop.
Pro Tip: Keep a light cardigan on your desk chair. Throw it over whatever you’re wearing and you’re instantly presentable.

I would recommend these super comfy PJ shorts with this sweater, or throw on a tank and keep this cardigan handy for those zoom calls!

Afternoon Coffee & Catch-Up: The Stretchy Staples

Look: Matching loungewear set or joggers + tank top + messy bun
Reality: By now, I’ve changed into something cozy but coordinated (because it weirdly motivates me). This is my peak productivity outfit.
Pro Tip: Invest in a few matching sets you actually love — they make you feel more polished without sacrificing comfort.

Try out one of these sets!

set 1 or set 2

Or try these joggers

Evening Errands or Pick-Up: The Fast Flip

Look: T-shirt dress + jean jacket + slip-on shoes
Reality: I want something I can throw on in 30 seconds that says, "I tried today." A soft T-shirt dress is basically a socially acceptable nightgown.
Pro Tip: Keep one outfit you love hanging near your front door. That “errand-ready” moment is a lifesaver.
This casual dress that’s both comfortable and on trend!
Try this tried and true Levi’s trucker jacket
Sorry, not sorry- I love my Birkenstock sandals for an easy put together look. Try these for a less pricey alternative

The Takeaway?

You don’t need a closet full of high-end blazers and stiletto heels to feel confident and capable while working from home. The key is comfort that makes you feel cute — because when you like what you're wearing (even if it's just upgraded pajamas), you show up better in all areas of your day.