For me, and most of the working moms I talk to, a normal week would be one where you work your regular schedule with few surprises, your kids go to daycare or school or are with the nanny for those same hours, and in general your plan for the week matches reality. The outcome is what you expected. A "normal week" is predictable. There are no surprises and that makes us feel in control. But what most parents learn pretty quickly (or not so quickly for some) is that those weeks, the normal ones, are few and far between.

My 1:1 coaching clients are doing big things in the world and experiencing frustration, anger, boredom, and a host of other "negative" emotions. The biggest difference? They're not expecting to be happy every day. They're navigating challenges and getting support through tough times, all while creating fulfilling careers, spending time with their kids, and prioritizing the hobbies and relationships that give them something to look forward to.

As moms, it can be hard enough to be fully present in the best of moments: listening to your child tell you a story about their day or truly getting into a game of hide and seek. So what about the hard moments? When your vacation starkly contrasts what you’d looked forward to for months or your kids fall ill, turning the house upside down?