How Extracurricular Activities Can Help High-Achieving Moms Find More Balance

As a busy mom and entrepreneur, I’ve often debated whether enrolling my kids in extracurricular activities was the right move. The extra time commitment? The added cost? The logistical juggling? It all seemed like more stress than it was worth.

But as I’ve grown in my journey of balancing motherhood, self-care, and running a powerhouse brand, I’ve realized something important—extracurriculars aren’t just another task to manage. They’re actually a powerful tool for creating structure, increasing productivity, and enhancing my family’s overall well-being.

If you’re a high-achieving mom wondering if extracurriculars are worth the investment, let me share how they can actually help you find more balance while supporting your child’s growth.

One of the biggest challenges as a mom, entrepreneur, or professional is time management. Between running a business, taking care of a household, and prioritizing self-care, it can feel impossible to fit in one more thing. But here’s the surprising truth—adding structured activities for your kids can actually create more stability in your day.

Kids thrive on routine, and so do we! Extracurricular activities provide a set schedule, which makes it easier to plan your own day around them. Instead of scrambling to fit in work or self-care whenever you can, you’ll have built-in time blocks to be productive.

For example:

• If your child has soccer practice from 4-6 PM twice a week, that’s two dedicated hours you can use for deep work, client calls, or even a workout.
• Music lessons, gymnastics, or art classes provide similar structured time for you to handle business or personal goals without interruption.

Instead of just waiting around during practices or rehearsals, maximize those hours. Here are some ways you can be productive while your child is engaged:

• Emails & Client Work – Catch up on work tasks that don’t require deep focus.
• Content Creation – Use this time to write social media captions, brainstorm ideas, or edit videos.
• Networking & Learning – Listen to podcasts, read industry articles, or engage in online communities.
• Self-Care – Take a walk, meditate, or even read a book while waiting.

The key is to shift your perspective—these aren’t just extra hours to manage, they’re dedicated time that can actually work in your favor.

A common concern for high-achieving moms is whether they’re spending enough time with their kids. We often feel guilty when we’re busy building our careers, running businesses, or simply taking time for ourselves. But extracurricular activities can actually strengthen your relationship with your child rather than take away from it.

When kids participate in structured activities, they learn valuable life skills like discipline, commitment, and time management—without needing constant supervision. This helps them grow into self-sufficient individuals while reducing the mental load on you as a mom.

For example:

• They’ll learn to pack their own gear for sports or dance classes.
• They’ll become more accountable for being on time and following instructions.
• They’ll develop confidence by working towards goals and improving their skills.

This small shift in responsibility teaches kids how to manage their own commitments, setting them up for future success while giving you a break from doing everything for them.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking quantity matters more than quality when it comes to family time. But structured extracurriculars can actually help make the time you do spend together more meaningful.

Instead of passively being around each other all day, you can:

• Cheer them on at their games or performances, showing them you support their passions.
• Use car rides to and from activities for meaningful conversations about their day.
• Create shared traditions around their activities, like celebrating small wins or discussing lessons learned.

The key is to be present when you’re together rather than feeling like you’re constantly pulled in different directions.

Unlike traditional pumps that require you to be plugged into a wall, the J35 allows you to pump discreetly—anytime, anywhere . Whether you’re:

• Sitting at your child’s dance class
• Watching a soccer game from the sidelines
• Running errands between drop-offs

You can pump without pause , ensuring your baby still gets the nourishment they need while you continue managing your life.

For too long, breastfeeding has been seen as something that limits a mom’s mobility. But with wearable pumps, you don’t have to choose between feeding your baby and showing up for yourself. You can:

• Attend networking events without worrying about finding an outlet.
• Travel more easily without carrying bulky pump equipment.
• Be fully present for your child’s activities without missing a pumping session.

Wearable pumps give moms the freedom to do both —be hands-on with their babies while still pursuing their goals.

Wearing activewear to extracurricular activities can be a game-changer for busy moms who want to prioritize their fitness while managing a packed schedule as well. Here's How:

1. Makes Movement More Accessible. When you’re already dressed in comfortable, functional activewear, you’re more likely to take advantage of small pockets of time to move your body. Whether it’s walking laps around the soccer field, stretching during gymnastics practice, or doing bodyweight exercises while waiting for dance class to end, wearing the right clothing removes the barrier of needing to change before getting active.

2. Encourages an active mindset. What we wear impacts how we feel and behave. Throwing on activewear signals to your brain that movement is part of your day, making it easier to follow through on healthy habits—whether that’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator or squeezing in a quick workout before pickup.

3. Increases Comfort & Convenience. Activewear is designed for flexibility and breathability, making it perfect for multitasking moms who are constantly on the move. From running errands between activities to playing with your kids after practice, you’ll feel comfortable and ready for anything without restrictive clothing holding you back.

4. Sets a Positive Example For Your Kids. When your kids see you valuing movement and wearing clothing that supports an active lifestyle, it reinforces the importance of staying healthy and taking care of your body . It’s a subtle but powerful way to show them that fitness isn’t a chore—it’s a lifestyle.

5. Saves Time & Helps You Stay Consistent. If finding time to work out feels impossible, wearing activewear can help eliminate excuses. You’ll be ready to jump into a quick 10-minute workout , a jog around the track, or even a yoga session at home without the extra step of changing clothes.

Mom Hack: Start wearing activewear to your child’s extracurriculars and use that time to sneak in movement! Your health is just as important as theirs.

If you’re looking for comfortable, supportive, and stylish activewear designed for moms, check out Muscle Up Mommy’s activewear collection —perfect for movement on the go! 

At first, I hesitated about adding extracurriculars to our already full plate. But once I reframed them as a tool for structure, productivity, and balance , everything changed.

Instead of:
Seeing them as an extra burden → I saw them as dedicated work blocks
Feeling guilty about less time together → I prioritized quality over quantity
Worrying about managing it all → I let my kids take on more responsibility

And for my fellow breastfeeding moms, wearable pumps like the Muscle Up Mommy J35 make it even easier to embrace this balance without compromise.

So if you’ve been debating extracurriculars for your kids—or even just struggling to juggle it all—know this: you’re not alone, and you can make it work.

What’s been your experience with balancing kids' activities, work, and self-care? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!