CLAY COUNTY — When it comes to juggling life and a job, working mothers have it covered.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force participation rate for all mothers with children under age 18 was 74% in 2024.

Behind their poised professional existence is a world of early mornings, sleepless nights, homework, school projects, carpooling, grocery store runs and never-ending playful shenanigans.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, a few are reflecting on what it means to balance their flourishing careers while simultaneously raising a family at home.

Teacher Kelly Hampshire-Bivins said that as an educator at Green Cove Springs Junior High School and mom of two, days for her are hectic at times. Up and at it at around 5 a.m., she said her 18-hour days begin with quiet time, making breakfast, while getting herself and her children ready and out of the door for school.

Entering her classroom, Hampshire-Bivins then prepares for a day full of meaningful curriculum for her students and heads to the gym as a coach for the school's girls basketball team.

Football practice, basketball games, club meetings, banquets, you name it. Hampshire-Bivins said a range of extracurricular activities riddle the day. And before she knows it, it’s 11 p.m. and time to prepare for the next one. 

She said she doesn’t see it as a challenge, though. It’s not even a question for her. 

“I think as a mother it’s my obligation and my responsibility,” she said. “So, I just do what I have to do.”

As Vice President Branch Manager of Ameris Bank on Fleming Island, leadership and multi-tasking is nothing new for mom of two Martha Baudendistel.

Similarly, her days begin around 4:45 a.m. and are filled with a quick workout, long work hours, music practices, Boy Scouts, art classes and grocery store runs. 

“Thank God for Instacart,” she said. “Trying to save me [from] that trip to Publix for the fifth time in the week,” she said

How do they do it? Learning how to prioritize is important. 

Terri Dennis, coordinator of Communications and Media Partnerships with the Clay County District Schools, compared her role as a mother to being a juggler. 

She said that with her job in the district, it’s not typically a 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, calling for her attention at any given time. She said a concept she once read from a book about working moms has always stuck with her: knowing which balls are glass and plastic when you have multiple in the air. 

“If I was to drop one, am I dropping a glass ball? Is this going to break and be something that I’m going to be spending a long time repairing, or is this a plastic ball that [I] will be able to bounce back from?” she said. 

Baudendistel said carving out time for herself is also vital. It’s one thing that, as her children have gotten older, she has aimed to bring to the forefront. 

Waking up early, which used to be the most awful thing in the world, is something Baudendistel said she now relishes. Those quiet moments alone to recharge.

“I can knock out something in the morning, or get a load of laundry done or have a few extra minutes to sip a cup of coffee,” she said. 

Hampshire-Bivins said that before waking her kids up, she dedicates at least 30 minutes to meditation, focusing on herself and God. 

Next, having a support system backing you every step of the way. 

Baudendistel said that with her husband, it’s a team mentality. Dennis shared the same sentiment, saying that it’s great to have someone to share the load of parenting during late work hours. 

Hampshire-Bivins said that knowing she has close family and friends to fall back on is relieving.

“I think having a village around you and people who love your kids and are willing to help is awesome,” she said. 

Both Baudendistel and Hampshire-Bivins said that amid their fluctuating schedules, they take pride in being able to say that they are a working mom, seeing themselves as role models. 

“When I sit back and I see my kids out, and they’re doing kind things for others, or just smiling and waving at people and having social skills, I’m like OK, we’re doing good,” Baudendistel said. 

Hampshire-Bivins said being a good example is something she is most proud of as a mother, even going back to school to get her master's degree in forensic psychology while raising two young children in 2015. 

“That would be one of the things that I’m [most] proud of, although I do regret not going to walk across the stage and allow my kids to see that,” she said. “But [they] walk in the hallway [and] see my diploma.” 

For Mother’s Day, each of the moms said material gifts are not as important as quality time with family and some simple relaxation.

Baudendistel said she also wants a decision-free day. 

“I make so many decisions every single day. Right down to apparently having to decide on what we’re going to eat for dinner for the rest of our lives. For one day, for a solid 24-hour period, if I don’t have to make those decisions, that’s just glorious,” she said. "That in itself is a gift. 

As advice for other working mothers out here, the moms said they have tips to stay grounded and successful.

Baudendistel said to find the time to be present in the now and always acknowledge your limits. 

“Honestly, it’s OK to say no. And it’s OK to say, ‘You know what, I don’t need to participate in that, and I’ve got enough going on,’” she said. “It’s OK to set up those boundaries for people.”

Hampshire-Bivins said to never forget to put yourself first whenever necessary.

“Sometimes we lose ourselves as moms because we’re so caught up in everything that we have to do and that was me,” she said. “I was always going. But I realized, ‘OK, if I don’t put [myself] first, if I don’t do something for me, then I’m not going to be any good for them.”