Category: Parenting

Posted in Life, Meetings, Miles, Parenting

The School Run Sprint: Guarding My Peace Between the Drops and Pickups

Posted on by sherwinelaine

As a remote professional, I’ve realized my most valuable currency isn’t actually money. It’s focused time.

When the kids are home, my brain is permanently split in two. One half is trying to solve a project bottleneck while the other is subconsciously listening for a “Mommy!” from the next room. It’s exhausting. That’s why the moment I drop them off at school at 7:00 AM, the clock starts. I have a precious window to be 100% Sherwin the Professional, and I’ve learned the hard way not to waste it just reacting to emails.

I’ve started using a method called the 30-30-30 rule to keep me on track, but the real magic is in how I protect the different phases of my day, especially with a split schedule.

The Fortress of Deep Work

The hours between 7:30 AM and my first pickup at noon are sacred. My brain is sharpest right after that morning school run, so I treat those hours like a fortress. This is when I tackle the “frogs,” those big, intimidating strategy projects or writing tasks that need my full heart.

During this block, I am essentially a ghost. My notifications are muted, my phone is in the other room, and my inbox stays closed. I finally realized that if I start my day answering everyone else’s “urgent” requests, I’ll never actually get to my own “important” goals before that 12:00 PM alarm goes off.

Syncing the Meetings and the Midday Shift

With one child finished at noon and another at early in the afternoon, the rest of my day is all about the “sweet spot.” As much as I can, I batch my meetings into the block after that first pickup. Since I’m usually coordinating with teams across Southeast Asia, I’m always hunting for the time zone gap where we can all be online at once.

Grouping these calls together saves me from the context switching that used to drain my energy. It’s so much easier to stay in meeting mode for a solid block than to have 15 minute calls scattered throughout the day, constantly breaking my focus just as I’m getting into a groove.

The Clean Break

The final sprint from the time we are back home from school is when I shift into what I call my Admin Hour. This is when I clear the inbox, schedule my posts, and finalize the logistics for the next project.

This block of hours is my closing ceremony. It allows me to shut my laptop with a genuine sense of completion for the day.

At this stage of my life, I’ve realized I just don’t have the patience for busywork. I want my work to be impactful so that my time with my family can be intentional.

Time blocking isn’t about being a robot or living by a rigid timer. It’s about building a fence around the things that matter. It’s what allows me to work hard for a project and still be the person who is 100% present when I’m sitting at the dinner table that night.

Posted in #featured, Parenting

Teaching the Power of “No”

Posted on by sherwinelaine

As parents, my husband and I are deeply grateful that we can provide well for our kids. There’s a special kind of joy in seeing their faces light up when we give them something they’ve been wishing for.

But over the years, I’ve realized that saying no is just as important as saying yes.

Because I don’t want to raise children who believe that everything they want should automatically be theirs—just because we can afford it. I want them to learn the value of waiting, choosing wisely, and appreciating what they already have.

It’s not about depriving them.
It’s about teaching them that not everything you can buy, you should.

That happiness doesn’t always come from having more—
but from knowing when you already have enough. 🌸

Posted in Life, Parenting

The Quiet Ache of Being the Strong One

Posted on by sherwinelaine

There are days when I wake up and carry the weight of the world like I always do—managing work, family, home, and everything in between. People often say, “I don’t know how you do it,” or “You’re so strong.” And while I’m grateful they see me that way, I wish they also saw the quiet ache behind the strength.

Because sometimes, I don’t want to be the strong one.

Sometimes, I miss the days when someone checked in on me. When my parents—especially my mom—would ask the simplest questions like “Kumain ka na?” or “Okay ka lang ba?” And somehow, those words could soften even the hardest days.

As I grow older, I feel that longing more deeply. The kind of longing that no amount of success, to-do lists, or achievements can fill. I miss having someone to call just because I’m tired. Not for advice. Not for help. Just for comfort. Just to hear someone say, “You don’t always have to be okay.”

I want to be clear: I am blessed with a loving, thoughtful husband who supports me in every possible way. His presence in my life is a gift I never take for granted. But there’s a kind of care—a kind of comfort—that only a parent, especially a mother, gives. And it’s that irreplaceable presence I find myself yearning for.

But adulthood is strange that way. We grow into roles that require us to be everything for everyone—shock absorber, fixer, nurturer, leader. And while I love being dependable, being that person… it can be so exhausting.

It’s a quiet kind of tired. The kind that doesn’t always show.

The kind you feel at night when the house is finally quiet and you realize no one asked how your day went.

I miss having someone who looked after me, not because I needed something, but just because they cared. I miss being someone’s child. I miss my mom.

So, if you’re reading this and you feel the same… I just want to say: you’re not alone. It’s okay to be strong and still crave softness. It’s okay to lead and still long for someone to check in on you.

And if you still have someone in your life who does that—who listens, who asks, who notices—don’t take it for granted. That kind of love is rare, and it’s everything.

Posted in Life, Meetings, Parenting

Creating a Community for Work-at-Home Moms: Introducing WAHMSPH

Posted on by sherwinelaine

As a mom who juggles both family life and a remote career, I understand the unique challenges and joys that come with balancing work and motherhood from home. That’s why I decided to create a space where fellow work-at-home moms (WAHMs) can connect, share experiences, and support each other.

I’m excited to introduce WAHMSPH – a Facebook community designed specifically for Filipino moms navigating the world of remote work. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this group is a place where we can all learn, grow, and thrive together.

Why WAHMSPH?

The idea behind WAHMSPH was born out of the need for a supportive and understanding space for moms who work remotely. We all know that working from home can be a double-edged sword. While it offers flexibility and the ability to be present with our children, it also comes with its own set of challenges, from balancing tasks to setting boundaries with family.

Through this community, I aim to create a hub where moms can:

  • Share tips and advice on managing work-life balance
  • Discuss remote work opportunities and resources
  • Exchange experiences about the highs and lows of working from home
  • Support each other in both career and personal growth

What Can You Expect from the WAHMSPH Facebook Group?

As a member of this group, you’ll be part of a vibrant, positive, and uplifting community. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Weekly Discussions: We’ll cover topics like time management, productivity hacks, staying motivated, and self-care.
  • Job Opportunities: We’ll share work-at-home job listings, freelance gigs, and business opportunities specifically for moms.
  • Parenting and Work-Life Balance: Tips on balancing remote work with taking care of your little ones and keeping your family life thriving.
  • Support and Encouragement: Because we understand each other’s struggles, this is a safe space to ask for advice, vent, and celebrate victories, big or small!

If you’re a work-at-home mom in the Philippines, or if you’re considering working from home, I invite you to join our WAHMSPH Facebook group. Together, we can create a community where no one has to feel alone in their journey as a mom and professional.

Let’s lift each other up, share what works, and find ways to make our remote careers more rewarding and sustainable.

Click here to join WAHMSPH on Facebook!

I can’t wait to see you there and to grow this beautiful community of amazing, hardworking moms. Together, we can make work-at-home motherhood work!

Posted in #featured, Meetings, Parenting

Mastering Work-Life Balance: A Guide for Remote Moms

Posted on by sherwinelaine

Balancing work and motherhood from home is no small feat. Between virtual meeting calls, snack requests, and endless distractions, staying productive requires strategy. Here are my top tips for making it work:

  • Time-Blocking is Your Best Friend. Time-blocking has been a game-changer for me. I set clear work hours and make sure my kids know when I’m in ‘do not disturb’ mode. In our company, a shared calendar helps everyone stay on the same page, so they know when I’m available and when I need focus time.
Working at a nearby cafe while waiting for Reilly
  • Create a Dedicated Workspace – I have a small little work area near our dining space, and while it’s not a full office, it helps me mentally switch into work mode. Having a defined space—no matter how small—makes a big difference in productivity.
  • Use Productivity Tools – I rely on Asana for task management, Google Keep and Notes for quick ideas, and Google Calendar to keep track of my schedule. These tools help me stay on top of tasks while keeping things flexible.

“Being a remote working mom isn’t about finding perfect balance—it’s about making it work in the midst of chaos and giving yourself grace along the way.”

http://www.sherwinelaine.blog

  • Embrace Flexibility – My daily schedule revolves around my kids’ school routines. I bring them to school at 7 AM, fetch Ellie at 9 AM, and pick up Ate Reilly at 2:30 PM. In between, I focus on deep work and squeeze in house chores. After lunch, I stay in a café near school with Ellie as we wait for Ate Reilly to finish. This setup allows me to take meetings and get focused work done while still being present for my kids. Also, work when you’re at your peak productivity (early mornings, nap times, or after bedtime) and give yourself grace on the tougher days.
Our short ride from/to school is spent on chatting about how their day went
  • Ask for Help – I don’t have house help, so I rely on my husband and kids to help with household chores. I train my kids to do little things like organizing their personal belongings and putting everything back in order after using them. It’s a team effort, and it teaches them responsibility while lightening my load.

At the end of the day, being a remote working mom isn’t about achieving perfect balance—it’s about finding what works for you and embracing the chaos with grace. Some days will feel productive, while others might feel like an uphill battle, and that’s okay. The key is to stay flexible, lean on your support system, and use tools that help you work smarter, not harder. Most importantly, give yourself credit for everything you juggle—because you’re doing an incredible job.