Why Working from Home Feels Harder Now That My Kids Are Teens — And What It Means for Aspiring Parents
Have you ever felt like juggling work and parenting gets harder—not easier—as your kids grow? I recently came across an insightful article on Business Insider where a mom shared exactly that struggle: after 17 years of working from home, now that her kids are teens, the emotional demands have skyrocketed, and getting work done feels nearly impossible (read the full story here). It struck a chord with me because it goes against the common expectation that older kids are more independent. Instead, they need us in ways we didn’t expect, emotionally and mentally. It’s a reminder that parenting—at every stage—is a complex journey with its own unique challenges and rewards. And for many, that journey begins long before the teenage years, sometimes even at the very start: the path toward parenthood itself.
Thinking back to those early days of trying to conceive, the emotional rollercoaster is intense but different. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or have been on this path for a while, the feelings of hope, frustration, and vulnerability are all too familiar. Many individuals and couples looking to start a family face unique hurdles that can be daunting, especially if clinical visits feel overwhelming or out of reach.
This is where resources like at-home insemination kits offer a lifeline. For example, companies like MakeAMom provide discreet, reusable kits designed to fit different needs—whether that’s working with frozen sperm, low motility sperm, or sensitive conditions like vaginismus. Their average success rate of 67% gives so many people a hopeful alternative to traditional clinical insemination. It’s empowering to have tools that let you take control of your fertility journey from the comfort of home, especially when emotional wellbeing is just as important as the technical side.
But how do these two worlds connect—navigating the emotional demands of parenting teens and the emotional landscape of trying to conceive? It’s all about acknowledging that parenthood, in every form and phase, challenges us in ways we can’t always predict. The mom in the Business Insider story described how her teens’ emotional needs pull at her throughout the day, leaving her feeling drained and guilty when work gets sidelined. In a similar vein, those trying to conceive at home must balance hope and anxiety, sometimes feeling isolated or unsure about their next steps.
So what can we learn from this? Here are a few takeaways that apply both to parents of teens and to hopeful parents on the insemination journey:
Emotional needs evolve but never disappear. Just as teens still crave connection and support, so do those trying to conceive. It’s important to create space for those feelings, rather than push them aside.
Flexibility is key. Working from home allowed a mom to raise her kids with more presence, but challenges change over time. Similarly, being open to different fertility options, like at-home insemination kits tailored to your unique situation, can make your journey feel more manageable.
Community and resources matter. Whether it’s parenting advice groups or online fertility support forums, connecting with others who understand your experience makes a world of difference.
Privacy and dignity are important. One of the reasons at-home insemination kits from MakeAMom are so valued is that shipments arrive in plain packaging without identifying information—preserving your privacy during such a personal process.
If you’re considering starting your family journey or are in the midst of it, you’re not alone—and it’s okay to acknowledge the emotional complexity involved. Embracing tools and support, from trusted products to open conversations with loved ones, can help you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed.
As the mom in the article learns to navigate her teens' growing emotional needs, remember that there’s comfort in adapting and finding new ways to cope. Whether you’re trying to get work done while parenting teens or taking your first steps toward parenthood with an at-home insemination kit, patience and self-compassion go a long way.
Before I sign off, I encourage you to explore the options that feel right for you. For those curious about accessible, tailored solutions to support your fertility journey, MakeAMom’s range of kits offers a thoughtful, user-friendly approach worth checking out. After all, the path to parenthood may be winding, but with the right support, it can be full of hope and possibility.
What’s your experience with balancing emotional needs—whether as a parent or someone trying to conceive? I’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!