Being a single working mom of a toddler is like starring in a reality TV show where you’re the producer, director, and exhausted lead. Add Zoom meetings to the mix; you’ve got the perfect recipe for chaos. Here’s how to survive—and maybe even thrive—when your toddler decides that meeting with the boss is the perfect time to perform their version of “The Floor Is Lava.”

1. Create the Illusion of Control

Let’s be honest: toddlers have their agenda. However, setting boundaries (and sticking to them) can help.

• The Tip: Designate a specific corner of the room as their “office.” Fill it with snacks, coloring books, or quiet toys they love. Tell them they’re “working,” too.

• The Reality: You’ll still get interruptions, but at least they’ll be munching on animal crackers instead of hitting keyboard shortcuts that accidentally share your screen.

2. Embrace the Mute Button Like a Best Friend

No matter how many times you tell your toddler, “Mommy is working,” they’ll interpret that as “Please, show everyone your dance moves!”

• The Tip: Always keep your mic muted unless you’re speaking. Use headphones to minimize background noise (and maintain some semblance of sanity).

• The Reality: Someone will still hear “The Wheels on the Bus” playing faintly in the background. Just own it—they’re secretly singing along, too.

3. Leverage Nap Time or Quiet Time

Ah, nap time—the golden hours when productivity feels possible. If your toddler is past the nap phase, introduce “quiet time” with age-appropriate activities.

• The Tip: Schedule your most important meetings during this window.

• The Reality: You’ll get an hour of peace…unless they decide this is the day to “quietly” dismantle their toy bin.

4. Use Bribery, I Mean, Positive Reinforcement

Toddlers respond surprisingly well to rewards. Use this to your advantage.

• The Tip: “If you stay in your office and let Mommy finish her meeting, we’ll have ice cream after lunch!”

• The Reality: You might end up with ice cream for lunch yourself, but hey, you deserve it.

5. Laugh at the Chaos

When your toddler barges into a meeting wearing underwear on their head, don’t panic. Embrace the moment. Your colleagues likely need the laugh as much as you do.

• The Tip: Remember, everyone understands the struggle.

• The Reality: These moments will become the stories you tell at their wedding someday.

Final Thoughts

Balancing a career and a toddler is no easy feat, but you’re doing it—and doing it well. Sure, it’s messy, loud, and occasionally involves crayon-covered walls, but you’re showing your child what determination looks like.

Next time your toddler crashes a meeting, take a deep breath and remember: you’re raising a little human who’s learning from your resilience every single day. And if all else fails, keep a stash of chocolate in your desk drawer.