Balancing motherhood and Professional Growth: The New Rules of Networking
Everyone talks about how important networking is but how exactly do you do it when you have a young family or have just returned from maternity leave?
Balancing ambition with the realities of parenthood is no small feat. And yet, the power of connection from those conversations that lead to new opportunities, collaborations, or even just encouragement remains one of the most transformative parts of any woman’s career.
The challenge? Parenthood adds an extra layer of complexity.
Traditional networking often happens over after-work drinks, early breakfasts, or long conferences that simply don’t align with the rhythm of family life. For many women, particularly mothers, these spaces aren’t designed with us in mind.
That’s one of the reasons I created Mother+ to be a space for women at all stages of the parenting journey to connect, collaborate, and grow in a way that feels realistic. Our events run in both the daytime and evening because connection should never depend on your childcare setup.
This is networking - just redesigned.
In the few years we’ve been running our events, I’ve seen women walk into a Mother+ event and leave with something they didn’t expect — a business collaborator, a new supplier, a podcast invite, or simply the validation that they’re not doing this alone. It’s these moments of exchange, empathy, and energy that build the foundation of modern professional life.
If you’re currently trying to find your rhythm between parenting and professional growth, here are a few more ways to network meaningfully (and manageably):
1. Embrace virtual connection, but do it intentionally.
Online events, communities and workshops have made it easier than ever to connect with no commute or childcare logistics required. But instead of spreading yourself thin across multiple groups, choose one or two spaces that genuinely align with your interests or career goals. Engage deeply, show up consistently, and you’ll find that relationships still grow beautifully online.
2. Rethink what “networking” actually looks like.
Networking doesn’t have to mean swapping business cards or forced small talk. Sometimes it’s a WhatsApp group with women in your field, an Instagram DM exchange that turns into a collaboration, or a coffee with someone whose career you admire. Connection can happen anywhere - at the school gates, in a local co-working space, or over voice notes between feeds and bedtime.
3. Make social media work for you
Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are powerful when used intentionally. Engage in discussions, share insights from your own journey, and be generous with recommendations or introductions. These micro-connections often lead to macro-opportunities and if you’re short on time (who isn’t?), aim to spend ten focused minutes a day engaging thoughtfully rather than scrolling aimlessly.
4. Be selective with your time but committed once you’re there.
Time is a precious commodity, especially for parents. Choose the events, talks, or lunches that genuinely align with your goals or values. Once you’ve made the effort to attend, be fully present — speak to the person next to you, introduce yourself, ask questions. Often, it’s the conversation you didn’t plan that opens the most unexpected door.
5. Find (or build) your micro -network.
If large events feel overwhelming, start smaller. Gather three or four women in similar industries for an informal monthly catch-up — virtual or in person. These small, supportive networks can become sounding boards, accountability partners, and idea incubators. You don’t need a conference to build community; you just need consistency and trust.
6. Advocate for inclusive workplaces.
This one is bigger picture, but crucial. We need to keep pushing for professional spaces that acknowledge the realities of modern parenting — from flexible hours to on-site childcare or parent friendly events. Inclusivity isn’t just about who’s in the room, but when and how that room is accessible.
7. Lead with authenticity, not polish.
Motherhood has a way of stripping away pretense. Lean into that. You don’t need to show up perfectly prepared or flawlessly dressed to make an impression. The most powerful connections often happen when we’re honest about where we are be it tired, inspired, or simply in transition. Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds opportunity.
8. Remember: it’s a long game.
Networking is rarely about immediate gain. It’s about building relationships that evolve over years. The woman you meet at a Mother+ event or any event today might become a collaborator, client, or confidante five years down the line. Stay open, stay generous, and play the long game — especially during those period when life feels busy or uncertain.
Ultimately, we need to reframe networking not as another task on the to-do list, but as a lifeline, a way to stay connected, inspired, and supported through the shifting seasons of work and motherhood. Because when women gather, whether online, in a studio, or over a cup of coffee between school runs, something powerful happens: ideas spark, courage multiplies, and careers quietly transform.
I’d love to hear from you — how have you found ways to build connection and community while navigating parenthood? What do you wish existed to make it easier?