Are You A Working Parent? Here’s How to Let Go of Pandemic-Era Habits

During the pandemic, the heroic efforts of working parents who juggled full-time jobs and full-time parenting without regular childcare became the norm. However, this normalised expectation can lead to guilt when seeking the help we actually need. It's crucial to make prudent decisions about childcare based on your current needs, rather than adhering to unrealistic standards set during a crisis.

New Move: Assess your current childcare needs and make decisions accordingly. Whether it's utilising school aftercare programs or extending nanny-share arrangements, prioritise what allows you to perform your job effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

How this might help: Embracing realistic childcare solutions ensures you can focus on your work when needed and be fully present for your family. It promotes a holistic approach to both your career and family life, reducing stress and fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Remote work was a lifeline for many working parents during the pandemic, but relying solely on this arrangement may limit your options. Think creatively about flexible work arrangements beyond remote work. Shifting hours, compressed schedules, or job-sharing may provide the flexibility you need to balance work and family.

New Move: Consider various flexible work arrangements that align with your parenting goals and professional responsibilities. The more expansive your thinking, the better you can craft a working-parent life that suits your unique needs.

How this might help: Exploring diverse work arrangements allows you to tailor your schedule to fit your family's needs. It enables you to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a fulfilling career, promoting overall well-being.

The pandemic forced many parents into survival mode, focusing on getting through each day. While this short-term thinking was necessary during the crisis, it's essential to envision the bigger picture now. Creating a long-term vision for your career and family life will make daily decisions more manageable and provide a sense of purpose and motivation.

New Move: Actively imagine your long-term goals as a working parent. This vision will guide your daily decisions and infuse your efforts with purpose and energy.

How this might help: Developing a long-term vision empowers you to make choices that align with your aspirations. It allows you to see the greater purpose in your daily responsibilities, making them more meaningful and manageable.

It's easy to view work as the adversary when family responsibilities clash. However, reframing your attitude and conversations about work with your children can help them develop a healthier perspective. Instead of emphasising the challenges, discuss work in a more positive light, sharing your successes and the aspects of your job that inspire you.

New Move: Talk to your kids about work in a positive way. Share your achievements, proud moments, and why you love what you do. This can help your children develop a more balanced view of work and career.

How this might help: Changing how you discuss work with your children can create a more positive environment at home. It allows your children to see the value and satisfaction you derive from your career, potentially inspiring them to pursue their own passions.

As working parents, the pandemic-era habits and perspectives we've developed have been both a survival tool and a potential hindrance to our success. By critically examining these habits and embracing new moves that align with our current needs, we can set ourselves up for success in combining career and children going forward.

The key is to trust your instincts and create your unique playbook for thriving as a working parent in the post-pandemic world. It's not about surviving anymore; it's about thriving and finding a harmonious balance between your career, family, and personal well-being.