WRK/360 reposted this
Founder of WRK/360 - Coaching Employees and Managers navigating Care and Career from Parental Leave through Elder Care | Fair Play Training Director & Facilitator | Mom of 2
It is fitting that #NationalWorkingParentsDay is a Monday, because Monday morning is always chaos at my house. My husband volunteers at our elementary school running the parent-led valet drop off line every Monday morning. The girls are ALWAYS slow to get out of bed on a Monday morning. ☕ And my coffee is always cold by the time I settle in at my desk for work. Yet, I regularly choose this coffee cup, especially on Monday mornings, because it reminds me that we keep going. That #workingparents and especially the #defaultparents (e.g., mostly #workingmoms) keep going each and every week. We battle the subtle and not-so subtle bias against #workingmoms, we navigate the endless saga of finding and keeping #affordablechildcare, we manage days off, and early releases, and getting kids to activities, even though none of that matches up with the #workday. We are doing this without much, if any support, from employers and from the government. #WorkingParents and Caregivers are #persisting but that doesn't mean we aren't struggling. As a reminder, the U.S. Surgeon General recently released the report that parenting is hazardous to our health. Not because of our kids, but because of the significant toll, stress, and overwhelm that we put on parents today while they try to manage their careers in a society that is making it increasingly hard to do so. So today, on #nationalworkingparents day, I applaud every single working parent and caregiver. 👏 👏 👏 You are doing enough. And to every leader and manager, I challenge you to ask a #workingparent how they are REALLY doing today and to actually listen and lead with empathy. ~~~~~ 👋🏼 Hi, I'm Mary Beth, founder of WRK/360. Our coaching, trainings, and programs support and retain your working parents and caregiving employees from #parentalleave through #eldercare. ☝🏼 Hit the button at the top to subscribe to our newsletter or DM me to learn more! Like this post? Want to see more? 🔔Follow me and click the bell on my profile.
Is that every Monday or just this Monday?? 🤣 The perfect coffee cup for a Monday and it looks like it's earned its stripes. I had a wonderful client ask me today how the school transition was going for my daughter (we moved her to a different school one month into the school year). He remembered from a week or so ago and it was so thoughtful - he's also going through a similar transition with his kids. Such a great demonstration of working parents supporting each other.
I was just thinking this - no better day to really highlight working parents like a Monday. I snoozed my alarm and woke up too late. Spilled coffee on myself during my drive. Did daycare dropoff 20 min late. Couldn't find my badge to get into the office so I had to pull over right by the gate. Forgot my mouse for my laptop... And that was just by 10 AM.
And after a morning like that (which is every day, right?) my husband and I look at each other and say "why do we keep being surprised by how chaotic it is?" Most parents are trying every possible hack to make school mornings (and meal times and homework times and transitions to bed) smoother. And it still feels like a shock every day... glad you were able to persist Mary Beth! We need your work! (I just wish is was easier for you! And all of us!)
I love your exploration of the idea of persisting but struggling. Getting everything done (and done well) but feeling completely exhausted while also feeling like I should be doing more. I hope all the working parents out there know they aren't alone - and that if we work together maybe we can make it better for everyone.
Yes- we persist as working parents. AND, I know this is why I (and you I imagine) persist in trying to make it all a little better by reaching out to make changes at the corporate level too!
Founder of WRK/360 - Coaching Employees and Managers navigating Care and Career from Parental Leave through Elder Care | Fair Play Training Director & Facilitator | Mom of 2
3moIt was feels like strange timing, I dropped this mug today as I was emptying the dishwasher, while answering homework questions and trying to respond to an email. 🤪. Just a day in the life of a #workingparent. #neverthelesswrpersist