Why Working Parents Need a Support System This School Year

As parents return to the office and kids return to school this Fall, it’s more important than ever for working parents to band together to overcome the unpredictability of what this, and any, school year could bring.

The biggest challenge for working parents comes in the form of stability, or lack thereof, of childcare. This includes a child that’s sick and can’t go to school, an actual school or classroom closure, or the management of the house during a quarantine. There’s a lot to think about outside of work responsibilities, and this is why a support system of other working parents is so important.

So, how do you build your village?

Call For Flexibility in the Workplace

If the pandemic taught working parents anything, it’s that we can’t always rely on someone but ourselves to care for our children during work hours. Quarantine guidelines can go into effect in a blink of an eye, forcing working parents into isolation with their children. It’s clutch to have an employer who understands the need to work from home when necessary or the desire to adjust hours accordingly. Working parents have enough going on, so employers should make it as easy and uncomplicated as possible for employees to communicate these needs.

Find Parents in the Same Season

Having other parents you can relate to makes a difference in how you balance work and life. Ever share with a fellow toddler parent the latest temper tantrum yours had because their water was too wet, and another parent mentioned their toddler losing it because their ice cream was too cold? Only parents of toddlers can genuinely relate to the insanity that is their reality during that season of life. What about connecting with fellow high school parents about remote learning and how best to manage it? Again, having other working parents going through similar situations will help you best navigate your version of it.

Create Backup Plans

Not knowing what tomorrow will bring once the school year gets underway, it’s helpful to create a list of nannies or babysitters you can lean on when a child has an unexpected day off from school that isn’t sickness-related. Having that safety net will help keep you guided and on track when things go off the rails. If things are going to fall on you, think of your Plan B on those days and communicate it to your employer.

Pay it Forward

Are you observing a mom going through something you had previously with your children? Step in and offer a lending hand. It’s like when your child recently lost their mind in the grocery store because you wouldn’t let them take home that little toy trinket in the seasonal section of the store. As you watch someone else’s child go through a similar emotional rollercoaster, offer that mom or dad support. This can be something as simple as flashing a friendly smile and head nod that proves you genuinely understand or coming over to share a kind word with them. There’s always going to be the next generation of mothers; why not do your part to help build them up?

 Are you a working parent? What does life look like for you as you head into the school year? Share your thoughts by commenting below.