Returning to work after becoming a parent is a significant milestone, marked by a blend of excitement, apprehension, and the juggling act of balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities. Empathy for the struggle to find time for personal connections while juggling work and family responsibilities is crucial, and many find camaraderie, advice, and a sense of belonging with parent groups. The irony often lies in the timing of these much-sought-after groups—they frequently convene during the day, seemingly in another dimension from the reality of work, meetings, deadlines, and endless household responsibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore strategies and insights essential for parents re-entering the workforce while maintaining the parent community they’ve established.
Parent Groups and Returning to Work
Many new parents feel alone with the birth of a new child, even more so when they return to work and the isolation is a real problem. Finding and establishing friendships as a new parent can be a real challenge, and unfortunately even harder to maintain when returning to work. For many working parents, the desire to connect with other new parents and share experiences, advice, and support is undeniable. Yet, why are all these “mom groups” during the day?
The timing of these mom groups, typically scheduled during traditional work hours, presents a significant barrier for working parents. It’s common for many new parents to “lose” their childless friends when they become a parent, and then they lose those friends when they return to work. It’s a dilemma that resonates deeply with countless working parents. While the intent behind these groups is to foster community and provide a safe space for sharing, the exclusivity of daytime meetings inadvertently excludes a substantial portion of parents who are unable to attend due to work commitments. Let’s delve into practical tips and thoughtful approaches aimed at empowering working parents as they navigate this enriching yet challenging phase of life.
Leverage Your Workplace Resources
So, what can working parents do about this? Start by leveraging workplace resources. Remember, you’re not the first working mom to have a baby and there may be opportunities that have not yet been shared. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can be invaluable, offering guidance on managing work stress, childcare, and family-related concerns. It may feel like a scavenger hunt at first, but there are many resources and EAPs available that are underutilized. Be the 15% that uses them!
- Schedule a 1-1 parent coaching or register for a Parento Parent Pod. These are available to you at no cost through your employer. Get started HERE.
- Ask about EAPs offered through existing benefit plans.
Flexible Scheduling
Another option in the workplace is to ask for flexible scheduling arrangements or remote work options. This can help better integrate personal commitments into your workday, like attending your existing parent groups to stay connected. Your company may also have other resources available so don’t be afraid to tap into your manager, coworkers, and HR. Even if they don’t know specific programs, they may be able to direct you to someone who does know or even lead to changes! Advocating for workplace initiatives that support work-life balance is essential.
Here are some things to ask for:
- Flexible Schedule or Alternate Schedule
- ERG Information
- Intermittent parental leave
Go Online
In the pursuit of a more balanced life, it’s crucial for working parents to communicate their needs openly. Initiating dialogues with group organizers, employers, and colleagues about the challenges of scheduling can spark awareness and foster a more supportive environment. Luckily technology has made connecting online normal, and leveraging technology can really help bridge the gap. Digital spaces offer the flexibility of engagement at any hour, allowing parents to connect, share experiences, and seek advice without the constraints of rigid schedules. You may be able to rotate meeting times or alternating between day and evening sessions with mom groups and other working parents who are in the same boat as you. Encouraging this trend by voicing the need for varied meeting times can instigate positive change.
Here are a few ideas:
- Moving some “mom dates” online and utilizing video conferencing for evening or weekend meet-ups that can accommodate the schedules of working parents.
- Finding online communities tailored to working parents is another avenue worth exploring.
Forge Your Own Path
If existing groups don’t align with your schedule, don’t be afraid to start your own inclusive working parent community. Create a supportive environment accommodating various working schedules. This may include coworkers or friends you’ve made along the way.
Here are a few ideas:
- Ask about setting up a lending library of books and toys to share.
- Organize a children’s clothing exchange at work. This could even include halloween costumes in the fall!
Returning to work while nurturing a parent community is a journey demanding adaptability and proactive engagement. By leveraging workplace resources, advocating for inclusive scheduling, utilizing technology, and initiating conversations, working parents can maintain and even build new supportive networks. Embracing the change in social circles and proactively creating inclusive spaces ensures that the enriching camaraderie experienced during early parenthood can continue to flourish, despite the demands of a professional career. Remember, it’s okay if not all friendships transition – forging your own path can lead to newfound connections and support networks tailored to your current phase of life.
