September Is Here: A Pep Talk For Working Parents

September has arrived, and most working parents are sending children back to school or childcare after the longest extended period we’ve ever experienced.

We are over the shock of lockdown now. We have done what we do best - adapt. And now everything is about to change again. 

Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions. 

Think back on the last few months and notice what feelings come up... 

• Relief at the idea of things getting back to normal again?
• Concern about how your child is going to cope with the big changes that lie ahead?
• Excitement about getting things done that you’ve been putting off since March?
• Worry about a second wave and what that will mean?
• Love and happiness for the quality time you’ve spent as a family and the memories you’ve made?
• Sadness that this unique time of closeness is coming to an end?
• Motivated to step things up at work with better focus and renewed energy?
• Dread over getting back into a strict routine and getting everyone out the door on time?

Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay. 

We can feel all of these things at once. 

It doesn’t make us good or bad parents, spouses, or colleagues. It makes us human. 

Dealing With Sadness

I recently coached a mum who was feeling extremely sad about the extra family time coming to an end. She decided to get her favourite photos from the last few months printed, and make a scrapbook of memories. It helped her work through her feelings of sadness and prepare for a new chapter. 

Making Big Changes

I have also helped a dad who had been through a significant transition during the lockdown and didn’t want to go back to the way things were before. He had gone from being in the office five days a week to working half days at home and sharing childcare 50/50 with his wife. His priorities had changed irreversibly. He managed to negotiate remote and reduced working hours during the week, so that he can pick his kids up from school on Wednesdays and Fridays and spend more time with them (click here for our ecourse on Negotiating Reduced Hours At Work With Confidence).

Prioritising Self-Care

I know another self-employed mum who cannot wait to be back in the office away from the constant noise and demands of home. This mum literally hid in her car on occasions during the lockdown because she needed space so badly. She had big plans to hit the ground running in September but has a history of burning out, so I advised her to take it slowly and use some of the extra time to reset and recharge. 

We are all going through the same thing. 

Acknowledge your feelings.

Be kind to yourself. 

Share the load. 

Create space.

Reset and recharge. 

If 2020 has proved anything about working parents, it’s that we can handle anything. YOU can handle anything. 

Whatever comes our way in September and onwards through the winter, we’ve got this. 

You CAN be a great parent and have a thriving career too. Even during a global pandemic. 

If you feel like you need some support, the Your New Work-Life Balance Mini-Programme may be just what you need to help you navigate this transition. 

You will reflect on powerful questions, defining what is important to your family and how you will grow together.

You will also gain access to our tried and tested career success strategies into the Total Career Blueprint workbook - divided into 5-steps and designed for you to follow at your own pace.

✅ 2 Modules

✅ 15 Video Lessons

✅ Printable worksheets to share and discuss with your spouse or partner

✅ PDF workbook to help you reignite your career

✅ FREE Bonus: Thriving Parents Club community access

Learn More.