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Every working parent is already thinking about September - even before the summer holidays have even begun.

That back-to-school prep starts way before term begins….They’re thinking about: 

  • Uniforms to buy (again)
  • Shoes that don’t fit (again)
  • School forms
  • Wraparound care
  • Drop offs & Pick Ups
  • Emotional transitions 

The mental load is relentless. 

And for parents, it’s not just a few admin tasks -  it’s a full-on project management operation, layered on top of work.

And yes, it will seep into work - how can it not? 
As a self-employed working parent I can flex, adjust, and plan around what’s coming. Most employees don’t have that luxury.  They’re working within systems that weren’t built for this kind of invisible load, let alone designed to support it. 

What does this mean for employers? 
Working parents are already carrying a heavy cognitive load that’s invisible, relentless, and largely unspoken. And while most don’t expect their employer to fix the juggle, the support you offer in moments like this can make a disproportionate difference. 
This is a pressure point. One that impacts focus, wellbeing, and ultimately, retention. 

So here’s what matters: 


✨ Acknowledge the Moment 
Recognise the season they’re in. September might feel far off to you but it doesn’t to them.
So ask now. Start the conversation: “What’s coming up for you?” “Is there anything we can do to ease the juggle next term?”

It’s not about grand gestures, just timely, intentional awareness. 

✨ Normalise Mental-Load Conversations 
This isn’t just about workload. It’s about the mental bandwidth required to manage both work and family. 
Ask: “What’s likely to be tricky over the next few weeks? “Are there things we can tweak?” “Is the schedule still working for you?” “Would flexibility help, even temporarily?” 

Give permission to be honest, without consequence.

✨ Equip Managers to Act 
Many managers simply don’t know how to have these conversations,  usually because they don’t feel equipped. That’s fixable. 

Support them with the tools, prompts, and mindset to lead with empathy and confidence.

Because whether they’re saying it or not, your working parents are already planning September, while still managing July.

The good news for employers is that you don’t need you to solve it….but you do need you to see it. (And acknowledge it obviously!). By doing so, you’ll create loyalty, trust, and engagement, when it matters most. 

Working parents need supporting…..properly.

Anyone a working parent who agrees with me or a manager who (dis)agrees?
 

@Moe 

 

And for parents, it’s not just a few admin tasks -  it’s a full-on project management operation, layered on top of work.

 

I absolutely love this. Great way to put it. My parents used to say something similar: “Being a parent is the real job!”

One thing that’s quite consistent about you ​@HannahPorteous-Butler is that you always start with “talk to working parents.” Everything starts there. You ask, you listen, and you’ll have opportunities to intentionally support them. I’m such a big fan of this because the overall approach is great for supporting your employees in general. Ask, with intention, how you can support them and they will tell you. Excellent post. 

Tagging some other folks to chime in 😄

@HRHappiness, ​@Kim Stringer, ​@Willemijn Leijs 


@HannahPorteous-Butler - spot on and as a working mum but now with her daughter at Uni my life is sooo different.  Flexibility, transparency and trust has been such a positive step at Arctoris.  Also helped by many of us remembering those chaotic times in our lives!  We survived, but I did have to change jobs earlier on in my career!  I hope that no one at Arctoris feels like I did! 


@HannahPorteous-Butler - spot on and as a working mum but now with her daughter at Uni my life is sooo different.  Flexibility, transparency and trust has been such a positive step at Arctoris.  Also helped by many of us remembering those chaotic times in our lives!  We survived, but I did have to change jobs earlier on in my career!  I hope that no one at Arctoris feels like I did! 

I’m sorry to hear you had that experience ​@SalC. As someone who has never worked a day as a People professional, I have a silly question. Did your previous negative experience as a working parent influence how you approach your work as someone who is at the C-suite level? 


Thanks ​@SalC and yes, it’s amazing how the pressure shifts (but doesnt always get easer?!) as kids get older….

It sounds like you’ve used your  own (negative) experience to make a positive impact for others and just  remembering what it actually felt like to be in the thick of it can be powerful in shaping more empathetic cultures. The fact you had to change jobs to make it work says a lot - it’s exactly why I do the work I do. You shouldn’t have to choose between family and career. 

Ooh ​@Moe I’ve just seen your comment above - snap! re: using your own experience...great minds think alike!


I love how you phrased it: “You don’t need you to solve it… but you do need you to see it (and acknowledge it).”

It reminds me of a character from Parenthood, Zeek, who’s been in therapy and learned the basics of validation: “I hear you and I see you.” It seems like a small thing, but it definitely helps the other person feel heard.

Thanks for the insights. I’m not a working parent myself, but it was a good reminder about the reality of it.


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