The Female Quotient’s Post

I was fired from both my jobs with both my pregnancies. And one was a breast pump company! Even though women/parents have a support system, sometimes it's just not enough. The system is what needs to change. Most people don't have parents/family who live close by and even though some do, they aren't involved enough to actually help a working on. That means parents have to search for someone they trust, who is nurturing and meets their budget. It's a bit of a unicorn. I was lucky enough to find someone with my first, but we had to move to another state and after 3 years, we still haven't found someone consistent. It's the system that needs to be changed.

I have been blessed for the past 20+ years with supportive bosses (with the exception of one), particularly during the 10 years I was a single mum. It's not just about finding a support system - it's also about setting boundaries and priorities. Work is work. And I love my work. But Family is Everything.

Becoming a parent is a beautiful experience that needs a parent’s full commitment before, during and after the pregnancy/childbirth. As a working parent, it is critical to consider and communicate needs and changes that will accommodate this amazing new world that you are entering or re-entering. The maternity leave is there to render time and space to grow and learn as a new parent, and to find the path forward as a working parent. It is a thoughtful and intentional journey that considers all three phases. The “during” and the “after”phases gather scenarios and data to solidify the plan and to offset adverse results. How your new world evolves requires a thorough and detailed plan. That plan is the first SYSTEM.

A wonderful article and a grounded perspective shared by Amber Coleman-Mortley. Whilst my children are now adults, I was indeed blessed with a supportive network spearheaded by my husband who became the stay home parent (not the norm 32 years ago). This has been a much discussed topic over the years, as he too faced many challenges as many frowned and critiqued our decisions. The balance and self love and support we create for ourselves, each other, and those around us matter. There are many complexities, all of which mater and impact us, but, if we are first able to better understand where we are, and what we want, we can begin to have the conversations. For many years as my staff had families, I encouraged them to bring their kids into work, if that helped. Of course this brings another element into the equation in the office, but it was not every day, so we can accomodate. Acceptance of differences, and learning to navigate "life" is who we are as people, and businesses are always about people. Parenting, is best when done as a village. We develop better humans and amazing relationships. A great post and article 👏

I believe that communicating and having the courage to set boundaries that fit you and your family can bring grace and ease to your life. I teach my clients about the power of words; 'never' is just not in my vocabulary because life can be simpler for a working parent if they allow it. It’s about prioritizing, asking for help when needed, and not striving for perfection. Building a village is essential for any working parent. As emphasized by Amber Coleman-Mortley, the temporary challenges of balancing career and parenthood are significantly alleviated when we have a supportive and trustworthy network."

Life as a working parent is undeniably complex, especially for new moms and birthing parents. It's crucial to acknowledge the challenges highlighted in the survey. Building a strong support system is key to navigating the demands of work and family. And let me add as wel, that the system should also change for working moms.

We just shared a different survey where 57% of women entrepreneurs believe better childcare would contribute to greater success. Families need support. Reposting.

Changing the name from maternity to parental leave is one step, but many companies still don't offer parental leave, just maternity (if that). We are so far behind our European counterparts. We are so backwards, and we are moving backwards, not forward.

The smallest steps can make the biggest difference 🧡

This article highlights the critical challenges working moms and birthing parents face, emphasizing the need for strong support networks to mitigate career impacts. It's a reminder of the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces that prioritize family well-being.