Transition Tips To Return To Work After Parental Leave

Congratulations! If you’re reading this post, it means that you are hoping to return to work after parental leave. That’s a big step and one worth celebrating! 

With any transition, you may be excited, nervous, dreading it, and wishing it would get here soon – all at the same time. That’s totally normal. Depending on your company’s maternity and paternity leave policy, you may have been off for six weeks, six months, or something in between. No matter the amount of time you’ve spent solely focused on your little one, there are steps you can take to prepare for the transition back to paid work.

Transition Tips For You

It’s important to understand that you are going to have a harder time than your baby with this big life transition. Your entire life has changed – for the better, of course – but in many ways it’s also more difficult. You are caring for a human that is 100% dependent on you, and that changes your priorities, personally and professionally.  

Before you get back to work, consider a couple of internal reflection questions:

• Who do you want to be as a parent?

• Who do you want to be at work?

• How do those two versions of yourself align?

Before I had kids, I never gave a second thought to staying late at work, taking on extra responsibilities, and hopping on a plane with little notice for a big meeting. After kids, I no longer want that lifestyle. I still care deeply about my career, but being at home and having dinner every night with my kids is a top priority. The parent I want to be impacts who I am and what I do at work. 

This process isn’t just for parents who have just welcomed their first child. Parents deal with personal and professional transitions after every child. It’s not always easy to accept a new lifestyle, especially if your work has always been your focus. Take the time you need to reflect and create a vision for your new life and family. Be open to the new change – you may love it more than you think!

Transition Tips For Baby

The best thing you can do for your little one is to be patient and understand that getting used to something new takes time. After all, your baby is still getting used to life in general! If your schedule is going to change, try to ease into it as early as possible. 

For example, if wake up time is going to have to move up an hour, start moving it up in 5 minute increments a few weeks before you actually have to. That way, by the time your baby needs to get up so you can get to work, they are already a pro! 

If your baby will be away from you while you are working, start spending a bit of time away while someone else cares for them so they get used to other people, preferably the person who will be caring for them while you are working.

Practical Considerations For Returning To Work After Parental Leave

There are dozens of practical life adjustments that you’ll need to make when returning to work after parental leave. Here are the considerations we suggest putting at the top of your list:

• Determine your work schedule. Set or flexible? Part-time or full-time? What time will you start? What time will you be home? Knowing your schedule will trickle down to every other decision you need to make, so figuring it out first (and early) will set you up for success.

• Set your care schedule. After you know your work schedule, it will be easier to figure out your care schedule needs. Full day? Mornings or afternoons? Only certain days of the week?

• Start looking for care providers ASAP. With your care schedule in hand, decide the best care provider needs for you and your baby. Facility or In-home daycare? Nanny or part-time sitter? Nanny share or grandparents? The pandemic has made finding child care very difficult, so start looking as early as possible. Many daycares have waitlists and in-home care providers are in high demand, so we can’t say it enough: start early!

• Plan your baby feeding strategy. Will you be pumping? If so, when, where, and how? Work & Mother is a great place to pump if your company is part of their network of lactation suites. Milikify is another awesome resource for moms who want to continue breastfeeding while working away from the home. They freeze dry your milk, making it easier to store and use on the go. Homemade baby food or store-bought purees? Setting a feeding strategy now will allow you to focus on giving your baby extra hugs when it’s day 1 of back-to-work.

• Set up contingency plans. If there is one universal truth with parenting, it’s this: it’s rare for things to go as planned! What happens when your baby is sick? What happens when your care provider is sick? If your work schedule ever changes, how will your care schedule and provider need to be adjusted? If there is an emergency, what is the process for both you and the care provider? Think through these answers, write them down, and make sure everyone is aware of the plan that needs to be involved. When the time comes for you to use your back up care, it will be ready and you’ll have less worry. Some companies partner with Bright Horizons for back up care options if daycare falls through for the day or a nanny can't make it or if an elder parent needs support. 

Set Goals For Your Return To Paid Work 

It’s possible to set yourself up for success as you return to work after parental leave! If you need help setting short- and long-term goals, both personally and professionally, Parents Pivot would love to partner with you. We have made it our mission to be the one-stop online shop for all your return-to-work needs, no matter where you are on your journey. 

Will 2022 be the Year of the Great Return?

The pandemic began its crippling effects on our health and economy in March, 2020. For working moms, the coronavirus forced hundreds of thousands to leave the workforce to manage home and family life during the shutdown. While women are still leaving the workforce, it’s drastically decreased since 2020. Almost two years later, and we are all ready to put this difficult chapter behind us and hope that 2022 will be the year of the great return.

But what is the year of the great return?  It’s a year that marks a turning point in the pandemic where we have more control over our circumstances, allowing moms to return to work with the childcare and support they need to balance their personal and professional life.

Even though COVID is still here and we haven’t yet hit that turning point in the pandemic, it’s good to start thinking about what you want to do when you decide to return. Consider this: the typical job search takes 8 months for those without a career pause and even longer for those with a career pause on their resume. If you plan to return to work in 6-12 months, now is the time to start preparing!

5 Signs 2022 Is the Year of the Return

There are several signs that this year will be a year of positive progression for both the economy and our workforce.

1. Not only do we have a COVID-19 vaccine, it is now approved for children ages 5-11. Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, says the under 5 years old age group will likely be able to become vaccinated as early as the first quarter of this year. The difficulty the pandemic has brought on for working mothers regarding childcare is a major contributing factor to women leaving the workforce. With both adults and children eligible to receive a vaccine, it greatly decreases the likelihood of unexpected and extended childcare due to quarantine periods for the infected and exposed. 

2. Companies are more open to flexible work arrangement which make work more conducive for caregivers.

A silver lining of the pandemic is that companies are more open to flexible work arrangements which include working remotely where possible, designating critical “prime time” hours where meetings and employees are expected to be available, and being more flexible outside of those hours.

3. This pandemic has been a time of great transition and great reflection; people are shifting and realizing that they want a change. For many women who left the workforce, they are re-examining their interests, passions, and priorities. Returning to the workforce will most likely take a different shape from when they left. Working moms may search out different roles than what they had before, and will be looking for more flexibility, and better benefits, all of which are now more available because of the pandemic.

4. Companies are less wary of a career pause after the pandemic, regardless of what caused the gap between jobs. With record unemployment rates across the board, employers and hiring managers are accepting the fact that a career gap is going to show up on resumes more often than not.  

5. Why not start now? There is no time like the present. We have all been through several years of stops and starts with COVID. If we hang around waiting for the perfect time, then we might never get started. So why not get started planning your return? It might just be the change that you have been looking for.

If you are looking to make 2022 your year of return, Parents Pivot would love to partner with you to find success in finding the perfect fit for you! We offer many resources to assist you with your job search, from 1:1 and group coaching to special events and job listings in Houston. Connect with us today to make this year your year!

Transitioning Back To Work After Maternity Leave

Transitioning back to work after maternity leave is hard. You’ve been out of the flow for a while, and now you’re coming back with a new set of demands to juggle, concerns to prioritize, and logistics to manage. Not to mention the emotional tug-of-war you may feel between your job and your new baby. It can all feel very overwhelming.

A return to work after maternity leave is never easy, but the following tips will help your return be as smooth and successful as possible.

How to Prepare For Your Return From Maternity Leave

As you approach the end of your maternity leave, there are a few ways you can prepare in advance for your return to the workforce:

• Have a childcare back-up plan. You know you will need to find childcare, but have you thought about your back-up plans? Inevitably, there will be days your baby gets sick or your daycare provider is unable to provide his/her services. Establish a plan with your significant other or parenting partner/s for primary contact, unexpected pick-ups, and potential back-up caretakers.

• Schedule your return date. Decide when and how you will return to work. Will you ease back in by working part-time in the beginning, or will you return full-time right away? Whichever you choose, consider working only two or three days in your first week or two. This will ease the transition and help you (and your baby) adjust more comfortably.

• Communicate with your boss. At some point, you’ll want to reach out to your boss to check in and talk about your transition plan. Share your plans for return, communicate your expectations and logistical needs, ask about changes that have occurred while you were gone, and discuss any adjustments to your job responsibilities and schedule.

• Do a dry run with the daycare or sitter. If possible, don’t wait until your first day to leave your baby with the daycare provider or babysitter for the first time. Do a trial run a day or two in advance. This will familiarize your baby with the process and the caregiver, give you a preview of what to expect, and help you work out the kinks before the big day. If you are breastfeeding, you will also want to give your baby opportunities to get used to taking a bottle before your first day apart.

• Prepare for pumping (if you choose to do so). If you will be pumping on the job, make sure you’re prepared for that before you return to work. Know your rights as a working breastfeeding mother, communicate your plan and expectations to your supervisors, and determine where you can pump in your workplace. In the weeks leading up to your return, figure out your pumping schedule, gather all the supplies you’ll need, and practice pumping at home beforehand. If you are in Houston, be sure to check out Work & Mother and see if there is a suite near you!

What You Need to Know About Returning From Maternity Leave

Once it’s time for you to return to work, here are a few things you should expect (and you should know are completely normal):

• It’s normal to experience some anxiety. The initial days and weeks of a return are emotionally taxing. You may experience some separation anxiety, doubts about balancing work and motherhood, and even working mom guilt. That’s normal. Remind yourself that this is a temporary transition and that both you and your baby will adjust.

• It’s also normal to feel excitement. On the other hand, you may feel excited or relieved about returning to work. If you do, don’t feel guilty. It doesn’t make you less of a mom or less invested in your child. It simply means you have another area of life you love and a passion to pursue.

• Reset your expectations. Be gentle with yourself as you ease back into your professional routine. This is a major life transition, and it will take some time to adjust. Be realistic about what you can (and should) give to your job, and adapt your expectations to your new season of life. You may not be the same employee you were before you left, but you can be just as valuable in your new role.

• Be intentional about time with your child. As much as you may love or need to work, your baby is also a priority. Make a plan for how and when you’ll spend time with him/her. Will it be in the mornings? In the evenings? On the weekends? Whenever you can get it, be deliberate about making the most of the time you have with your baby.

• Seek support. Returning to work after a baby can be a tough transition, so don’t do it alone! Seek out support and encouragement from your partner, family, friends, and/or online mom communities. You can even ask advice from colleagues who have walked this road before you. Parents Pivot is also here to help whenever you need it. Schedule a phone call with Anna for a consultation to determine if 1:1 or group coaching is right for you!

Returning to work after maternity leave may not be easy, but with these tips in mind, you can make it as smooth a transition as possible for everyone involved!

Protecting Your Long-Term Career If You Left The Workforce Because of COVID

Did you leave the workforce this past year because of COVID? If so, you are not alone! Whether due to the demands of juggling e-learning and work, increased family stressors, concerns about health and safety, or other reasons, many moms made the same difficult decision to step away from work and focus solely on family. These are all valid reasons, and you should not feel an ounce of guilt over it. But now you may be wondering what to do when you want to return to work with a gap in your work history.

Whether it’s this year or years down the road, if you left the workforce because of COVID, there are steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition back to work when the time is right.

Steps To Take To Make the Return To Work Easier

Protect your long-term career while you’re away from the workforce by keeping the following tips in mind:

1. Stay professionally active. Keep up with professional groups, engage in relevant conversations, and volunteer whenever possible to stay current. Even if they’ve stopped meeting in person, many groups are still active online and as a bonus this is remote work so you will have remote work experience to add to your resume even if it is unpaid. 

2. Continue to network. Be prepared when you do decide to return to work by keeping connections warm. Reach out to key people, participate in online organizations, and build relationships in your industry. Connect with your former coworkers on LinkedIn now while the relationships are still fresh or send an email every so often to say hello goes a long way! Even if they also left the workforce. Follow industry thought leaders on LinkedIn to stay informed about industry trends. 

3. Be proactive in your self-marketing. Keep your LinkedIn and resume up-to-date now so it’s easier to pick up when you’re ready to return to the workforce. It will be easier to get all of those metrics to put on your resume now vs. a year or two down the road.

4. Use the Return to Work Checklist! Subscribe the Parents Pivot newsletter to receive a free download of the Ultimate Return to Work Checklist so you’ll know exactly what to do when you decide it’s time to pivot back to work.

How To Know When It’s Time To Return

One of the most difficult aspects of returning to work after an extended career pause, for any reason, is knowing when it’s time. Returning to the workforce after leaving because of COVID is no different. How will you know when the time is right?

First of all, making the decision to return to work is a personal one. People return to paid work for a variety of reasons. The most common ones that I hear are financial security and to do meaningful work but others include professional achievement goals, being a role model for your children, and wanting to do something different when the nest empties. 

Having conversations with your partner/s in parenting will help you think and talk through financial goals, household responsibility expectations, and role changes. Ask them to weigh in, listen to their responses, and work together to come to a decision that benefits the family as a whole. 

Only you (and your family) can determine what’s best for you. 

Whenever you decide the time is right, Parents Pivot is here for you! Schedule a phone call with Anna for a consultation to determine if 1:1 or group coaching is right for you!

5 Ways To Prepare For Returning To Work After A Career Pause (and Post Coronavirus Pandemic)

Are you interested in returning to work sometime in the next year or so? Or maybe you are thinking that this will be your last year at home with the family before you return to work next year?  Whether you’ve taken a career pause because of the coronavirus pandemic or other family reasons – believe it or not, now is the perfect time to start preparing to return to work, even if it’s not in the next few months. It takes 8 months in normal, non-pandemic times for a continuously working person to find a job. That process takes even longer for people with a career pause on their resume. The good news is that there are things you can do now to make the process stress-free and successful! 

Subscribe the Parents Pivot newsletter and you’ll receive a free download of the Ultimate Return to Work Checklist to keep you organized and moving forward during your pivot. 

5 Things You Need To Do To Prepare To Return To Work

Preparing to return to work after a career pause or after the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on these five tips and you’ll be making great progress towards landing a position you’ll love.

1. Maintain your network. Whether you like it or not, sometimes landing your dream job comes down to who you know. Getting your foot in the door through a connection often has a higher success rate than applying for a position without knowing anyone in the company.

2. Reflect. Take time to think about what you have enjoyed doing in past work, explore your values, and come up with your ideal vision for your next step. What do you really want to do in your next job? Having a clear focus on where you’ve been and where you want to go is a key to a successful career.

3. Pursue professional skills. You don’t have to be doing paid work to sharpen your skills! Volunteer with a local organization or take some courses online. Doing this now will add skills and experience to your resume that helps to fill the gap you have from taking a career pause. Coursera and General Assembly are great resources to enhance your skills from home.

4. Update your resume and LinkedIn. Yes, it’s not fun, but you have to do it. Working on your resume and LinkedIn in small chunks as you have time will be less daunting than trying to do it when you see a job opening that you want to apply for. If you have recently left a job during the COVID pandemic, now is the perfect time to update your resume for your most recent position. Contacting past employers for measurable results of your work while the work is still relatively fresh is also a good idea if your pause hasn’t been too long.

5. Be patient. This process can take awhile, even when you are doing everything right. Find your tribe to support you through the long haul! Understanding your “why” of returning to work can also help you get through the process. Learn how to find your “why”.

THRIVE is the perfect way to implement these five ways to prepare to return to work into your transition.

A Solution For Returning to Work After Career Pause: THRIVE

THRIVE is a supportive community of like minded returners going through the same thing that you are, returning to work after a career pause. THRIVE enables you to maintain a solid network, helps you to organize your thoughts about your career path, and helps you to update your job search resources - all while leaning on other women taking the same path.

Join us for this 3 month return to work program! Let THRIVE be the catalyst for you to move towards what’s next.

Join THRIVE today!

Return to Work Success Story Part 4: Danielle Dobson

You’ve made it to the last part of our 4-part return to work success story interview series! I’ve loved sharing insights with you from my good friend and successful career mom Danielle Dobson. You can find part 1 here, part 2 here, and part 3 here.

In this final installment, you’ll read about her most difficult challenges returning to paid work, as well, as taking care of yourself and raising children to value women who work.

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Anna: You mentioned it was hard to return back to paid work. So, what was the hardest thing once you started working that you had to manage?

Danielle: Managing my own expectations. So, in my career, I always thought, “100% or it’s not good enough.” So, I wanted to operate back at that level again in my work. I thought, “If I’ve decided to do this working thing again, it's got to be hundred percent.” But being a 24/7 parent, flying solo, that wasn't possible. So, it was the expectation of wanting to do my best possible job and feeling I couldn’t meet it.

I kept telling myself, “You’re exactly where you need to be right now. And being a parent as well, and being present with that, will help you with work. It won't be as quick, but it will help. Doing these two roles well will, overall, be beneficial. Just throwing yourself back into work is not going to work. That was in the past. This is a new world that you’ve stepped into where it's not sustainable to operate like that.”

Managing my own expectations was the hardest thing—managing my own ambitions and being ok with where I was at.

Anna: And do you feel like you've made a big difference between then and now?

Danielle: Yeah, for sure. This is the whole thing with it. It’s a slow build. It's a bit-by-bit, daily moment-by-moment build. And it's been building capacity in the boys. Slowly building, not just parachute dropping them in and they’re latchkey kids, but a slow build of leaving, getting them to do more around the house, getting them to get dinner or something, stretching out the time when they're home alone. And just normalizing all the stuff that needs to be done around the house like a big group mission. I was getting frustrated one time, and I just sat there at dinner, and I wrote down all the jobs, all the human flourishing jobs. It was a couple of pages of them. And I asked, “So how many of these do you guys do? And they were like, "Oh, one or two.” So, just normalizing all that stuff, especially around the gender stuff that I’m doing. I want to make sure that everyone just sees everything that needs done around the house. It's just part of our jobs.

And self-compassion, my way isn't the only way, and it might not be the best way, but it's the way that I've been doing it for years and years. It's okay. Because you've been training your brain to do it this way. You built efficiencies, you built those muscles really strong, Danielle. Others haven’t yet. So, they’re building that now. You’ve got to be patient.

Anna: And I remember also talking with you several years ago, and you were saying that what you needed was to work out. So, knowing what you need, first, but then also managing to figure that out. When you're a single parent with three boys, how do you get to work out? And I remember you figuring out the ways to do that. Whether it was going swimming and, since some of your older kids were old enough to stay with the younger ones, just telling them, “I'm going to be gone in the morning to go swim. I'll be back.” And also having the kids hang out at your lacrosse games, and I remember you saying to them, “I hang out at your lacrosse games, you can hang out at mine.”

Danielle: Exactly. It comes back to that thing at the center. So that's where I used to think it was health and well-being. I start my day with exercise and a morning routine. So, I get up early. Because it's important to me, and I know how I'm going to feel afterwards. I tap into that. But I think it's actually about human flourishing, because for me, working out is working time out for me.

I'm training to get my kids to get themselves ready for school in the morning. And a lot of parents won't do that. And that's totally okay. But for me, it's what's important. And that's where I make my decisions from because I know how much it's going to benefit me. Because it's so important, I’ve done what I've needed to do to be able to put that in place. So now I work here. I do something every morning.

And it’s interesting, I had a conversation with a friend, and she told me her husband had been cheating on her for four years, and she knew about it for two years, and she stayed with him. At one point she told me, “I just wish he’d put me first for a change.” And then we're talking a bit more about other things, and she said she's not happy with her body, and she wants to lose weight. And she said, “I’m not like you. I’m not driven like you. If something’s going on with the kids or someone else, I’ll put them first and I won’t work out.” And I said, “Did you hear what you just said? You said that if something comes up, you put the kids first or someone else first. If you're showing everyone else that you come second, you're modeling how you want to be treated. So they're going to treat you like you're coming second all the time. Because if they think you're okay with that and you're modeling that, it’s going to keep happening. And she's like, “Whoa. You’re right.” And I see it all the time.

So here, it was around working out, but for other people, it might be around other stuff. And I think we all do it. We all set everyone else up for success first. Even with my workout, I get up early so that I can get all this stuff ready for them to pack the lunches and make breakfast. They pretty much do it, but I have to get it ready for them. So, I have to put them first somehow so I can do the thing. So, I'm still doing that. But I am modeling to them that my health and well-being is important to me and that I feel it's important for them to know and to respect. That’s what keeps me going with it, too.

It's funny, sometimes they get to the stage where I feel like they're getting too entitled around things. My thing with that is okay, so we've got to build into people gratitude, so I'll just take something away. Not being punitive or punishing them, but to build that gratitude instead of expectation. And also, the book I’m writing is called Ditch the Cape, so I have to do it first.

Anna: And you do it. Like, you do really live this. And I think that's what's so amazing and inspiring. So, thanks for doing that. And for raising three boys to know that, you know, this is the way things can be done. And this is the way a family works.

Danielle: I don’t want to send them out into the world looking for another mum to do things for them. I see the consequences of that in my work with women, that men aren't pulling their weight at home. It's still on the women. And because we don't have any girls, we’re a more gender-neutral family with one gender only, we don't get as much of the gender differences. So, work around the home isn't distributed along gender lines. It’s just work to be done. The difference, I’ve found, is all to do with the parents because the mother and father act along the gender lines. If the mom’s doing everything for the boys or girls, then the gender code plays out, in marriages and beyond. But if the parents just put jobs in a big pot, the more you can do that, the more you don’t see that.

 This is a 4-part interview series with Anna McKay, Founder of Parent’s Pivot and Danielle Dobson of Code Conversations. If you are interested in learning more about how you can successfully pivot to paid work, contact Anna today.

Return to Work Success Story Part 3: Danielle Dobson

Transferable skills are critically important for moms returning to paid work. It builds value, confidence for both the working mom and for the teams they join. In the third part of this 4-part interview series with Danielle Dobson’s return to work success story, she lists transferrable skills that helped her put her foot back into the business world. To catch up with the interview, read part 1 and part 2.  

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Anna: What were some of the transferable skills between parenting and working for you?

Danielle: Previously, I had a career in finance, so I developed skills and mastery around problem-solving, organization, planning and scheduling, measuring outcomes, and speaking to people. I was in audit, and my last role was internal audit, and I learned how to get things out of people by listening to them and understanding them. Financial literacy and awareness, I completely underestimated that. So definitely having that and just my general strengths that I guess I've always had—resourcefulness, motivation and drive. I just brought all those strengths and skills to my role of parenting.

Anna: But from your role of parenting to this new role that you have…

Danielle: Critical thinking. It might seem crazy, but I've got three young boys and have often had the case of “Who do I save first? The one who’s going to fall off the deck? The one who’s going to run out into the road? Or the one who’s just about to smash his head?” And people might say, “That has nothing to do with the business world,” but it's like lightning quick, and you have to prioritize.

And then things like scheduling. I have to get that person set up and all the obstacles out

of their way so they're in a good position to be able to carry on with this. Removing obstacles to set others up for success. That was a big one.

Creativity – As moms we’re incredibly creative with setting up connections and opportunities for our kids and other people’s.

Collaboration – with groups, with other parents, with teachers. Meeting the needs of people with entirely different objectives and emotional discombobulation, getting them to all move together in a team, is hard. So, motivation and drive. Finding out what makes people tick and how to motivate them to get in on the group mission.

Innovative thinking. You’ve got to be so innovative and creative all the time as a parent. Adaptability, flexibility, empathy, and perspective. I think perspective was one of the biggest ones. You have to always understand that person in front of you [unsure] and how to get the best out of them.

Anna: Definitely. Yeah, that's awesome. If you can work with a two-year-old and get the best out of a two-year-old, you can do that out of a 42-year-old.

Danielle: I think one of the biggest things is there’s a blessing and a curse. I didn't know anything about child raising, so I was feeling my way the whole time. And I thought the only way I can do this thing is to understand each of my kids, what makes them tick individually and uniquely. I brought my strength of curiosity to that. I was always asking, “What makes them do that? Why are they doing that?” trying to understand them. Because the only way I could do this parenting gig was to understand each one individually. Or trying to relate to them and motivating them by how they respond individually. There's no one size fits all. And there's a thousand books on parenting, but there's no one book. So, you’ve got to feel your way.

Anna: And I know that you use your research skills of figuring out all the pieces of information from those parenting books that were helpful for you. Just like you're figuring out all the pieces of the research that you're having to pick through for your book. I mean, I think that's really pretty cool.

Danielle: And I think the more we look for all of those similarities and how we show up in different realms, the more we can be congruent and have the flow. Rather than looking at how they’re all different.

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This is a 4-part interview series with Anna McKay, Founder of Parent’s Pivot and Danielle Dobson of Code Conversations. If you are interested in learning more about how you can successfully pivot to paid work, contact Anna today.

5 Ways Working Moms Can Practice Gratitude During The Pandemic

When the pandemic started in early 2020, I don’t think anyone realized that we would be celebrating the holidays wearing masks, relying on hand sanitizer, and having to remain socially distanced. This year’s struggles have been real, and rough, for everyone. Especially working moms. Practicing gratitude may seem impossible given how 2020 has treated us, but it’s essential for our own well-being, and the well-being of our families.

Why Gratitude matters

Practicing gratitude has scientifically-proven, physical and mental benefits. This Forbes article has the details, but here is the summary. Gratitude...

• builds relationships.

• motivates you to take better care of your physical health.

• improves psychological health.

• enhances empathy and reduces aggression.

• provides better sleep.

• improves self esteem.

• increases mental strength.

The better sleep benefit alone makes me want to practice gratitude, but this list as a whole makes it obvious that working moms cannot afford to skip gratitude this year. We need it now more than ever.

5 Ways Working Moms Can Be Intentionally Grateful

This list is just the tip of the iceberg for ways we can practice gratitude as busy working moms. Start with these activities, then get creative and find your own ways to show and internalize your gratitude. Your body, mind, and family will return the favor and  thank you for it!

1. What good things have happened in 2020? This year needs a reset, so let’s start with our own perspectives on this year. Yes, lots of bad things have happened, but there have been some good things too. For example, my family has usually suffered from a couple of colds and a stomach bug or two by this time every year. Because of the extra precautions because of COVID-19, we’ve not been exposed to the germs that we usually do. Think about 5 things you are thankful for that happened in 2020 and write them down somewhere to remind you of the good.

2. Start a gratitude journal. You may have heard of this idea before and not done it because it’s another thing to add to your to-do list. Trust me, I get it. And if that is you, scale down the journal to simply writing down what you are thankful for on a sticky note before you open your computer. The point is, starting your day with the things you are gratitude for makes a difference in your attitude and outlook for the rest of the day. And remember that what you write down doesn’t have to be a novel or anything profound. Finding your lost tube of chapstick is a totally legitimate thing to be thankful for!

3. Tell people that you are grateful for them, or what they have done. It’s so easy to skip saying thank you when we are busy, busy, busy. But beyond just saying thanks, take the time to really be open and generous with your gratitude. Did your child decide to make his bed without you asking? Take thanks a step further by telling him how proud you are of the little man he is becoming and give him an extra hug. Did your co-worker do something that made your job easier, even though they didn’t have to? Make sure they know how they helped and that you enjoy working with them in general.

4. Pause when you find something to be thankful for. Pause here can be as quick five-seconds to really let your gratitude think in. Take the time to really think about why you are grateful and how the thing, person, or circumstance is bringing you joy. For example, I saw the most beautiful sunrise last week. I didn’t want to be up that early, but I was, and I allowed myself to watch the beautiful sky for a few seconds before I moved on with my morning routine.

5. Ask your family to practice gratitude with you. Kids are surprisingly good accountability partners! Practicing gratitude with your kids on a regular basis will keep thankfulness top of mind at home and throughout your work day. Here are some easy and practical ideas:

   • I like the fun game, “Aren't we lucky?” where you take turns saying “Aren’t we lucky” that XYZ… Aren’t we lucky that papa and nana live so close? Aren’t we lucky we have a fun playroom? 

   • At dinner every night we share what we are grateful for. We also have a clear "gratitude bowl" that we fill up with little notes that share things we are grateful for. We love seeing our “gratefuls” pile high in the jar! 

   • My daughters also had a "happiness jar" when they were little where I wrote down little things that we or they were happy about. We found them again the other night and it was fun to go through those with them! It was a fun and uplifting walk down memory lane.

Let Parents Pivot Help

Are you struggling to return to work after a career break? Is the transition back to work more difficult than you expected? We’d love to chat with you about how we can help. Contact Anna, working mom of two daughters and founder of Parents Pivot, today!