Working Parents Support!

We recently held a poll calling on working parents, to help raise awareness for all the hard work parents put in daily. Working whilst juggling parenthood is never an easy task and one that should be applauded!

So, the question we asked was, “Who juggles a full-time job whilst also being a Mum or Dad?”

Many thanks to everyone who took part. It was surprising to see that the fast majority who took part, were maintaining a career, whilst having the additional lifelong job of parenthood!

But, of course, at times it is not easy to manage the two!

This is why we wanted to highlight some of the support available to working parents & carers, just in case you were not aware, (or needed reminding) there is help out there for you!

Pre-school years can be a tough time for working parents, as your children are around more of the day, which can make working full-time incredibly challenging indeed!

UK childcare is quite expensive, before the “free childcare” offers start, but the government are beginning to amend these.

So, in September 2024, children 9 months and up will get 15 hours free childcare for 38 weeks of the year and by September 2025, this goes up to 30 hours.

Currently, by the age of three, all parents receive 15-30 hours free childcare (depending on the eligibility).

To find out a little more about this, go to: The ‘free childcare’ offers: what parents and carers need to know | early years alliance (eyalliance.org.uk).

That said, many businesses now recognise the importance of working parents.

There are millions of firms out there who will offer flexible working schedules, to help their employees and many that will allow you to work from home, full or maybe part time, if you need to be there for your children.

Do not be afraid to ask the question of your employers, as you may be surprised at how they can help!

It is becoming the norm these days, to have a flexible way of working. So, to have this additional support, does make a significant difference to the work / life balance!

The following website is brilliant, if you need any advice on how to ask your employer regarding flexibility with working and your right to request. It also discusses the support available to fathers, non-birth partners or those that are having a baby via other means. Remember that all parents & carers are entitled to support, which is wonderful!

Working Families | Advice for Parents & Carers – Working Families

Also, it is incredibly important to remember that you may be able to obtain help from relatives or loved ones around you and that you should not be afraid or ashamed to ask for their help.

All too often, we feel as though we need to do everything on our own but, we should embrace the ones we trust and let them help if they can! People tend to like helping, it makes them feel good!

Next, there are working parent support groups out there on social media, so you can chat to like-minded individuals, sometimes a chat and a ‘vent’ is all we really need!

Similarly, please try to use the school and nurseries, breakfast and after school clubs for those days when you have a pressing engagement on at work.

Lastly, do your best to find small pockets of time to do something for yourself.

Take a short walk, a bath or read a book. It may sound obvious, but it is especially important to have a little time out as a parent or carer. I am sure that if you are able to practice small amounts of ‘self-care’ daily, you will be better equipped to handle the stresses of working and parenting!

I hope this blog has been interesting and informative. Please feel free to comment and engage with us on this subject or any of our other blog topics we have posted! By clicking on the image below, you are taken to our main blogsite.