Parenthood
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Teething, T9 Word, and The Ultimate "Poop Chair"

Teething, T9 Word, and The Ultimate "Poop Chair"

Jordan Greenberg
October 03, 2023

Happy Tuesday,

One of the most rewarding — yet sometimes nerve-wracking — aspects of parenting is realizing just how unique each kid truly is. Take my daughter, for example. Yesterday, to our surprise, we discovered her 7th tooth breaking through. We know some kids with 8 at this age and others that didn’t get any teeth until after their first birthday.

While it might not be a significant developmental milestone, it’s unexpected moments like these that are almost more exciting. And on the bright side, she's one step closer to sharing a slice of pizza with me.

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One Big Idea

How Employers Can Lighten the Load for Working Parents

Though we’re a few weeks in, the shift into the back-to-school season is still a big adjustment for working parents. They’re forced scramble to adjust to new school schedules and demands with their professional responsibilities, and many are reminded of the discrepancy between standard business hours and school dismissal times. This period only underscores the reality that the school system is from an era where at least one parent typically stayed at home. Today's families often don't have that luxury. Many parents, even those fortunate to have partners sharing responsibilities or progressive workplace policies, feel overwhelmed. Employers that offer flexible, family-oriented policies and display understanding toward the challenges of working parents, not only assist their employees but also foster a culture of loyalty, satisfaction, and heightened productivity.

However, what makes these policies truly meaningful is the underlying sentiment: empathy. The pandemic, for example, made the everyday struggles of working parents glaringly evident as children occasionally video-bombed Zoom meetings. Yet, despite this increased visibility, a significant number of parents, particularly mothers, still feel forced to abandon full-time employment due to inflexible work environments. It's a reminder that modern employers need to adapt and reconsider how they support the evolving needs of their employees.

Takeaway: Here’s how employers can make work-life balance achievable

Normalize Parenting Realities: Create a culture where employees aren't penalized or embarrassed when their parental responsibilities intersect with work. I’ve seen channels like "#parents-helping-parents" on Slack that can help foster community, and offer support for instance
Offer Genuine Flexibility: Trust and flexibility go hand in hand. Instead of dictating strict schedules, employers should focus on outcomes and deliverables. Recognize that life happens — whether it's picking up a child from school or a doctor’s appointment. True flexibility is not a one-size-fits-all, but tailored to individual needs
Lead with Empathy: Whether or not company leaders are parents, there's value in approaching every situation with empathy. Recognize that every employee's situation is unique. During high-stress times, like back-to-school, what employees need more than anything is understanding and support