Zeno Thinks: It Takes a Village
This week marks National Parenting Week in the UK. A timely moment to pause and reflect on what it really means to be a parent in this chaotic world. For me, it marks just over six months since returning to work after maternity “leave”. It’s been a season of rediscovery - not just figuring out who I am as a working parent but also finding a rhythm that helps me be the best parent I can be for my child.
Anyone who’s gone through the return-to-work phase (or is going through it) will understand that it’s one of life’s crazy transitions - that’s after having said bébé, of course.
There’s a familiar phrase: “it takes a village to raise a child.” When settling back into work, that village suddenly becomes a lifeline to keep all the plates spinning. Nursery drop-offs, baby off sick (again), client call running over while I’m running late for pick-up - it’s a constant juggle of two very different worlds.
Something I’ve really felt is the support of the village here at Zeno; the growing group of parents, some of whom have reached maestro level, and some (me) still in the amateur ranks. I only had to say the words “hand, foot and mouth” to be met with a flurry of tips, words of motivation, and check-ins to help manage my workload around a sickly baby. Parents get it. It’s hard, it’s relentless - but the parenting maestros promise this phase will pass.
There are lots of programmes and training courses designed to help parents return to work. I attended one run by PR Mums, and my top three takeaways were:
- You can have it all, just not all at the same time.
Write down a list of life values: work-life balance, friendships, financial stability, career progression, being a good parent. Now pick your top three - these are your current priorities. The rest can take a turn later. - Take 20 minutes a day for yourself.
Whether it’s a quick workout, meditation, or reading a book - it might seem like nothing, but that time can be surprisingly restorative after a busy workday followed by the bedtime chaos (if you do have a calm bedtime routine, please share your secrets!). And yes, maybe a glass of wine helps too. - Imposter syndrome is real - but give yourself credit.
Returning to work is an adjustment, mentally and physically. It took me multiple calls with IT and a few helpdesk requests before I realised I was spelling my email wrong… but it’s okay to feel a bit wobbly. With time, your confidence returns, and you rediscover who you are as a working mum.
Good luck to any returning parents and here’s to the village; the colleagues, friends, family, and fellow parents who make the juggle just a little bit easier.
