Supporting Working Parents: Why the Whole Village Matters
Working parents are being asked to meet competing expectations: succeed at work, raise thriving children and keep everything running at home. What happens when those demands become too much?
In this episode of Community Matters, Dr Rosina McAlpine, Work and Family Wellbeing Expert from Win Win Parenting, explores why supporting working parents matters to families, workplaces and the wider community.
The conversation moves beyond individual coping strategies to examine the systems, expectations and workplace cultures that shape everyday family life. Dr Rosina discusses the mental load, the pressures facing people caring for both children and ageing parents, and why general wellbeing initiatives can miss the support working parents actually need.
For employers and leaders, she outlines five practical areas for action: understanding employees’ challenges, equipping leaders, providing tailored programs, building a supportive workplace culture and measuring outcomes.
She also explains why equity matters. Meaningful support recognises that employees face different challenges and may need different resources to participate and thrive.
The discussion considers organisations with limited budgets, highlighting how accessible online programs, recordings and practical resources can help make support achievable.
A moving story about a leader sharing his own family experience brings the message to life, showing how openness can help employees feel understood and supported.
Whether you are a working parent, carer, manager or community professional, this interview offers perspectives and practical starting points.
Listen to the full interview to discover how we can build a village around working families and help parents thrive at home and work.
Comments