Personal Reflections on Parenting and Work in the 2020s. Navigating Workplace Challenges.

Before starting, I want also to dedicate this article in specific to my good friend ALNOOR DAMJI , who I was able to see recently and who provided me with some invaluable ideas to write about.

By end of June, I was able to visit my two daughters in Calgary. Through my almost 20 years in Canada, I went from sharing with them 100% of the time to partially sharing time while flying in and out to remote locations for work. After getting divorced in 2016 and moving to BC in March 2018, I became a single father. Now, I see my daughters when circumstances align, and I am able to visit them or vice versa. For many years, I worked in northern Alberta and British Columbia, in towns like Fort McMurray, Chetwynd, and Fort St. John, until I moved to Vancouver in May 2022.

As highlighted in a January 2021 article by the World Economic Forum, the past 50 years have witnessed significant changes in family structures and the institution of marriage across many countries. These changes, such as the rise in single-parent households and the substantial increase in women participating in the workforce, have sparked concerns that children might be 'short-changed' due to parents not spending as much time with them.

?The Current Portrait of Canadian Families

According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% (1,686,340) of Canadian families are single-parent families, while 86.4% (8,576,580) are couple families (married or common-law). Of that 16%, a significant portion has children between 0 and 5 years old. Additionally, the average family size has decreased from 4.2 persons in 1931 to 2.9 persons in 2021.

Parenting in the 2020s brings unique challenges and rewards, particularly when balancing work responsibilities. As the modern workplace evolves, parents face new pressures and opportunities. This article explores these dynamics, offering insights and strategies for thriving in both roles.

The Changing Landscape of Parenting

The 2020s have introduced unprecedented changes in parenting. Technology plays a significant role in children’s lives, from education to social interactions. Parents must navigate the digital world, ensuring their children benefit from technology while safeguarding against potential harms.

Workplace Dynamics and Parenting

1.???? Remote Work and Flexibility: The rise of remote work has offered parents greater flexibility, allowing for better work-life balance. However, it also blurs the lines between professional and personal life, creating challenges in setting boundaries.

2.???? Gender Roles and Equality: There is a growing recognition of the importance of shared parenting responsibilities. Companies are increasingly offering paternity leave and promoting gender equality in the workplace. This shift helps reduce the burden on mothers and fosters a more balanced family dynamic.

3.???? Mental Health and Well-being: Balancing work and parenting can take a toll on mental health. Employers are becoming more aware of the importance of supporting employees' well-being, offering resources such as counseling, flexible schedules, and wellness programs.

Challenges in the Workplace

1.???? Time Management: Juggling work deadlines and family obligations requires effective time management. Parents often find themselves multitasking, which can lead to burnout if not managed properly.

2.???? Career Progression: Taking time off for parenting can impact career progression. Despite improvements, parents, particularly mothers, still face challenges in returning to work and advancing their careers.

3.???? Workplace Support: Not all workplaces offer the same level of support for parents. The availability of flexible hours, parental leave, and childcare facilities varies, affecting parents' ability to balance their responsibilities.

Strategies for Success

1.???? Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and family time. Create a dedicated workspace and set specific hours for work to ensure you are fully present with your family during non-work hours.

2.???? Utilize Technology Wisely: Leverage technology to stay organized and manage tasks efficiently. Use apps and tools to schedule appointments, set reminders, and track your to-do lists.

3.???? Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from your employer, family, and community. Communicate your needs to your employer and take advantage of available resources such as parental leave and flexible work arrangements.

4.???? Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is crucial. Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies to maintain your mental and physical health.

Parenting in the 2020s presents both opportunities and challenges, especially when balancing work responsibilities. By setting boundaries, utilizing technology, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, parents can navigate these challenges successfully. Employers also play a crucial role by providing supportive environments that recognize the unique needs of working parents.

Once again, thank you sincerely for investing your time reading my new article . I hope you found it enjoyable and insightful. Your feedback is always welcome, so please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Finally, if you believe this content could benefit others in your network, I encourage you to share or repost it.

#parenting #2020s #challenges #workplace

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edmundo Cardenas is a Human Resources Professional with +20 yrs. of experience in different sectors including Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, Forestry, Consulting and Education.?? He is an active member of the HR Association in Vancouver, British Columbia (CPHR British Columbia), former member of HR Association in Calgary, Alberta (CPHR Alberta) and HRIA in Calgary, Alberta and a Certified Human Resources Professional (CPHR) in Canada since 2014. He has a Bachelor in HR and a MBA Master of Business Administration from IESA School of Business - AACSB, AMBA, EFMD, EQUIS.

Has been involved with Mentoring Programs in a Mentor and Mentee capacity supporting young talented HR professionals and recent landed newcomers in Calgary, Alberta and most recently Vancouver & Coquitlan, British Columbia. Most recently, joined in 2024 the IEC-BC Immigration Employment Council - British Columbia to contribute and support talented young professionals.

He is also a former Venezuelan National Champion Swimmer and multiple record holder, International Master Competitive Swimmer, Swim Alberta certified Official and Open Water Swimmer.

Dedicated father to Sabrina graduated from high school at National Sport School in June 2024 and starting at Victoria University, BC in September 2024, and Samantha graduating from Post-graduate in Public Policy at the University of Calgary in November 2024 and pursuing in the near future her professional career .

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