Why Focus on Working Parents?

There are four reasons.

Recently a hard-working and much admired mother read one of our stories and commented that stay-at-home parents and working parents all want similar things. I totally agree. I've yet to meet a parent who isn't striving to do their best whether they work full-time, focus on their family full-time, or something in between. All parents I encounter seem to want the best for their children, their partner, their parents, their siblings, their friends, and their employer (when they have one). I'm guessing there are people out there who aren't trying their hardest, but I don't know them. For years I've suggested that any parent who wants to make a case for leaving the workforce to stay home full-time should gather data points from working parents. We've got some real horror stories about our own missteps and the consequences, but we're careful about sharing them.

So why focus exclusively on stories of inspiration and encouragement for working parents?
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1. ​Volunteer work focused on attracting and retaining women in STEM-related careers showed me first-hand the high value of role models and encouragement. Working Parent Stories showcase role models and offer encouragement.
2. There are significantly more online resources for stay-at-home parents than working parents. Stay-at-home parents are blogging and Tweeting at a staggering rate. Working parent support, encouragement, tips, and humor are harder to find. I have the network and know-how to provide some.
3. Lack of experience as a stay-at-home parent prevents me from adding any credible suggestions for them. (Although people who know me well, know that I often think I know about all kinds of things I really know nothing about :) .
4. The feedback has been very encouraging. Working parents tell us they love the stories. It's hard to walk away from that ;)

The great thing about the Internet is that there is something for almost everyone. Stay-at-home moms are able to access a ton of info to support, encourage, and enhance their lifestyle. Stay-at-home dads are also popping up all over the blogosphere and on Twitter and Instagram. Some are especially funny and entertaining. And now, Working Parents have another resource designed to inspire, encourage, and support their lifestyle. Oh, and we try to find a little humor in our missteps too.

​Thanks for reading the stories!

Kathy Calder Haselmaier is the editor of Working Parent Stories. She is a mother and wife who worked full-time for 32 years.

Related reading:

• More About Working Parent Stories
• ​​Stamina  (blog post)

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