Parents Pivot

My favorite ways to embrace the summer-time chaos while still managing my workload:

- Time-batch your tasks: Set aside blocks of time for your to-dos, like replying to emails, upskilling, or even planning grocery lists.

- Understand when you have the most energy! If you're a morning person, tackle the big stuff early so you can enjoy that afternoon at the pool stress-free.

- What can you delegate? Involve the whole family in some yard work, hire the nanny to come a bit earlier, or outsource a meal or two.

- Schedule mid-week pick-me-ups: A cold brew on Wednesdays or a Thursday night stroll with the family allow you to create little summer rituals to recharge.

😎Tell me some of your summertime hacks!

Research shows moms pick up 9+ more hours of childcare a week this time of year. No wonder your to-do list feels never-ending!

The good news? A little strategy goes a long way, from letting go of perfection, finding a routine that works for you and your family, and prioritizing your well being.

I loved the ideas in this Forbes article highlighting some big and small things you can do to keep things moving while you're managing WFH and the kids: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2025/06/06/5-survival-tips-for-working-moms-with-kids-home-this-summer

According to new research from and The Harris Poll, 68% of parents agree that sometimes summer feels like a break for everyone but themselves.

And between working, summer camps, childcare, and social schedules, I can see why! It’s hard to not let the pressure of summer get to you, but you might be the only one who notices.

These next few months, I encourage you to let go of perfection and find a rhythm that works for you, whether that’s ramping up or taking a breather. Your future self will thank you!

As a parent, summer can feel like you don't have much time for yourself (or your job search!).

If you still want to stay focused on your job search but short on time during this busy season, how about setting a goal of upskilling?

By the fall, you'll be ready to hit the ground running, with a new skill under your belt! My favorite resources for upskilling:

LinkedIn Learning
Coursera
Grow with Google
Skillshare

What skill are you focusing on this summer?

Summer is here...and so is the mental load.
Between routines changing, summer break, more social functions coupled with high expectations, this season can quietly pile on pressure. It's ok if it feels like a lot, because, well, it is!

As a Fair Play Life faciliator, here are my suggestions for making the summer mental load a little easier:

Map out your summer at a glance
Write things down (in a place where everyone can see!)
Remember that you don’t need to do it all
Use your village.
Rest = productive.

You don’t have to make every summer moment magical. Sometimes the simplest acitivites are the ones they remember most!

What are you looking forward to doing this summer?

Ready to re-enter the workforce after a career break? You have valuable skills and your story matters.

Here’s a simple four step formula to build your elevator pitch with clarity and confidence ⤵

1. Start with who you are
2. Briefly acknowledge the gap (optional but empowering)
3. Share what you’re looking for now
4. Highlight your strengths

Whether you're heading into interviews, networking, or just getting your footing, your pitch helps shape your next chapter.

My recommendation is to craft your pitch and start practicing! Ask a friend, mentor, or past colleague to listen - every networking opportunity is a chance to refine this pitch and make it better!

What’s the one thing you are focusing on this summer? Whether you are ready to re-enter the workforce, want to spend quality time with your family, or preparing for a big transition, my advice is to narrow your focus this season.

Summer is jam-packed: endless activities, social gatherings, play dates, summer camps…but what if we chose to slow down instead?

Last summer, I was so inspired by book “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results” (on audio book of course, my favorite mom hack!), and I’m taking that same energy into this summer. My focus this summer is quality time with my family.

Here’s a breakdown on how to chose your “one thing”
First, reflect on what you want to accomplish this summer.
Next, think through tasks or habits that would make other things easier.
Plan ahead to focus your time.
Say no to other non-essential things.
Hold time for accountability and reflection.

Let me know what you are focusing on!

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated professional superpowers moms use daily: communication skills.

From navigating toddler meltdowns to coordinating school schedules, advocating at parent-teacher conferences, and leading the PTO, moms are constantly reading the room, adjusting tone, staying clear, and listening deeply.

If you're heading back into the workforce or leveling up your role, don't underestimate this skill. Hiring managers know strong communicators are the glue in teams.

So the next time you start doubting your skills: remember you are a great communicator, and you do it naturally.

Forbes breaks down why communication is essential in 2025: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2025/05/14/why-communication-skills-are-your-most-valuable-career-asset/

To all the moms navigating life at home or returning to paid work—this is your reminder: your mental health matters, too.

Whether your days are sports games and nap schedules or emails and team meetings (or both), the invisible load you carry is real.

You are not alone if you’ve ever felt:
✦ Pulled in a thousand directions
✦ Guilty for needing a break
✦ Like you're supposed to “have it all together”

Let’s normalize asking for help. Let’s celebrate rest as a form of self-care.

And let’s keep showing up for ourselves with the same love we pour into others.

Job searching can feel daunting. Between researching, applying, following up, and networking, there's little time left in the day to devote to anything else. Especially this month, as school is wrapping up, sports are in full-swing, and your calendar is packed with activities.

One thing that helps me with large tasks is breaking them down into smaller tasks, making them feel more managable. I put together this schedule to help you tackle finding that new role in a simpler way, devoting time to just one piece of the job-search puzzle per day.

This allows for you to make tangible progress (and who doesn't love crossing something off their list?) while staying true to your job search goals. My pro tip: Planning the bigger stuff at the beginning of the week can can ensure you get the most impactful work done first.

I'd love to hear about one thing you are doing this week to take a step closer to your next role!

May is , and one of the biggest, most overlooked mental health challenges is .

As moms, we tend to push through, put our needs last, and attend to what our families need first–and this can lead to burnout, at work or at home.

Burnout is daily, chronic stress that leads to emotional exhaustion, disconnection, and self-doubt. It doesn’t happen all at once either, this stress can accumulate over time, so I encourage you to pause this month and take stock of how you are feeling.

Burnout doesn’t mean you are failing, but it signals that what you are currently doing just isn’t working.

I’d love to hear your tips on battling burn-out, and what we can all collectively do to help each other.

There truly aren't enough words to describe just how special moms are to their families, to their communities and to the workplaces they support. This Mother's Day, I hope you know how incredibly valued you are. We see the work that you do day in and day out. You are a superhero.

Happy Mother's Day!