by Jen Hyde

This week, I spoke with Dr. Yael Schonbrun, a clinical psychologist specializing in treating relationships, assistant professor at Brown University, co-host of the podcast Psychologists Off the Clock and author of Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much).

She is also writing the newsletter: Relational: The Art and Science of Connection for The Growth Equation which you should absolutely sign up for!

In our conversation I mention that I’m keeping WPT on my nightstand because as a toolkit, Dr. Schonbrun’s advice is so actionable! My favorite part of the chapters are her reflective questions, which I have found useful in managing moments when my big feelings about work and life come up. As we discuss in the episode, the practice of being a balanced working parent is ongoing. Life happens! We experience loss, the needs of our kids change as they grow, and without tools to cultivate a mindful awareness of what’s going on, despair can creep in.

A 2021 report from Ohio State University found that 66% of parents experience parental burnout. This fact sheet from the study includes a self-assessment tool to measure burnout if you think you have it. Likewise, a report from Flexjobs finds that 56% of adults want to change their jobs to improve work/life balance. There really is no perfect scenario, and while federal and private workplace policies are essential to improving the issues working parents face, equipping ourselves with tools to improve our mental health has significant merit right now.

Shambhala Publications is graciously giving away THREE COPIES of Work, Parent, Thrive to subscribers to The Slice! Gain an additional entry for liking or commenting on this episode. Giveaway ends April 30, 2023, 11:59pm.

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