Succeeding as a First-Time Parent (HBR Working Parents Series)

8

Creative Strategies from Solo Parents on Juggling Work and Family

by Marika Lindholm

Quick Takes

• Capitalize on “stolen moments” to work or to connect with your kids
• Consider unique housing arrangements
• Arrange atypical work schedules
• Build a pragmatic support network

The daily challenge of feeding, caring for, and educating children is tough. Add the stress of earning enough money to sustain the family’s well-being and feeling fulfilled in your own career, and it becomes daunting. And solutions that work for each unique family can be hard to come by.

For solo parents—those who are single, divorced, widowed, or have partners away from home due to deployment, incarceration, disability, a health condition, or work—the challenge is that much ...