Navigating the Transition from Parental Leave to Work: Insights and Advice
Returning to work after parental leave can be a challenging adjustment for many new parents. With changes in schedules, expectations, and personal identity, the transition from being a worker to a parent and then to a working parent can be complex. Life Kit offers guidance on how to manage this significant life change effectively.
According to Andee Tagle, a reporter from Life Kit, the journey back to the office often involves striving for the elusive work-life balance, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Darby Saxbe, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist at the University of Southern California, provides insight into this transformation, suggesting that parents should “lower your standards” and not expect perfection in all areas.
Saxbe, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Dad Brain,” explains that parenting is profoundly transformative for both the brain and body, regardless of how one becomes a parent. The adjustment period can be lengthy, sometimes taking over two years, especially for those with multiple children.
In this phase of life, Saxbe advises parents to embrace the notion that “great parents are made not born.” The arrival of a child triggers hormonal changes, increased emotional sensitivity, and a reduction in gray matter volume in the brain for both men and women. Although a smaller brain may not sound appealing, Saxbe clarifies that “the brain is starting to work more efficiently” as parents develop stronger social and empathetic skills to meet their child’s needs.
The concept of “mom brain” or “dad brain,” characterized by forgetfulness and scattered thoughts due to sleep deprivation and new responsibilities, is real. Saxbe notes that “your memory looks great if you’re focusing on caregiving-relevant information,” demonstrating how parenting can enhance certain cognitive abilities.
Moreover, Saxbe shares an example from her research where a father found that his time off for parenting improved his work performance by enhancing his management skills. These transferable skills, gained through parenting, can make individuals more effective workers.
On a logistical level, parenting introduces new complexities that can foster discipline and efficiency in getting tasks done. Research even suggests that parenting has neuroprotective benefits, potentially keeping the brain younger as parents age.
Saxbe’s concluding advice for navigating early parenthood is to find community support. She emphasizes, “No one is supposed to do this alone.” Building a network of support can make the journey of early parenthood and working parenthood more manageable.
For those seeking additional tips on balancing work and parenting, visit NPR’s Life Kit.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
