How to support a colleague going through Solo Parenthood

The F Word at Work

Welcome to another episode of The F Word at Work! Today, I’m excited to welcome Mel Johnson, the founder of The Stork and I, to the podcast. Mel has been a regular speaker within our community and spoke at The F Word at Work Live summit and she has is part of our amazing community of speakers we bring into organisations to showcase the many routes to parenthood.

In this episode, we continue our series on how to support colleagues through specific paths to parenthood. Mel shares valuable insights from her own journey as a solo mum and addresses the fears and challenges that arise in the workplace when navigating solo parenthood.

Here’s what we cover in our conversation:

• Mel discusses her experience entering solo parenthood and how the awareness around this topic in HR has evolved over the years. She reflects on the lack of understanding and support she encountered at the start of her journey.
• We dive into the various fears individuals face when revealing their solo parenthood journey to colleagues and managers, including concerns about judgment and the pressure to maintain career stability while managing personal choices.
• Mel emphasizes the importance of reframing societal perceptions of parenthood and challenges the traditional narrative that couples must be involved to create a family. She encourages a shift in language that empowers solo parents rather than evoking sympathy.
• We discuss the significance of building a strong support network as a solo parent and how to navigate conversations with colleagues about family structures that differ from the traditional norm.
• Mel highlights the unique challenges solo parents face in balancing work commitments with childcare responsibilities, particularly as some organizations revert to requiring in-office attendance.
• We explore strategies for managers and colleagues to create an inclusive environment that recognizes various family forms, ensuring open dialogues and understanding.
• The importance of continued dialogue about different paths to parenthood is emphasized, encouraging workplaces to acknowledge and adapt to the diverse experiences of their employees.

Mel's insights serve as a crucial reminder of the need for understanding and empathy in workplace conversations about solo parenthood and family-building challenges.

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