Why Flexibility Is the Working Parent’s Superpower

Flexibility is not just important for working parents... it’s important for everyone. Flexibility in your schedule is what allows you to know you have autonomy over your life... that you can design your day to maximise productivity and work around inflexible commitments relating to those dependent on you. Without flexibility, you can feel stressed, overworked, and time-starved. Cue: quality of life.

For working parents, flexibility is the most valuable currency there is. Being able to pick up your child from school a couple of times a week, attend a concert, take them to an activity, be home for dinner... these moments matter. And it’s flexibility that makes them possible. It’s the quality of time that matters more than quantity.

Children spell love with four letters: T-I-M-E ~ Max Lucado

How do you maximise your flexibility to spend time with your child?

While there are often workplace policies for flexible and part-time working arrangements, the reality can be more complicated. Stigma, guilt, or cultures of presenteeism can make it hard to actually take the time you're entitled to. That’s why taking matters into your own hands is key. Creating the work-life blend you desire starts with reflection and intention.

1) Outside of any constraints, what is important to you?

It may seem like an obvious question — my kids, my career, my partner — but I invite you to dig deeper. What do you consider non-negotiable? What are the moments you’ll regret missing when you look back on your life?

Take a holistic approach. When a key area is missing — whether it's health, connection, progress — it impacts your mindset and your presence with your family.

So what’s on your list? Exercise 30 minutes a day? School pick-up three times a week? Hitting project milestones? Regular date nights? Go ahead... write it down.

2) Where is communication required around what matters most?

Even if it seems obvious, if we haven’t taken time to reflect, we may not be conscious of our own priorities. And when we’re not clear, we don’t communicate. When we don’t communicate, we get frustrated when our needs aren’t met.

That communication might look like a conversation with your manager, your partner, or even yourself. As Don Miguel Ruiz says in The Four Agreements — don’t make assumptions. Ask questions. Express what you need.

3) How empowered do you feel to make it work for you?

Your beliefs about flexibility will either empower or limit you. If you don’t believe flexibility is possible, you won’t even explore what’s available.

What are you telling yourself about what’s acceptable? Are you assuming how others will respond? Noticing and shifting your self-talk is essential for creating the flexible lifestyle your family needs.

You deserve flexibility that works for your life.

And it starts with believing that it’s possible.

If you're navigating work-life balance and want to feel more in control of your time and more importantly the quality of time you spend with your child, explore the Stressed to Best Parent Method today.