Supporting Working Parents During Back-to-School Season

It’s that time of year again! The air is buzzing with back-to-school energy, and for working parents on your team, that means a whole new juggling act. We’re talking packed lunches, chaotic mornings, and the kind of schedule that would make a Tetris expert sweat.

 

As leaders and HR professionals, your support during this time can be a game-changer for your staff. Whether they’re:

 

• First-time parents sending their kid(s) to daycare or kindergarten
• Experienced parents helping their kid(s) adjust to a new school
• Parents preparing to send their youngest off to college

 

Now, let’s explore some smart, actionable ways to support your team through the back-to-school transition!

 

---

 

Lead With Empathy

Imagine you’ve been going to the gym every day for a month. Then, life gets in the way. And you stop. When you finally decide to get back into it, it takes a while to find your rhythm again.

 

That’s what the back-to-school transition feels like for working parents. It’s a period of adjustment, and your support as a leader can make a world of difference.

 

During these first few weeks, your team members with kids are probably:

 

• Trying to wrap their heads around new school schedules and after-school activities
• Feeling the pressure of juggling it all and managing their time
• Pivoting to fill childcare gaps or deal with last-minute changes

 

So, how can you help? Acknowledge what they’re going through.

 

Think of it this way: a good workout buddy can make getting back to the gym much easier, right? Your understanding can do the same for your working parents during this transition. Something as simple as “I know this time of year can be crazy. How are you holding up?” can open the door to some really meaningful conversations.

 

When you show that you get it and that you care, you’re not just ticking boxes as a manager – you’re stepping up as a true leader. And trust us, your team will notice and appreciate it.

 
 
 

Offer Flexible Work Options

We’re not talking about throwing quality or deadlines out the window. Flexibility is about finding creative solutions that work for everyone. So, what might this look like?

 

• Adjusting meeting times so they don’t clash with school drop-offs and pick-ups
• Letting people flex their start and end times a bit
• Exploring hybrid or remote work options (where it makes sense)

 

Example: Could that 8:30 AM team meeting be moved to 10 AM? If not, can it become a virtual meeting so parents can join from home after they’ve tackled the morning mayhem?

 

Here’s the thing – flexibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for Emily in accounting might not work for Mike in finance. The key is to have open discussions and give people options to choose what works best for their situation.

 
 
 

Create a Culture of Care

Picture this: It’s mid-morning on a Wednesday. Charlie, one of your analysts, walks up to your desk. “Hi, I just got a call from daycare that my kid has a fever. I’m solo parenting this week and need to go pick them up. I’m going to try to get some work done from home while they’re sleeping (hopefully).”

 

You respond with, “Hi, yes, go be there for you kid. I hope they feel better soon! Let me know if you need help with anything as you step away today!”

 

The look of relief on their face? That, right there, is why building a supportive culture matters.

 

Want to make your workplace more family-friendly? Try these:

 

Trust Your Team Instead of focusing on when and where employees work, prioritize their results. Trust that they’ll deliver excellent work in a way that suits them best. This autonomy gives working parents the flexibility they need to thrive.

Show, Don’t Just Tell Be open about your own balancing act. Heading out early for a school event? Working from home with a sick kid? When you’re upfront about it, others will feel comfortable doing the same.

Encourage Stepping Away Sporting events, school plays, daycare activities (e.g., muffins with mom on Mother’s Day), and parent-teacher conferences are some of the milestone moments many parents don’t want to miss. Encourage the working parents on your team to add these moments to their work calendar and step away to be there for their kid(s). And trust that they’ll make up the time.

Celebrate the Whole Person Did Erin from payroll crush that big project while also coaching her daughter’s softball team to the championships? Give her a shout-out at the next team meeting! Recognize that your people have lives and accomplishments outside the office, too.

 

When you create a place where family life isn’t taboo, you’re not just doing right by parents. You’re building a more loyal, engaged team that gets stuff done. It’s like compound interest—those small, everyday investments grow into significant returns over time.

 
 
 

Build Open Lines of Communication

Think of good communication as the backbone of your team. It’s what keeps everyone connected and moving forward, especially during the back-to-school transition.

 

Here’s how to keep those lines open:

 

Embrace the Open-Door Policy Encourage your team to share their family needs as freely as they’d discuss any work-related challenge.

Schedule Quick Check-Ins Set up brief, informal chats during September. These aren’t about scrutinizing work—they’re about understanding how your team members are balancing their responsibilities.

Create a Judgment-Free Zone Make your workplace (whether on-site or virtual) a place where sharing concerns is the norm. When people feel secure, they’re more likely to open up about challenges and come up with creative solutions.

 

Sometimes, the best support starts with a simple “What do you need?” This opens the door to real conversations where you can listen to each parent’s unique situation.

 
 
 

Sharpen Your Leadership Skills

Your top performer, a parent of two, seems distracted and starts missing deadlines.

 

Do you:
A) Immediately reprimand them
B) Ignore it and hope it improves
C) Have a supportive conversation to understand the underlying issues

 

If you chose C, you’re on the right track. But how comfortable are you having that conversation?

 

Supporting working parents isn’t just about good intentions—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it can be developed. Consider asking your HR contact for guidance and researching the following training topics:

 

• How to have supportive conversations with working parents
• Understanding family leave and accommodation requirements
• Recognizing signs of burnout or struggle

 

Investing in these skills isn’t just about checking boxes. Well-trained leaders build stronger, more resilient teams.

 
 
 

Establish a Long-Term Support Strategy

Supporting working parents isn’t just about managing the back-to-school transition – it’s about creating a year-round environment where they can thrive. Here are a few strategies to consider:

 

• Partner with the HR team for a quarterly “Parent Policy Checkup,” ensuring your company strategies evolve with your employees’ needs
• Explore adding additional benefits like dependent care FSAs or childcare subsidies

 

Family-friendly policies can be a game-changer for your organization. They not only help you keep your best employees but can also attract new talent to your team.

 

How will you start building long-term strategies today?

 
 
 

Final Thoughts

The back-to-school season isn’t just a challenge for working parents—it’s an opportunity for you to shine as a leader. By putting these strategies into action, you’re not just easing a temporary transition. You’re building a culture of trust, loyalty, and productivity that will benefit your team all year long.

 

So, what’s your first move going to be?