From the Publisher
From people I admire for their work in this space and support of working parents:
Catherine has created an excellent practical guide to working through the many challenges of becoming a working parent and it’s great to see such valuable advice being made available to all. - Colin Jones, ex-COO, Sky
This is the book I really needed when I first became a working parent! Full of useful advice, it is a book to have by your side before, during and after parental leave. Buy it, keep it to hand, read it, and even write in it, using the frameworks and exercises to clarify your plans. It’s well-structured, and with key takeaways set out at the end of each chapter, it is easy to read for busy working parents. Although our experiences may all be different, everyone will find something helpful in this book. - Kathryn Bishop CBE, Associate Fellow at Said Business School and author of Board Talk and Make Your Own Map: Career Success Strategy for Women
A fantastic resource for new parents-to-be, with the self-reflective exercises particularly helpful to prompt the important discussions between partners and employers that are so rarely had. It’s a toolkit very much for modern parents. - Han-Son Lee, Founder of DaddiLife – the leading content platform for dads and an HR consultancy for dads at work
A super practical guide. What I really loved though is firstly the real-life examples of what being a working parent is all about...the good, the bad, and the ugly... secondly, that whilst the focus is naturally on the experience of the primary carer, Catherine also encourages readers to look at it from the perspective of others – notably partners and managers who play such a key role in the overall experience. Great seeing them included and getting some tips. And finally seeing examples of best practice sprinkled throughout to hopefully inspire us all as to what’s possible. - Oliver Black, Former Managing Director of Bright Horizons, My Family Care and Tinies
Catherine and I have worked together for a number of years to provide group and 1-2-1 workplace coaching pre, during and post leave. Drawing on her own experience, she has always shared very realistic and practical advice. I’m delighted she has put pen to paper so these pearls of wisdom are accessible to an even wider audience, in a very structured way that makes it easy to dip in and out as you reach each stage and phase. The authentic everyday stories really bring the book to life and should make it very relatable to many on their joyful, yet challenging journey to becoming working parents. - Rachel Vecht, Founder and Director, Educating Matters
Not only is this a fantastic and much needed resource for all new or soon-to-be working parents, but I think this is a must read for managers and leaders who want to get a better insight into the challenges of working parenthood and how they can better support their teams through this critical time – getting it right can play a big role in improving the gender balance of an organisation. - Joy Burnford, Founder and CEO of Encompass Equality, gender balance champion and author of Don’t Fix Women
It is wonderful to read such a clear, well written book, which includes both practical tips and helpful exercises throughout. It is incredibly inclusive and the way it is organised, with clear section summaries, also makes it very neurodivergent friendly. I know this book will be helpful to many and I have no hesitation in recommending it. - Dr Kara Davey, Clinical Psychologist and HR Consultant specialising in supporting new, expectant and bereaved parents in the UK
A great read with lots of practical advice and guidance for working parents, this book also offers a valuable insight for leaders who are supporting parents. - Barry White, Head of Organisational Development, National Gas
As a working mother of two, I wish this book had been available to me during a pivotal time in my life. The invaluable insights, practical advice and self-reflection exercises it offers would have been a beacon of guidance and reassurance to have had when I embarked on my journey back to the workforce. It’s an indispensable companion for any parent navigating their leave and return to work after having children. - Jani Burwood, Head of People & Culture, Aurora Energy Research
We know from the work we do as a charity providing legal advice to parents and carers on their rights at work, there are many challenges during this crucial phase. It is daunting without proper guidance to help navigate the intricacies of parental leave so it’s great to see a resource like this being made available to all working families. To help empower them to understand their options and how they might use them. And to guide them through essential conversations with employers, ensuring a return to work that is as seamless as possible. - Jane van Zyl, CEO Working Families
And from the ‘real experts’: current new parents and parents-to-be, most of whom I have never met but agreed to take a look and share their views:
As a first-time expectant parent venturing into the confusing and complex world of parental leave and return to work, this book was a game-changer. It is an essential read for anyone grappling with the complexities of this process, offering a wealth of invaluable tips and effective strategies. The book breaks down each aspect of the journey into bite-sized chunks, providing a practical guide that you can refer to as needed. The exercises serve as an excellent tool for exploring personalised approaches, and my husband and I have already earmarked the weekday childcare plan and admin review for when our baby begins nursery in 2025! What resonated with me the most is that while addressing the most common challenges encountered at each stage of this journey, the book also shines a light on the positive aspects. This newfound perspective has instilled in me a sense of confidence as I embark on this new chapter, allowing me to entertain the notion that parenthood could potentially enhance my performance at work, rather than assuming it will solely have a negative impact on my professional life. - Emma McKinley, Finance Director at Haleon plc in the UK & First time mum-to-be
I didn’t think I needed help but Catherine’s advice made a huge difference. I was offered sessions with Catherine through work. I thought I was on top of my return plans so was sceptical as to what I would gain but I’m so pleased I did. They helped me find my way back to some sense of normality in that period when everything feels like surviving. By the end I felt empowered and equipped to deal with the challenges. It also encouraged me to have conversations that meant not only me, but my partner and colleagues, were more informed, so everything was smoother and we all had more realistic expectations. I found it both reassuring to confirm some things and enlightening to learn tips and ideas about things I hadn’t thought about (one of which saved me from having a breakdown on my first day back because none of my clothes fitted!) It’s brilliant to see this all packaged up in an easy-to-read book format – it is the next best thing to talking to Catherine and I would highly recommend it, you won’t regret it. - Emma Griffiths, Planner at Brown & Co in the UK & First-time mum
As a gay dad in the US, returning to work following the birth of my second child was a daunting task. Working Parents-to-be, with its comprehensive ideas and practical templates, greatly simplified the overwhelming process of transitioning back to the workplace. I particularly appreciated Catherine’s inclusive approach, which acknowledges the diverse family and work circumstances unique to each individual. The book offers indispensable tools for balancing professional responsibilities and parenting. It’s an essential read for working parents, providing adaptable advice and celebrating each family’s unique journey. I only wish I’d had it when I had my first child. - Alasdair Weddell, Senior Director at Peacock in the US & Dad on leave with second child
I absolutely loved this and finished it in less than 24 hours! How easy it is to pick up and put down. The reflections on what you’ll learn and bring back to your career from becoming a parent. But my favourite element is the quotes which are not just from influential people. For me for example, a father talking about adoption and not knowing when they would need leave really resonated with me. And I think so much here will resonate for others. Thank you for putting this into a book. - Amanda Richardson, Technical Training Manager at National Gas in the UK & Adoptive Mum-to-be
Thank you for creating this awesome guide – I feel a lot more prepared for maternity leave this second time around thanks to your book. I particularly valued the exercises to make me think about what’s coming up and how it’s prompted me to consider things I hadn’t yet thought about – like contact while I’m on leave. It’s made a real difference to how I approach conversations at work and how I feel about the transition. - Nichola, Strategy General Manager in Telco & Media, Sydney & Mum of toddler about to go on second maternity leave
I loved this! As someone who is currently on maternity leave but also who manages people, I wish I’d had this to refer to in the past. Many managers had their children a while ago and so it’s really easy to make assumptions on what families are experiencing in today’s world. This would be a great tool for them and, in fact, in my opinion it’s a must-read! - Emma Munroe, Customer Vulnerability and Improvement Manager in Health Insurance, UK & Mum just starting second maternity leave
This guide reassured me, empowered me to seek help where it wasn’t offered, to see the positive in shaping a new working dynamic that creates space to do better and ultimately to fi nd and offer ally-ship through shared experiences in a pivotal and daunting life stage. For those newly juggling work and family life or anyone who manages people it provides a vital lifeline for a transitional period that’s somewhat fallen through the gaps in the way of support. - Katherine Daly, Executive Director Client Services at Landor in Singapore & Mum-to-be
Catherine’s personal insights make it feel like listening to a friend. It came just at the right time and motivated me to work out an informed return plan and think about how we organise life within our family – with two working parents. I especially loved that it offers advice throughout the different stages of becoming and being a working parent while trying to fi ll out the role of being the best parent to my child. - Aline, Head of Customer Experience at Sky, Germany & Mum currently on parental leave
Parenthood is a journey into the unknown, but that doesn’t mean you need to leave everything to the universe. Catherine’s book offers a pragmatic and universal guide with helpful tips and tricks for all soon-to-be working parents. It’s easy to follow and gets to the point. I found it both reassuring that I was on the right track and insightful. - Tanja Crnogorac, Executive Strategy Director at Landor, Tokyo & Mum-to-be
We found this really helpful. It’s such a challenge trying to find a good balance between life at home with an 8-month-old, and working part-time while sharing parental leave. With our little one starting daycare in a few months, using the tips and exercises in here have helped us make a solid plan, manage our expectations and feel more prepared for the transition! - Myrto Papageorgiou & Daniel Buschor, teachers in Sweden, job sharing & new parents currently sharing parental leave
This book talks to both the parent and the career person in you and I found the activity guides helped me to devise a simple, clear plan to make returning from parental leave feel far less daunting. - Trish Folan, General Manager at a Brand & Creative Agency
