Parenting Curveballs: Thriving Through the Challenges of Working While Raising School-aged Kids with Mary Beth Ferrante

Just when we thought we’d reached the "easy years," parenting throws new curveballs. In this episode we're joined by the brilliant Mary Beth Ferrante, founder of WRK/360 and Fairplay Method Training Director, to dive deep into the complexities of raising school-aged children. We explore the evolving demands of parenthood, why we never quite “figure it out,” and how to thrive despite the challenges. Mary Beth shares her personal and professional insights, blending relatable stories with practical reflections on boundaries, work-life balance, and why success looks different for every family.

If you’re feeling the pressure of managing career, care, and parenting expectations, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and there’s hope for adapting and thriving through it all.

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Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Mary Beth on our Substack https://doyouwantthetruthpod.substack.com/p/marybeth-ferrante

💰 Use code TRUTH30 for 30% off our Fair Play at WRK program and Parental Leave at WRK program. Use the links below ⬇️

- Fair Play at WRK Cohort: https://wrk360.myflodesk.com/fpmcohortfall2024

- Parental Leave at WRK: https://wrk360.myflodesk.com/clm2hdn377

Mary Beth Ferrante’s Work: WRK/360 Website

Follow Mary Beth: https://www.instagram.com/wrk360official  and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrk360/ https://www.instagram.com/fairplaylife


🔑Key Moments:
[2:14] – Meet Mary Beth Ferrante and the story behind WRK/360
[5:32] – Why we never quite “figure out” parenting
[11:08] – Setting boundaries as working parents: Easier said than done
[18:45] – How the parenting journey changes when kids reach elementary school
[26:10] – Finding unexpected joys when life doesn't slow down
[31:04] – When work and care collide: Career strategies for parents


💬 Key Quotes 💬

💬 I didn’t realize how much I would grieve for the person I used to be after having kids. No one tells you about that part of parenthood." – Mary Beth Ferrante

💬 We thought the 'easy years' would come, but instead, the challenges just evolve—and so do we."

💬 Parenting doesn't come with performance reviews. The only feedback you get is those moments where you see your kids thriving and think, 'Okay, I must be doing something right.'" – Mary Beth Ferrante

💬 You can't outsource the mental load. Even when you get help, managing the help itself is another job."

💬 Setting boundaries as a working parent is a process. We’re all still figuring it out, and that’s okay."

💬 Being your kids’ safe space—the one they come to in the middle of the night—is a privilege I never knew would bring me so much joy." – Mary Beth Ferrante

💬 Work-life balance isn't about having it all figured out. It's about adapting to what your family needs right now."

flexible work, work-life balance, remote work challenges, working moms, career & parenting, women in the workforce, workplace culture, work from home struggles for parents, balancing career and caregiving, invisible labor