Today’s insights are brought to you by my colleague and founder of the Future Smart Parent club, Jude Foulston.
When I joined the TomorrowToday team 15 or so years ago I was an absolutely brilliant parent.
Perhaps even the best in the world… and then… We had our first child and suddenly realised parenting wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be…
And now, as I sit here as a mom to a teenager and a tween, I reflect back on all I’ve learnt as a parent so far.
What a privilege it’s been being exposed to the thinking of my colleagues over the years… Working with global futurists sure has opened my eyes and has continuously pushed my thinking and exposure to the future and the future of work.
I remember when I was learning how to outsource some of our work to the likes of Fiverr and Upwork when these ‘gig economy’ services started popping up, and my one colleague mentioned how he was giving his daughter a monthly budget to outsource some of her homework. Because it’s a skill worth learning.
I remember how another colleague told me in my first month of being a new mom, how it’s our job to prepare our kids to leave us one day…
That was a big one to swallow as I cradled my newborn, but his advice truly stuck with me throughout my parenting journey – always a gentle reminder that my job is really to raise humans that will contribute positively to society, in whichever way they choose to do so.
I’ve not worked in an office, or had official working hours since joining our team that’s scattered around the world, and so when people try to tell me that my kids will have to work a 9 to 5 in an office one day, and that perhaps sending them to a ‘small eco / bush school’ isn’t good for them because of the lack of ‘structure’ and tight rules…
I remind them that I’m raising them for a different world of work.
The world has changed.
The world has changed. Childhood has changed, and so it goes without saying that parenting in the 2020s presents a unique set of challenges due to various societal, technological, and cultural shifts.
Parenting is hard for so many of us right now, and while parenting has always been demanding, several factors have made it particularly challenging in this decade: Technology and screen time, balancing work and family, an increase in mental health issues, social media and parenting pressure, global events, environmental concern and political and social turbulence to name just a few.
Supporting your people.
By equipping parents with the tools and resources that they need to thrive in their role as caregivers, organisations not only enable them to bring their best selves to work, but also empower them to raise a future generation who are resilient, who have a sense of belonging, and who are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in the future.
Let’s face it – parents who feel supported are more likely to be engaged and focused at work, as they can better balance their personal and professional responsibilities. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and efficiency.
Action Steps for Organisations:
- Recognise the unique challenges parents face today.
- Provide resources and tools to support working parents.
- Offer flexible work arrangements to help balance family and career.
- Invest in parenting workshops and programs focused on future-ready skills.
At TomorrowToday, we’re committed to supporting parents in your organisation. Our Future Smart Parent project offers various interventions, from single sessions to comprehensive 6-month programs.
Topics include:
- “Future Proof your Parenting for the 2020s and beyond” with Graeme Codrington
- “Mindfulness for Parents” with Helen Nicholson
- “Helping your kids unleash their greatness” from Buhle Dlamini
- Online course: “Keeping your kids safer and saner online”
By equipping parents with the tools they need, you’re not just supporting your employees – you’re investing in the future workforce.
After all, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Want more? Here are a handful of resources available for parents from our Future Smart Parent Team….
Find their Magic Free Printable.
A.I. Made Easy for Teachers.
Helping teachers jump in and embrace A.I. to save them time and mental space & to shape an educational experience that prepares our students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
Self Care for Overwhelmed Moms.
Latest Podcast Episode.
In this conversation Jude talks with Dr Michael Mol about practical things, backed by science, to do to take better care of ourselves.
Join the Future Smart Parent Club.
Get the Tools & Insights you need to Equip your Kids and Teens with the Essential Skills they need to Thrive both Now and in their Futures.
Through this unique platform, she brings together parents and teachers from all walks of life, fostering a nurturing environment where knowledge, experiences, and innovative ideas are shared, enabling families to embrace the challenges of the digital age and prepare for the uncharted territories of tomorrow.