Work Parent Thrive with Yael Schonbrun PhD

The Family Brain with Megan Gipson

Yael Schonbrun is the author of the recently released book, Work Parent Thrive. I talked to her when her book was just one week old and I joke with her that when she meets Hoda to tell her that I got the first interview. I think this book will strike a cord with so many people because Yael lays out why it can feel so overwhelming to manage multiple roles and she offers practical strategies supported by scientific research and illustrated by funny antidotes that help make the strategies feel accessible.

In this episode:

We talk about how the outside forces that impact managing work and family life can feel overwhelming. It can often feel like both of those roles are being neglected. Yael talks about how these outside factors are real and do impact our lives, and that while acknowledging that reality, we can also do some “inside” work to help us feel more content and empowered by the many roles we embody.

We talk about how hope and optimism are essential to move forward professionally and in parenting. As humans we are always faced with choices, and we need to get clear on our values and how our values shape our choices. Our mindset is critical to what energy and attitude we bring into our lives. I know I can get into a victim mentality about all that is expected of me in this fast-paced world, and the reminder that I am in control and responsible for my mindset was such a great reset for me.

Yael talks about the concept of work family enrichment, and the basic idea is that research supports that shifting roles has a number of benefits to our lives. This is the game changer concept for me and helps me to shift from a poor me kind of pissed off state to a more accepting this is how it is and my brain can shift and will be better off for it mentality. If this sounds confusing listen to the episode. Yael explains it much more eloquently than I ever could.

Learn more about Yael Schonbrun, PhD

Work Parent Thrive, by Yael Schonbrun, PhD

Psychologists Off the Clock Podcast

Man’s Search For Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl

How to Not Hate Your Husband After Kids, Jancee Dunn

"The conflict between roles is never going to be eradicated. It is fundamental to being human." Yael Schonbrun, PhD

AND

"Given who you are and what matters to you how do you show up in the life that you have and build a life in the direction you want to be going." Yael Schonbrun, PhD