How to Take Parenting Breaks Without Stalling Your Career

2 November 2025

Let’s be real—parenting is a full-time gig all on its own. Between diaper changes, school drop-offs, and attempting to cook something other than mac and cheese, it's easy to feel like carving out time for yourself—or your career—just isn’t possible. But here’s the kicker: it absolutely is.

Taking a parenting break doesn’t have to mean slamming the brakes on your professional journey. You don’t have to choose between climbing the career ladder and being present for your family. With some smart planning, open conversations, and a dash of creativity, you can raise your kids and keep your career on track.

Yup, you can have your cake and eat it too (while probably hiding in the pantry so the kids don’t ask for a bite).

Why Parenting Breaks Shouldn’t Feel Like Career Suicides

Let’s squash that nasty little myth right now: taking time off to parent doesn’t make you any less valuable in your profession. In fact, it can make you more empathetic, organized, and adaptable. Sounds like a dream employee, right?

Think about it—parenting builds soft skills that many workplaces crave. From negotiation (ever tried reasoning with a toddler?) to crisis management (spilled juice on a laptop), you’re learning all the things employers love.

The problem isn’t the break itself, it’s how the break is perceived and handled.

Normalize the Break, Don’t Apologize for It

We live in a society that glorifies hustle. But guess what? Hustle culture doesn’t breastfeed at 3AM or manage three Zoom school sessions while prepping for a presentation. Parents do.

It’s time to flip the narrative. Taking a step back from work to focus on family should be seen as intentional and empowering—not weak or lazy.

Planning the Break Like a Boss

So you’ve made the decision to pause your career, whether it’s for a few months or a few years. Here’s what you can do to keep the career engine idling even when you’re off the gas pedal.

1. Get Clear on Your Why

Before you submit your leave request or decline a promotion, figure out your “why.” Are you stepping back to manage newborn chaos, be more present with your teens, or maybe even to address your own well-being?

Getting laser-clear on your intentions helps you communicate it better—and more confidently—to your employer, future hiring managers, and yes, even that nosy neighbor who keeps asking, “So, no work?”

2. Set a Timeline (But Stay Flexible)

You don’t need to have a rock-solid return date, but sketching a general timeline can help both you and your employer plan ahead. Maybe it's a six-month break or a year-long sabbatical. Whatever it is, put some soft boundaries around it.

But life’s unpredictable—especially with kids. Be open to adjusting as needed. Maybe you’re ready sooner than you thought… or maybe baby number two shows up with their own agenda.

3. Communicate with Transparency

Keep the dialogue with your boss or HR rep open and honest. Be clear about your intentions, your timeline, and your hopes for staying involved in the company, even minimally. If you’re open to contract or freelance work during your break, say so.

You’re not saying goodbye forever—you’re saying, “I’ll be back, stronger and smarter.”

Staying Career-Connected While You Parent

Even when you’re not clocking in 9 to 5, there are ways to keep your professional muscles flexed—without losing your mind.

1. Keep Your Network Warm

Don’t ghost your professional circle during your break. A simple check-in message, a congratulatory comment on LinkedIn, or grabbing coffee with a former colleague lets people know you’re still around and still interested in staying on their radar.

Think of networking as watering a plant. A little attention goes a long way in keeping it alive.

2. Freelance or Consult (If You Can)

This isn’t for everyone—some parents are maxed out just by surviving the day. But if you can carve out even five hours a week to do some freelance work, consulting, or gig projects, you can maintain your skill set and add to your resume.

It doesn't have to be huge. A small project here and there can show future employers that you stayed engaged even during your break.

3. Keep Learning

One of the easiest, low-stress ways to stay career-ready is by learning. Online courses, webinars, podcasts, books—whatever fits your lifestyle. The goal isn’t to become an expert in your downtime but to continue growing.

Plus, it's a great way to feel mentally stimulated in between bottle feeds and bedtime stories.

4. Update Your Resume in Real Time

Don't wait until the night before an interview to update your resume. Use a running doc to track any freelance work, online courses, volunteer efforts, or skills you've picked up during your break.

That way, when it’s go-time, you’re not scrambling.

Reentering the Workforce Without the Jitters

Returning to work after a parenting break can feel like the first day of high school all over again. A little awkward, a little scary, but definitely survivable.

Here’s how to make the transition smoother.

1. Be Honest About Your Break, Not Defensive

You don’t need to sugarcoat anything. Use clear, confident language. You took time off to raise your family—period. Then, immediately pivot to how you kept your skills fresh and why you’re ready to jump back in.

Try saying something like:
"I took a two-year break to be with my young children. During that time, I took several online courses in digital marketing and worked on three freelance campaigns. I’m excited to bring those experiences back into a full-time role."

Short, sweet, and professional.

2. Find Return-to-Work Programs

Some companies now offer returnship programs for professionals returning after a prolonged absence. These programs are designed to support your reentry and often include training, mentorship, and flexible schedules.

Seriously, they’re like career floaties while you find your swimming rhythm again.

3. Start Part-Time (If You Can)

If full-time feels like too much all at once, consider easing back in with a part-time role, contract position, or job share. It gives you room to adjust while still rebuilding your professional presence.

4. Give Yourself Grace

You might feel rusty. Imposter syndrome may whisper in your ear. Ignore it. You’re learning to balance again, and that comes with a few wobbly steps. But you're also bringing in a rich experience that most people in the office probably don’t have—real-life parenting skills that translate into leadership, empathy, and multi-tasking wizardry.

Career Doesn't Have to Equal Constant Climb

Let’s toss out this outdated idea that the only valuable career is one that goes up and up without a pause. Real life doesn’t work like that. Sometimes careers zigzag. Sometimes they pause. And that’s okay.

Think of your career as a season. Winter isn’t worse than summer; it’s just different. Taking a break is like letting your garden rest so the next bloom can be even stronger.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Success on Your Terms

At the end of the day, success doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all definition. For some, it’s the corner office. For others, it’s being home for every bedtime. And for many of us—it’s a mix of both.

Taking a parenting break doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams. It just means adjusting the timeline. And honestly? That pause might just be the power-up your career needed.

So, take that break. Rock those parenting skills. And when you’re ready to hit play on your career again, you’ll do it with more clarity, confidence, and strength than ever before.