I don’t think anybody’s life is quite as smooth sailing as social media would have us believe.”

This week in support of World Mental Health Day (Monday 10 October) we welcome Clinical Psychologist Professor Roz Shafran, co-author of the brilliant book “How to Cope When Your Child Can’t”.

Parenthood can often be far from smooth sailing, especially if your child is unwell, experiencing challenges or has additional needs. So how can parents juggling work and raising their family ensure they look after their own mental health and thrive during these difficult times?

Roz and Verena talk honestly about strategies to help parents cope and Verena shares her personal story of managing being a CEO whilst her young son was admitted to the hospital 7 times over a 6 month period.

They cover:

• What to do with your big career aspirations when your child is poorly
• How to make tough decisions and look after yourself when your child is struggling
• How to carve out time that’s for you
• Why what works isn’t one size fits all
• ‘Mustabation’ and why it will grind you down 

We hope you enjoy the conversation. Remember, speaking out about your struggles isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Support can be found via Mind.

Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus, including details of our award-winning Fellowship Programmes and our latest events by signing up to receive our emails at leadersplus.org.uk/newsletter.

If you’d like to submit a question to the Big Careers, Small Children podcast please record it here https://www.speakpipe.com/BigCareersSmallChildren

Are you progressing a big career whilst raising small children?

Each month we send out a helpful round-up email featuring useful info and brave new ideas for ambitious mums and dads. Sign up now.

Applications are now open for our NHS Fellowship

Our FMLM accredited NHS Fellowship is a career development programme for working parents in the NHS who want to lead positive change. Apply by 11/07. Find out more.