When you’re in the thick of the baby and toddler years, it can feel like that’s the hardest it will ever be. But what nobody tells you is that the challenge doesn’t disappear as your kids get older – it just changes shape.
In this solo episode, I’m getting real about a phase of working motherhood I didn’t see coming: the school-age years. From navigating school hours that don’t align with work hours, to managing a never-ending rotation of sports trainings, WhatsApp groups, Compass and Storypark alerts, school events, and the invisible mental load of coordinating everyone else’s lives – this one’s for the mums in the thick of it.
I talk about:
- Why the transition from childcare to school can actually increase the mental load for working mums
- The concept of cognitive labour (as described by Professor Leah Ruppanner) and why it still falls disproportionately on mothers
- The hidden logistics of school-age sport, and why I wouldn’t have it any other way
- The beautiful moments hiding inside the chaos (yes, they’re there)
- A few honest things that are helping me survive this season without losing my mind
This episode isn’t about complaining. It’s about naming something that so many of us are quietly carrying, and reminding you that you are absolutely not alone.
Connect with Carina and Working Mumma
I'm Carina — I'm here to help you navigate how to be a mum and have a career.
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