Long Game Parent

This podcast episode could have been different. Harsher, more relevant to the times. In all honesty, it was written and recorded a couple months ago when I knew this new season was going to be about smashing the status quo, but before it truly felt like society was coming apart at the seams. So please consider this article the addendum to the episode.Today we’re talking about the mental load as the on-ramp to the season, and how one parent typically navigating it (let’s face it, the majority is moms) is often overlooked both in family dynamics and in the workplace.You’ve very likely heard the term before, but as a crash-course, the mental load is the expectation of one person in a family or group to carry the conception, planning, and execution of tasks. The mental load means you’re the one noticing what needs to be done, thinking about it in advance, and making sure there’s follow through. You anticipate the needs of others around you (your spouse, your children, your boss, your colleagues, your in-laws, etc.), and hold timelines and appointments in your head on behalf of others, track emotional states of others, and you remember all the things no one else is thinking of.It’s like an endless, shitty project management assignment without authority, relief, or recognition.In my opinion, it’s the worst time in most of our lifetimes to be the default parent carrying the mental load of logistics and meal prep and homework and school closures because of snow and commuting and laundry - I’m sure you relate - because on top of that we are watching democracy crumble and our neighbors being kidnapped and our streets being patrolled by far too many armed individuals for no reason other to intimidate and sow fear.On top of that: so much horrific information is now being shared about child abuse by the most wealthy and powerful among us, our neighbors are being killed by our own government, children are being exposed to measles in detention centers, and it feels like there are no consequences in sight for the evil deeds happening daily.(Of course there are so many other things parents are dealing with right now in this historic time I didn’t mention. If I listed them all we would be here a long while, and I cannot pretend to be able to speak to all of your personal experiences.)So if parenting right now feels like constant triage of your own emotions, everyone else’s, and all the mundane things you do to keep you and your kid’s lives at least slightly on track, you’re not failing. Your mind and body are responding to the immense pressure you’re feeling.Shouldering the mental load has always been draining and emotionally taxing by keeping you in a state of low-grade vigilance.That vigilance, if you’re a parent paying attention to what’s happening (and I’m guessing you are if you’re reading this article), has likely dialed up to high. You might think other people are handling this better than you, but I’m here to gently (but with rage against the powers that be) tell you that you aren’t crazy.You’re overloaded in a system that relies on your unpaid and unseen labor. And as societal normal continue to disintegrate, you’re likely not alone if you feel like you’re about to hit a breaking point.I want to validate that the conditions you’re currently parenting and working inside of are so hard right now. You’re in constant crisis management.You are expected to perform emotional availability at home and perform competence and composure at work.And now, because our government has gone off the rails in a way we haven’t seen before in our lifetime, we also are adding what I guess we can call “moral labor” to the mental load list - genuine worry about our community members and school districts and state of our country all at once.We must manage our kid’s exposure to frightening news, decide if and how and when we can show up on the front lines with a whistle or to patrol school drop offs, figure out how to process the firehouse of our shock and awe news cycle, all while navigating work expectations that assume you’re just as flexible to complete your assignments as you were before kids and before all this crisis. You’re probably also, like me, worrying “What if I get this wrong?”First things first, and we explore this in the podcast, is to please do what it takes to get help sharing the mental load, especially if you have a partner or spouse. There are tips on how to do so in the episode.Because your nervous system needs this sharing and support. The next episode is how to tend to your nervous system in these wild times we’re in, but for now, know that it’s not abnormal for your nervous system to feel overloaded; if you’re in a state of constant vigilance, there’s no chance for recovery. You’re currently feeling human in an inhuman pace.I’d like to invite you to reflect on these two questions before you scroll away from this article (to hopefully press play on the podcast!)* What are you holding that no one sees?* What would feel lighter if it were shared—or simply named?Remember, the mental load isn’t imaginary. Your exhaustion makes sense. But we’re here to break out of the “norms” we’re finding ourselves in. We’re searching for and committed to changing things for the better.This season of Long Game Parent is about how we stay awake, stay human, smash the status quo, and play the long game on behalf of ourselves, our families, and our communities.You’re not alone in this. We’re building a team facing this head-on, together.Rooting for you, always,Coach Lauryn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

Picking a New Year’s Resolution as a parent? You know how it goes: the calendar flips, you feel that pressure to reinvent yourself overnight: “I’ll work out five days a week.” “I’ll stay calm with my kids.” “I’ll get organized.” “I’ll manage my time better at work.”And then real life hits — daycare drop-offs, work deadlines, emotional labor, overstimulation, and bedtime negotiations — and by the second week of January, you can’t even remember what your resolutions were, let alone stick to them.We all secretly know that New Year’s resolutions don’t really work for us. And statistically… they rarely have. So this year, forget those resolutions. Instead, we’re doing something different—something that actually works for parents, kids, teens, and even toddlers:We’re building your very own 2026 Bingo Board.A playful, low-pressure, individualized activity the entire family can do at the same time, each creating their own “Year of Possibilities” board.No perfection. No deadlines. No shame.Just exploration, fun, and tiny wins. Listen for how to make your own and let the entire family join in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

Holiday Overload: How Working Parents Can Prevent Meltdowns (Theirs + Their Kids’)The holiday season can feel magical… and completely overwhelming. In this episode of The Long Game Parent, we explore why working parents experience higher stress, burnout, and emotional overload during the holidays, and how that stress directly affects kids’ behavior, regulation, and ability to enjoy the season.This episode blends science-backed research, gentle nervous-system tools, and real-life flexible-family strategies for parents who juggle full-time jobs, disrupted school schedules, late nights, overstimulation, travel, and big family expectations.Listeners will learn:Why holiday stress spikes for working parentsHow overstimulation and routine shifts affect children’s nervous systemsHow parent burnout contributes to dysregulation in kidsFlexible, realistic approaches that work for families without strict routinesMicro-regulation tools that prevent holiday overwhelmHow to reduce guilt, simplify expectations, and stay emotionally connectedExactly what to say and do before kids (or parents) hit emotional overloadHow to build a holiday season that protects your mental health and strengthens family connectionPerfect for parents searching for holiday stress support, gentle parenting tools, working parent tips, emotional regulation strategies, and realistic ways to prevent holiday meltdowns.This episode helps you create a calmer, more connected holiday—without perfection, pressure, or rigid routines. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

This year, you do not need a Black Friday holiday shopping spree if it stresses you out! Here’s how to have a Gift-Free Christmas with kids to celebrate by choosing presence over pressure.The holidays are marketed as a season of excess, but more and more parents are craving something different: less pressure, less consumerism, less stress, and more connection, presence, and intention. In this episode of The Long Game Parent, certified parent coach Lauryn Gregg explores how families can step out of the cycle of overspending and over-gifting, and instead create a holiday rooted in emotional intelligence, meaningful traditions, and deep family values.This episode is designed for parents who want to reduce holiday stress, break out of consumer-driven expectations, and build a season that feels calmer, simpler, and more aligned with what truly matters to their family.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why a gift-free or low-gift holiday can reduce stress and increase connectionHow to communicate gift-free plans to extended family without conflictLanguage and scripts for navigating pushback or guilt around giving fewer giftsHow to support kids emotionally when traditions shiftWays to create meaningful holiday rituals that don’t rely on presentsHow to avoid holiday overstimulation, meltdowns, and pressure to performStrategies for handling relatives who don’t respect your boundariesHow to model emotional intelligence, gratitude, and presence for your childrenA framework for focusing on experiences instead of material giftsWhat to do if you want a slower, calmer, less commercial holiday seasonThis episode is perfect for:Parents wanting a simpler, calmer holidayFamilies overwhelmed by gift expectationsParents practicing gentle, respectful, or conscious parentingMinimalist familiesParents seeking holiday boundary scriptsFamilies wanting to prioritize connection over consumerismParents raising emotionally intelligent, grounded kidsAnyone craving a more intentional, values-aligned holiday seasonIf you feel pressure every year to buy more, do more, or fit into a holiday script that doesn’t match your family’s needs, this episode will help you create a gift-free or low-gift season that feels lighter, more connected, and more aligned with your long game. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

Returning to work after maternity or paternity leave isn’t just a logistical shift — it’s an identity recalibration. Your world has changed, your priorities have evolved, and the workplace doesn’t always catch up as fast as your life did.In this episode of The Long Game Parent, certified coach Lauryn Gregg gives you the low down on how to hold your boundaries as a new parent after returning to work. You’ll learn why so many parents experience “postpartum work resumption stress,” what the research says about the transition.We’ll talk about:- Why 89% of new parents report anxiety about returning to work — and how to ease that pressure- How to reframe guilt, comparison, and imposter syndrome - Practical scripts for setting boundaries with managers and teammates- How to redefine ambition in this new chapter — without losing your edge- What sustainable leadership looks like when you’re also a parent This episode is for every working mom, dad, or caregiver navigating the messy, meaningful space between career and care — and wondering how to make both thrive.🎙️ Subscribe to The Long Game Parent on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack for more episodes that help you win at work and home with heart, strategy, and staying power. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

In this episode of Long Game Parent, we explore why parenting is inherently political and what parents can do to protect their children’s future.Why Politics Matters for Parents: Policies and local decisions shape your child’s access to healthcare, their education, and the resources available in their school. School boards have immense power over curriculum, library books, and programs — small groups showing up consistently can tip the balance.Real-Life Stakes: Book bans in schools, federal child tax policies, and federal education guidance all impact children in tangible ways. Opting out of politics doesn’t make these issues neutral — it hands power to others to make decisions for your kids.Role Models for Action: Athletes and business leaders have shown how engagement can create change. Voting Reminders: Many employers allow time off to vote — check your state and company policies. Make a plan for the midterms, know your polling place, and make your voice heard.Key Takeaways:Parenting is political, and opting out hands power to others.Local school boards and federal policies have real, day-to-day impacts.Small, consistent actions — meetings, calls, votes — add up.A short, intentional practice can help you feel empowered and engaged. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

Parenting was never meant to be a solo sport — especially for working parents trying to do it all. In this episode of The Long Game Parent, host and certified parent coach Lauryn Gregg explores what it really means to build your village — the network of people who help you navigate the complex, beautiful, and exhausting seasons of early parenthood.From the emotional to the logistical, Lauryn breaks down how to create genuine support systems that work in real life — not just in theory. You’ll learn:Why working parents are more isolated than ever (and what the data shows)What to do when your family isn’t nearby — or doesn’t show up how you hopedWays to find connection through daycare, work, and community spacesHow to ask for help without guilt and communicate your needs clearlyThe mindset shifts that help you go from surviving to truly supportedLauryn also shares real examples from sports and business — showing that even high achievers never play alone.Whether you’re a new parent, a returning-to-work parent, or a seasoned pro rebuilding your network after big life changes, this episode will help you build a village that supports both your family and your career goals.Listen now and learn how to build a community that sustains you for the long game — at work, at home, and everywhere in between. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

The Sunday Scaries are real—especially for busy working parents trying to balance kids, careers, and their own well-being. In this episode of The Long Game Parent, coach Lauryn Gregg shares how to turn Sunday night anxiety into calm focus with simple, science-based strategies. Learn about regulation, grounding exercises, and how athletes use visualization to prepare for high-stakes moments—and how you can use the same tools for your family and career. Walk away with a practical plan to end the weekend with peace and begin the week with purpose. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

Why do kids act out, shut down, or push our buttons at the worst times? What if every tantrum, eye-roll, or meltdown wasn’t bad behavior — but a message?In this episode of The Long Game Parent, we dive into the powerful truth that all behavior is communication. Drawing from child development research, psychology, and real-life parenting moments, we’ll explore:Why kids’ behavior is often a reflection of unmet needs or big feelings.How to decode the signals behind tantrums, conflict, or “defiance.”Simple strategies to respond with connection instead of control.Why this principle also applies at work — from tricky colleagues to team dynamics.When we shift from “how do I stop this?” to “what is this behavior telling me?” we not only build resilience and trust at home, but also sharpen our emotional intelligence in the workplace.Because the long game of parenting — and leadership — isn’t about fixing behavior. It’s about listening to what it’s really saying.👉 Press play to learn how to see behavior as communication, not conflict.#ParentingPodcast #WorkingParents #ParentingTips #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkingMoms This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

Parenting today can feel overwhelming — school shootings on the news, social media pressures, and a world that doesn’t always feel safe. But here’s the truth, backed by science: our kids don’t need us to shield them from every scary headline or be perfect parents. They need something much more powerful — our consistency, repair when things go wrong, and daily moments of connection.In this episode of The Long Game Parent, Lauryn Gregg shares practical, research-backed strategies for raising resilient kids in uncertain times. You’ll learn:Why repair after conflict matters more than never losing your coolHow play actually builds emotional resilience in children (backed by science!)What Columbia University research reveals about the power of just one supportive adultHow the “good-enough parenting” model can take the pressure off and help your child thriveSimple, doable practices to create a sense of safety at home — for you and your kidsHow to show up and perform at work when it feels like the world is on fireWhether you’re worried about the world your kids are growing up in, or just want to feel steadier in your parenting and on the job, this episode will leave you with hope, tools, and a clear reminder: you already have what it takes to help your child grow strong in uncertain times.Listen now for grounded, practical advice every busy parent can use.If you like this show, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review The Long Game Parent — it helps other parents find the show as we build this team of working parents together! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

Back-to-school season can feel like chaos: new schedules, earlier mornings, endless forms, and kids adjusting to big transitions. But here’s the good news—routines, rituals, and traditions can turn that chaos into calm.In this episode of The Long Game Parent, host Lauryn Gregg shares how predictable rhythms not only reduce stress during the school year but also strengthen family connection and resilience.You’ll learn:Why routines help kids feel safe and grounded during transitions.How to design morning and evening rituals that ease stress for the whole family.Simple traditions that make school nights more meaningful—and less rushed.Ways to bring grounding routines into your own workday so you show up calmer and more focused.Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean burnout. With a few intentional rhythms, you can set the tone for a smoother school year—for you and your kids. Don’t miss a single training session — follow The Long Game Parent! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com

If you’ve ever trained for a sport, you know you’re not just preparing for game day—you’re training for endurance, consistency, and adaptability. Parenting and building a career work the same way. They’re not sprints. They’re marathons. Let’s reframe how working moms and dads can think about success at home and at work. Kids don’t remember every rushed bedtime or late pickup—they remember the patterns of love, safety, and trust. And just like in sports, your career is defined by the reputation you build and the relationships you sustain, not a single meeting or missed milestone.When you zoom out, guilt shrinks. What matters most is the long game. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longgameparent.substack.com