# How to be a working parent? Lower your standards

An episode of [Life Kit](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1461493560), 13 Apr 2026, 26 min.

Audio: https://tracking.swap.fm/track/XvDEoI11TR00olTUO8US/prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510338/npr.simplecastaudio.com/8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4/episodes/59289977-9f30-4676-8934-de88d2ac0a48/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4&awEpisodeId=59289977-9f30-4676-8934-de88d2ac0a48&feed=XkY2SBZJ&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5781308&p=510338&d=1553&size=24857331

From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't need to navigate this transition alone. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle talks to working parents and experts about how to balance a job, parenting and being a person all at once. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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