“People are starting to realize in-person connection matters.”

“That many people I know have been able to make dreams become a reality. Many of my friends have made major moves toward being more happy and confident particularly in their careers.”

“That the lies and the terrible things are being exposed. They are no longer hidden and hopefully will no longer be tolerated.”

“Hope for change in the way we work and treat people.”

What makes you hopeful? Over 2,500 parents, mostly Moms (97%) have shared the pandemic’s impact on their lives since March 30, 2020 in our research study. Last year, we began to ask parents what they’re most hopeful for post-pandemic.

Hope is a fragile emotion because it’s tied up with so many strings. It’s contingent upon belief, mixed with optimism and patience, for what’s next. And after living on Covid’s emotional pendulum, not everyone feels hopeful. One surveyed Mom stated, “Nothing unless time travel is invented.” And another shared, “Not a damn thing. I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of something, but there is nothing.”

But despite the isolation, lack of childcare, self-care or discretionary time, beauty and joy continue. Most surveyed parents had at least one thing that they were hopeful about. And overwhelmingly, their post-pandemic hope is all about change (49%.) To our systems, ways of thinking, living and leading. They also admire seeing humanity at its finest. And appreciate the connections with their loved ones (15%) and the ability to make positive lifestyle changes.

The Availability of Vaccines

 “The vaccines have significantly lowered the risk and make it safer to spend time with family and friends and for my kids to be in school.”

“…So many maskers & vaxxers! Plus, I’m hoping there will be a vaccine ready for my son soon. I’m looking forward to more normalcy -concerts especially.”

“Thinking about how quickly we were able to get a vaccine produced.”

 And the Anticipated End of the Pandemic

“…all this comes to an end.”

“Mask mandates going away.”

“This too shall pass.”

A New US Administration

“A new leadership on the national level with actual repercussions for those who have caused such a scary and sometimes violent divide”

“New leadership is coming… and My employer has been very supportive.  My son is amazing and I love being a more active part of his life.”

“Compassion as a key value of the president-elect, and a woman in the white house!”

Bolder, Innovative Thinking

 “People that are willing to have a different opinion than the majority and ask questions.”

“New ways of thinking.”

 “I hope this (Coronavirus) gives our society- at-large- a real chance to re-examine priorities, like a large-scale rebirth.”

“Ideas about what is necessary is evolving.”

“People realizing things can be done differently– re-adjusting expectations that may result in some things being better post-covid.”

Activism

 “I love the political unrest. Burn it down for change.”

“There is talk of social injustice publicly, more than there has been for as long as I’ve been alive.  These hardships and the friction could create good in the long run.”

“Greater activism across the board, more people at all levels speaking out and acting on behalf of marginalized and less privileged people.”

 “Employees pushing for change and advocating for themselves.”

 The Next Generation Leading Differently

“Generation Z’s determination to make a world more equitable and just.”

“I see the way my kids are speaking out against racial injustice and it makes me hopeful for the future.”

“Kids are brave and strong and educated.”

“Seeing the joy in children’s faces as they play outside all day. Listening to my 6 yo daughter simply explain why we should treat everyone the same regardless of skin color.”

“Younger generation not taking on the assumptions and toll that older generations lived under.”

And Social Justice 2.0

“Black Lives Matter going mainstream.”

“Renewal of awareness and courage around ending racism.”

“People (like me) are waking up to racial injustice and I’m hopeful it will mean change.”

“Breakdown of gender roles.”

“People getting to see first-hand the burdens of parenthood/womanhood.  People (like my boss) are suddenly more understanding.”

More Flexible Ways to Work

 “Remote work is more common!!!! It’s more effective for many! This has GOT to level the playing field for disabled and make it cheaper for women…”

“A lot of people were able to move to work online.”

“I am hopeful that companies will recognize that there is a different (better) way to have their employees work. Remote options open up a lot of doors.”

 And Inclusive Organizational Cultures

 “I see a lot of positive things from parents wanting or asking employers to understand what parents need.”

“How amazingly my company has responded to pandemic.”

“That employers will understand they value of good work/life balance, especially for families with children with both parents working full time.”

Human Kindness

“Everyday acts of kindness.”

“Raising kids to be kind and empathetic.”

“People that are caring and want to make positive change that will benefit the whole not just some.”

“Doing what I can to make people feel loved.”

“People helping each other in hard times. Growing in grace, hopefully, myself during challenges.”

“Seeing THE GOODNESS of individuals and companies, supporting those downtrodden by the pandemic.”

Positive Traits Gained Through Struggle, Like Resilience

“Well, regular normal life will feel like a breeze after a one-year of stress and isolation.”

 “Hearing other people’s stories of resilience.”

“My family is going to come out of this 10 times stronger.”

Faith

“Faith. I am still here!”

 “Getting more acquainted with my spirituality. Being more grateful for family time.”

“My faith. And paying attention to those who are still choosing kindness and love.”

“Spiritual awakening.”

Patience

 “Individual people’s patience and grace with one another dealing with a new and ever changing situations.”

“Living in the moment.”

“Well, regular normal life will feel like a breeze after one-year of stress and isolation.”

 Appreciation

 “My family are all in good health.”

“There is peace in my home. I have loved every minute with my family.”

 “We have what we need and a lot to be grateful for.”

And Adaptability

“Getting out of a bad situation.”

“How much we have adapted to change.”

They are Also Inspired by Their Children

“My kids’ resilience and being able to adapt to changing circumstances.”

 “I have a new beautiful baby.”

“My new son is so sweet. His big sister adores him and is becoming a kind, smart little girl.”

More and Better Family Bonding

“Spending more time with family, an increased value on social relationships.”

“My son will have a good first year of life and be better with milestones because I’m with him, caring for him.”

Support From Friends and Neighbors

“Connecting with friends over the internet.”

“I have a good support bubble.”

“How much time people are spending with their loved ones.”

Appreciation for Teachers and Local Community

“My teachers children are great and I commend them for their flexibility and strength adjusting to online teaching.”

“Local community efforts and overall our state’s response to support business and community…”

Access to Work and Financial Stability

“Having a two-income family may allow us to get out of debt faster and get back to allowing me to stay home, but in a better financial state.”

“Being able to work and provide from my kids.”

“Going back to school so I can have a better job.”

“Some kind of financial relief.”

Even on the days we don’t feel it, we are the purveyors of hope. We invest in our children and pump them full of positive expectation for the world that they’ll create. Parenting, at its core, is a hopeful business. So even on the days when you don’t feel it, you are creating hope for your family. And hope is the rope tow that will carry us through this historic time. As one surveyed parent shared, “In spite of everything that keeps happening, we still manage to find joy.”

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Share your pandemic experiences! How are the latest changes affecting your life? It’s quick and the results from this study are used to advocate better support for parents.

Employers, let us help you transform your workplace into an environment where caregivers thrive. Learn about Allies @ Work.