The furlough is over… for now. What do you tell your kids?


The Furlough Is Over, But the Conversation Isn’t

The furlough may be over for now… but you and I both know the stress doesn’t disappear just because a paycheck comes back.

Especially when there’s a deadline looming... January 30.
Especially when you're trying to make decisions without real answers.
Especially when your kids can feel something’s off, even if you haven’t said anything.

So let’s talk about how to handle that conversation.
Because you don’t need to fake a smile, or flood them with details.

Here’s something you can say:

“Things feel a little unsure right now with work, but right now we’re okay. We’re being thoughtful about what we spend and how we plan. You don’t need to worry, I’ll always tell you what you need to know, and we’ll figure things out together.”

It gives clarity without fear.
It gives security without false promises.
It reminds them they’re not responsible for fixing anything.

Why this conversation matters:

  • It protects their sense of stability, even when yours feels shaky
  • It models how to handle uncertainty with honesty and calm
  • It helps you take a breath and stop pretending everything’s fine

This season isn’t just about managing money.
It’s about managing energy.
And being the emotional anchor for your family, without drowning in the process.

You don’t have to do that alone.
If you want help creating more stability in your routines, systems, or mindset before January rolls back around, hit reply and say “Send me some support.”

I’ve got resources to help lighten your load—even when life’s still a little up in the air.

You got this,

KISm Parenting Solutions

I am a parent coach who supports and guides exhausted and overwhelmed working parents becoming successful in both their careers and parenting, while fostering connection and harmony in their homes. I am dedicated to providing practical solutions and strategies that empower parents to regain control over their time and create a calm and stress free environment, even in the face of challenges. Through personalized time management systems and nurturing support, I help parents achieve a sense of balance, enabling them to arrive at work on time and cultivate a deep sense of inner strength and well-being. Together, we will navigate the journey towards a family that works together, where connection and efficiency coexist, allowing both parents and children to thrive.

Read more from KISm Parenting Solutions
A person standing in front of a group of question marks

Fall is supposed to feel cozy… but let’s be honest, it’s a lot. By the time you get through the morning chaos, school drop-offs, meetings, and the third email that definitely could’ve been a Slack… you're wiped.And you still have dinner, homework, and that pile of laundry waiting for you. So let’s talk about it. I want to know: What’s draining your energy the most this season? What’s draining your energy most this fall? (Pick one, the one that hits hardest right now.) The constant schedule...

Parenting Power Play Cover Image for No Time for Quality Time? Family sitting around a table enjoying a game together and laughing.

New: Parenting Power Plays — Your Weekly Shortcut to Less Stress Ever feel like you're managing chaos instead of a family?Like you're just bouncing between school drop-off, work meetings, and trying to figure out what's for dinner again? Yeah. Me too.That’s exactly why I created a new weekly newsletter on LinkedIn called: Parenting Power Plays It’s short.It’s real.And it’s packed with small, powerful shifts that help you go from barely holding it together… to feeling just a little more in...

Routine, change - wooden signpost

October has a way of sneaking up on you, doesn’t it? You think the back-to-school chaos will settle down… but now it’s school projects, spirit week, fall festivals, late meetings, and trying to figure out when you’re supposed to breathe. If you’re already feeling like your energy is leaking from 12 different places—you’re not alone. Here’s the truth:You don’t need a whole new life. You just need a few systems. Little systems = big relief. And that’s exactly what I teach inside the...