Finding Balance: Real Talk from Lawline Parents
Hosted by MERG (Minority Employee Resource Group)
MERG (Lawline’s Minority Employee Resource Group) recently hosted a heartwarming and honest conversation for parents to come together and share what life really looks like when you’re balancing work and family, often at the same time, and in the same space.
“Sometimes, I work from the closet.” That honest confession sparked laughter because so many could relate. From toddler beds to makeshift desks in laundry rooms, the realities of working from home with kids aren’t always picture-perfect but they are deeply shared. We talked about the importance of creating safe spaces, both physical and emotional, to decompress after a long day. We swapped stories about bedtime routines, quiet rituals, and even the chaos of trying to take a meeting while a toddler climbs into your lap.
One of the most moving moments came when Ariel Johnson-Pena, MERG leader and event facilitator, asked “What do you want your kids to remember about you during this time?” The answers were simple, but powerful: That I was present. That I made time. That I was available, even when things were hard.
We also reflected on the joy of remote work. The ability to step away for a dance break, a cuddle, or to witness a milestone because those moments matter. Through it all, the common theme of gratitude for the flexibility helps us stay connected to both our families and our careers.
This event wasn’t just for parents. It was a reminder that we’re all balancing something (i.e. caregiving, personal goals, mental health, or just the daily demands of life). At the heart of it is the desire to belong, to feel understood, and to support one another.