Once again, I find myself sharing an episode recorded pre-Covid 19. And once again, it feels strange and potentially risky. But unless you really are having a news blackout, you will know that self-employed parents find themselves under immense pressure. They are trying to keep careers alive, look into an uncertain financial future and care for their children full time. Let’s not even mention ‘home schooling’! I am no maths teacher, but I would say that equation doesn’t quite add up. In that landscape, Doing It For The Kids has a critical part to play. it is a community for freelance parents trying to make flexible working work. And so, I hope that this week’s episode will invite you into a community you may not yet know about or if you are a signed up member, it might offer some interesting insight into it’s founder, Frankie Tortora.

When considering this episode I wanted to explore the potential and flexibility that exists in being a freelance parent and also to bust some of the myths that it is the golden bullet to ‘having it all’. I think that Covid-19 has done that for me but I do hope that you will still find this an interesting exploration into the opportunities and the pitfalls. This season will pass but I suspect that Frankie’s hopeful and realistic outlook will remain true and encouraging. I really hope that you will find this an good listen while you fold laundry, enjoy your daily exercise, print off activity sheets or hunt through the recycling for craft projects!

My usual rule is to try to only have guests who haven’t been on a podcast before as it offers new stories and fresh ideas. However, I also try to find people with real expertise and today’s guests is not only an expert on this topic but has her own podcast all about it! I must be mad but she personifies what Up With The Lark is all about to I had to be brave and ask her!

Frankie Tortora is is a freelance graphic desinger and mother of two and the founder of Doing it For The Kids. It is a thriving community of freelance parents making real connections online and off. It comprises a wonderful Facebook Group, a fabulous podcast, meet ups, a blog and a wicked sense of humour. Frankie is a natural leader but isn’t about the limelight. Instead she shines light on everyone around her. She is that rare breed in that she make every single person feel like the most important person in the room, she craves connection over quodos and isn’t afraid to say it as it is. I rather like her. You will too.

If you are a freelancing parent struggling with the chapter entitled ‘Covid 19’, head over to Doing It For The Kids. If it’s the only thing you do today, it will be worth it.

Doing it For The Kids: www.doingitforthekids.net
Frankie Torta: www.francescatortora.com