a working parent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a working parent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a parent who is actively engaged in a job or career while also fulfilling their responsibilities as a parent. Example: "As a working parent, I often struggle to balance my job and family life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then the reality of being a working parent changed everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

(A working parent, conversely, has to be Herculean to show up at all requisite events and still meet deadlines).

The New York Times

— Vindu Goel On Paternity Leave From Facebook Facebook.com |  Facebook's product management director on his four-month paternity leave  — life as a working parent in Sheryl's world.

The New York Times

Either way, as a working parent, it's likely that you've had to change your routine: and it might take your colleagues some time to get used to this.

The Guardian

When you're a working parent, home is no longer somewhere you can put your feet up at the end of the day.

The Guardian - Arts

Although Trivers, as a working parent, failed to heed his own advice, Hrdy was haunted by a "nagging anxiety lest Trivers was right".

The New York Times - Books

Today, everyone wants to be entrepreneurial, whether you're a retiree starting a B&B, a manager in a FTSE 100 company, or a working parent improving your neighbourhood.

The Guardian

As a working parent, with all the juggling and compromise this entails, I'm always ready to hear of a better way to combine work and family.

The Guardian - Books

Can You Blow Ur Nose?' That's what happens when you home school, Louis. Louis Walsh is clearly comparing his own experience as a working parent to Adele's and finds her wanting.

Independent

OF the many horrors that lurk in the e-mail in-box of a working parent — dental reminders, Facebook invitations involving some weird farm, "thoughts" from the boss — nothing quite rivals the snack request.

The New York Times - Food

Whether you're pregnant, intending to start a family, or want advice on balancing life as a working parent – join us on Wednesday 29 April from 1 3pm BST for a live chat with the experts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a working parent", consider the context. If gender is relevant, use "a working mother" or "a working father" for clarity.

Common error

Don't assume all "working parents" face the same challenges or have the same resources. Individual circumstances vary greatly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working parent" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing individuals juggling professional employment with parental duties. Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a working parent" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who balances the responsibilities of parenthood with employment. Ludwig's analysis shows it's used neutrally across diverse fields like news, science, and general discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted. When using the term, consider whether specifying "working mother" or "working father" adds relevant context, and avoid making generalizations about the experiences of all "working parents" since individual circumstances vary greatly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a working mother

Specifies the gender as female, which implies balancing work and motherhood.

a working father

Specifies the gender as male, which implies balancing work and fatherhood.

an employed mother or father

Specifies gender, highlighting employment status more directly than parental role.

a parent in the workforce

Emphasizes participation in the labor market as a parent.

a parent with a career

Highlights having a long-term professional path while being a parent.

a career-oriented mom or dad

Highlights the importance of career aspirations alongside parenting.

a professionally active parent

Emphasizes professional engagement alongside parental duties.

a job-holding caregiver

Focuses on the dual role of holding a job and providing care.

a breadwinning parent

Focuses on the financial contribution of the parent through employment.

a dual-income parent

Implies a two-parent household where both parents work.

FAQs

How can I use "a working parent" in a sentence?

You can use "a working parent" to describe someone who balances professional work with raising children. For example, "Being "a working parent" requires careful time management."

What are some synonyms for "a working parent"?

Alternatives include "employed parent", "career-oriented parent", or "job-holding caregiver", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the role.

Is it better to say "working mother" or "working parent"?

It depends on the context. "Working mother" is specific to women, while "working parent" is gender-neutral and inclusive of both mothers and fathers.

What challenges do "working parents" often face?

Many "working parents" face challenges such as balancing work and family responsibilities, finding affordable childcare, and managing time effectively.