Every working parent knows that the right childcare arrangements are the bedrock of a functioning routine. Yet the realities of modern life (and the modern workplace) have made nailing down a solution more challenging than ever before. At VIDA, we’re hoping to give members a new option with a flexible, kid-friendly space to help balance work and family needs.
Megan, mother to a four-year-old son and a vice president at a Portland consulting firm, says coordinating childcare and her work schedule poses a particular challenge during the several weeks a year her son’s preschool closes for breaks.
“While the preschool teachers need and deserve those breaks, finding care coverage during those closures can be really tough,” says Megan. “And not finding coverage and trying to work with a child at home is even tougher. Often there are a few days when I have my son and must try to entertain him while simultaneously working, or try to work ahead at night so I can spend time with him during the day. Both options are exhausting and not very fun.”
Late meetings or after-work happy hours also pose a challenge. “There have been times lately when my boss has held 5 p.m. meetings, perhaps not realizing how horribly inconvenient this time is for people with children,” says Megan. “Having my son onsite where I worked would make it so much easier to attend these late-in-the-day meetings without scrambling to coordinate pick-up coverage or having to make the difficult choice of leaving the meeting early.”
At VIDA, we know that an unexpected school closure or care gap shouldn’t mean losing a workday. That’s why kids are always welcome onsite — no formal program, packages, or advance booking required.
Bring your child in when you need to, and settle into a private office or conference room together if they need a quieter space during your calls. We keep coloring books, children’s books, and other kid-friendly activities on hand, so there’s always something to occupy them between meetings.
This isn’t a staffed childcare program — it’s flexibility built into the space itself, and the peace of mind that comes from not having to choose between an important meeting and being there for your kid.
VIDA is a coworking community designed to #MakeLifeWork for our members. With locations in Portland and Beaverton, Oregon, we offer private offices, dedicated desks, and open coworking, along with thoughtfully curated amenities and a member community that feels like your own. Book a tour of VIDA Portland or VIDA Beaverton and see what it feels like to be a regular. Prefer the community without the commute? Explore VIDA Virtual instead.