I Don't Know How They Do It!

This month’s diarist is in rehearsals for a theatre for young audiences (TYA) show and prepping for her next freelance project. The busy work week doesn’t stop her from enjoying a winter festival with her family or hosting a fourteen-person holiday. 

After moving his family cross-country to be closer to other relatives, this month’s diarist is balancing especially full home and work calendars. His tight schedule has him taking meetings during his young daughter’s naptimes and fitting in marathon training after teaching undergraduates. 

This month’s diarist has been navigating government healthcare for his mother and grandmother, which requires relentless advocacy and follow-through. In addition to caring for them and working at multiple theatres, he is producing a solo show about his struggles getting his mother the care she needs. 

This month’s diarist is a playwright and director with a teenage son. He’s juggling a full-time job and all sorts of appointments, yet he somehow finds time to finish writing his play. 

To celebrate the launch of I Don’t Know How They Do It!, column curator Anne G. Morgan and HowlRound co-director Ramona Rose King sit down to discuss the column’s origins, their own parenting journeys, and ways our field can better support artist caregivers.  

This month’s diarist is a dramaturg with a full-time job at an arts service organization and a toddler at home. With a strong support system and an even stronger commitment to getting up early, she makes time for playdates in between work travel and freelance projects. 

This month’s diarist has two kids under five and two jobs in different states. When a parent needs her, too, she begins to grapple with the added strain of “sandwich generation” responsibilities.