CONVERSATIONS Parental Guidance Members talk about the pressure of work/life balance after having kids and express appreciation for an institution that values and supports family life. The work in student housing can seem non-stop. Days and weeks are filled with staff tending to the well-being of their student communities, making sure that their social, academic, and physical needs are being met. It's no surprise that after welcoming children into their lives, staff can find themselves divided about who to care for first. Many end up feeling pressure to care for everyone at work and at home all the time. 60 KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS TALKING STICK in this article by Camille Perlman Professionals in this field know they need to achieve a work/life balance and are grateful for supportive partners and coworkers. Those who are close to them understand how a decision like whether to attend an evening meeting or be with family can weigh on the mind. It's a relief when work plans and family plans smoothly mesh, but parents know those plans can crumble in the blink of an eye. Participating in this conversation are Chris Stone-Sewalish, associate director for administration at Michigan State University in East Lansing; Shelle Basilio-Murray, associate director of residential education at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York; Brandon B. Barile, assistant dean of students and director of residential education at Hobart Human Resources Establish a culture that encourages high performance throughout the department.