Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has opened up about the struggles of being a working parent as she admits juggling motherhood and a career is tough.
The mum-of-two has been speaking about the challenges of parenthood alongside a job that often takes her away from her children, eight-year-old Alfie and baby daughter Iris.
She says she would not be able to continue to do what she does without the support of her photographer husband Tom Pitfield, who became the primary carer for Iris to allow Cath to return to work.
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"It's not always easy to juggle work and family, especially being an actress, as I can often find myself having to be out of the house all day or even out of the country, which can be tough," said Cath, from Walkden.
"This is where being a team can be crucial and its not about sticking to traditional roles, but rather making sure your routine and schedule works for you as a family, Tom has been my rock."
It's issues such as maternity and paternity leave, which Cath will be discussing alongside other key speakers at an event hosted by Brood magazine in Manchester next week.
Hosted by Hits Radio presenter Mike Toolan, other guest speakers will include chef and dad-of-four Simon Wood, Mike's co-host and mum-of-two Brooke Vincent and Dragons Den entrepreneur and dad-of-two Aaron Branch.
Billed as 'a fun-packed, motivating and informative day in a room full of people who understand', the focus will be on 'the juggle of life as a parentpreneur', with topics including growing your confidence and learning how to improve your work-life balance.
Another of the key speakers will be psychotherapist Sarie Taylor, who knows only too well what it's like to juggle a career with a family.
Sarie is mum to teenager Maia, who is currently doing her GCSEs, and welcomed their second child, daughter Aria, last year.
Her husband Matt also became the primary carer for Aria, taking seven months' paternity leave from his role as a corporate director.
"Guilt is something that as parents we can all face, but all it actually tells us, rather than us not being good enough parents, that we are putting too much pressure and expectations on ourselves and we need to show ourselves some patience and compassion," said anxiety coach Sarie, who has her own Perfectly Imperfect Mind Mentor business.
"Both myself and Cath have babies around the same age and returned to work very quickly post partum, with our husbands taking on the primary care of the children.
"We've both spoken openly about how having like-minded people around you is so important as we are all learning as we go along, and just doing our best. Being around others that are supportive and understanding can really help."
Brood Live takes place at Hotel Football in Manchester, from 9am to 5pm, on Friday, June 16. For more details, or to book tickets, visit the website.
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