Working Moms

Is there anything harder than finding the perfect childcare for our little ones? It's a question that plagues a lot of us from the second we see the positive sign on the stick. When I made the choice to go to work full-time when my first son was almost two years old, I had no idea what to look for or even what to ask. Five years later, with owning my own midsize daycare behind me, I had to go through the process all over again. I won't downplay that it is a scary and stressful process looking for a place that will fit well with your family, but here are some questions and information that you can use to...

     Mindfulness. I admit, at first hearing, it can sound an awful lot like a therapy buzzword. You might have read about it or maybe seen something pinned, complete with the picture of a woman sitting cross-legged on the beach, perfectly fit, beautiful and at peace. Don’t feel bad. I’ve been tempted to roll my eyes, too. And as much as you know you need some peace and calming in your world, you keep on scrolling because well, ain’t nobody got time for voodoo. But hear me out on this. Even though you are busy and even if you aren’t always good at taking care of yourself first, there’s one thing I would bet about you if you’re reading this. And...

After two years in my position at work I received a promotion at the end of last year. I was excited for the new responsibility and to be taking my career in a new direction. And, the pay increase was a welcomed benefit. I knew the new job would require training, the learning of much business history and methods, and a general inundation of information. I was ready for the challenge. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy my previous position. In fact, I actually loved it, but after two years I had mastered much of it. Many of the daily tasks could be done without too much thought - I knew what I was doing and I could do it...

Yep. All of the ingredients - but we just can't get there. (This is an embarrassing, actual photo of my dinner as I received it one night - my fulfillment of a childhood comfort food craving, apparently, the only way it comes) Monday morning: We *finally* get into the car (after a few trips to retrieve forgotten items). Seatbelts on. Reverse. Back the car DIRECTLY into the trash AND recycling bins. Curse in front of my kid. Exit car, clean up trash in the street (in heels and a skirt). Re-situate garbage and recycling bins. Back out again. Make it to the carpool drop off *just* in time. Rush to work. Get further behind because of unexpected meetings.  Monday afternoon:  Still at work. Can't catch up. Husband picks up kids (each at a different location). He...

I'm one of those moms who seems to be able to do it all. I admittedly have a lot on my plate, and while it may seem ironic, I've only ever added more the longer I've been working. Like many of us, I parent, work full-time, volunteer with different organizations, have hobbies, and even kick back and let my hair down whenever I want to. Over the years, I've mastered the art of balancing all of my interests right along with raising my children. But none of this could ever happen without my husband, my partner. He and I are both very independent people. We joke all the time that, as cruel as it may sound, neither of us needs the...