Feeling depressed about going back to work after maternity leave? Here's your pep talk and action plan to get through these challenging days. I had survived the newborn stage, managed to fit into my old clothes (more or less), and was finally getting a hang of this parenting thing after months of adjusting to motherhood. But then... it was time to face the first day back at work after maternity leave. Just when my baby had fallen into a manageable routine and life became easier and more fun, maternity leave was over. Now I had to hand him to someone else to care for while I rejoined … [Read more...]
How to Explain to Your Kids Why You Work
Has your child asked you why you go to work? Learn simple ways to share the reasons you work and the benefits you and your family get. "Mama, why do you work?" My kids have asked me that question a few times, and I couldn't blame them. How do you explain the stretches of absences (or these days, the closed bedroom doors)? The getting ready to go somewhere you don't understand, and why it happens on certain days and times? Back when most of us drove to the office, explaining this elusive "work" was understandably difficult. With our kids in childcare or school, work could feel like the … [Read more...]
8 Things to Do When Hiring a Nanny
Hiring a nanny can be a stressful experience. Here's what to do when you're choosing a nanny, interviewing childcare providers and making your selection. I had one week to find a nanny for the twins. Now, I'm not a procrastinator. In fact, quite the opposite: I started my search for a nanny several months before I planned to go back to work. But just one week before that nanny was set to start, she called to decline the job. Yeah... not easy on the nerves. I found myself scrambling to find childcare, somehow fitting in interviews as well setting aside a few days for the nanny to … [Read more...]
How to Spend Time with the Baby When You Work Long Hours
Working long hours doesn't always afford the time to be with your little one. Learn effective techniques to spend time with the baby, even if you work long hours. It's that tug we all feel on that first day back from work after maternity leave. The 40 hours at work (and maybe even a commute) means we don't always get to spend time with the baby. Some of us may not even be done with work until late in the day, at which point the baby is ready to fall asleep (if he hasn't already done so). With washing bottles, making dinner, bathing the baby and packing for the next day, we feel … [Read more...]
How to Conquer Working Mom Guilt
Do you feel guilty for working instead of being with your kids? Learn 5 ways to conquer working mom guilt (plus, get a FREE ebook!). This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of BBVA Compass. All opinions are 100% mine. Like many moms, I fell for the stay-at-home myth. When my eldest was born, I felt a pull that I should be home with him. That I might be a sub par parent because the baby would be spending more time with others than me (or so I assumed). All this despite the financial reality of needing both my and my husband's incomes. I'm not alone in feeling this way, either. … [Read more...]
Why You’re Not a Bad Mom for Loving Your Job
Do you feel guilty because you actually like working instead of staying home with the kids? Here's why you're not a bad mom for loving your job. This post is brought to you by Activia. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sleeping Should Be Easy. We hear about working mom guilt, that feeling of being away from the kids, of handing their care to others, and the pull to be home instead of at work. We don't always hear about the other kind of the guilt, one where you go to work—and like it. You feel accomplished for being able to provide for your family and find time for … [Read more...]
How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Reach Your Goals
Have your internal doubts kept you from reaching your goals? Learn the importance of silencing your inner critic and reach your goals once and for all. This post is brought to you by Activia. The content and opinions expressed below are mine. When we try to reach for our goals, we run into surprising resistance. It's not the obstacles that make it harder to get to where we want to be, or discouragement from others. It's ourselves. Activia hosted an inner voice interview asking women to share their goals and the factors holding them back. Turns out, 80% of the time, it was … [Read more...]
Review: Dunkin’ Donuts Hot Tea
Everyone loves Dunkin' Donuts snacks and coffee, but did you know they also feature five new hot tea flavors? See what the new Dunkin' Donuts hot tea selections are about! This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dunkin' Donuts. All opinions are 100% mine. I had just gone back to work, leaving the chaos of the newborn life to sit at my desk eight hours a day. You'd think I would've been itching to go home and be with my baby. Instead, I relished how much I could do on my own agenda. One of my favorite activities? Savoring a cup of hot tea. I was on my own pace, with no baby to … [Read more...]