Do you feel guilty for leaving your kids to come to work? Some days are harder than others, especially when your child is sick. Here is your working mom pep talk to get you through the day. A fellow mom who wrote about the recent guilt she felt. She doesn't usually feel this guilty for going to work, but this morning, her baby boy was sick. It seemed she only had five minutes to cuddle with him before she had to go. She hated handing him off to the nanny when she felt like she was the only one who knows how to comfort him. She did admit this isn't the norm and that it happened … [Read more...]
Flexible Work Arrangements You Can Actually Do
Looking for flexible schedules? Check out these 12 different types of flexible work arrangements you can actually do for your job. Ask most moms what makes them happy with their decision to work not, and you'll find a common factor. Surprisingly, it's not whether they work ("I love working and contributing in ways other than being a mom") or not ("I love being with my kids during the day"). It's something else. Let's backtrack six years ago, when I debated returning to work. I use the term "debated" lightly, since my husband and I rely on both our income. Still, I wondered if I had to … [Read more...]
Bring Your Kids to Work Day Activities and Action Plan
Introduce your children to your working life! Check out these Bring Your Child to Work Day activities for a successful event. A few months ago, my work hosted Bring Your Kids to Work Day. And the event was a success according to the most important people involved: the kids! "I want to go back here again." "Can we live here?" "This was the best day of my life!" This was the first year my eldest was finally old enough to come—enough reason for me to join the planning committee. Bring Your Child to Work Day activities and planning And I learned a lot. From activities to best … [Read more...]
The “How Do You Do It” Working Moms Guide
Balancing work and life can be a challenge! This working mom survival guide is a must-read for anyone struggling with getting it all done. She gets home at 5:30pm, cleans the bottles, changes the baby's diaper and nurses her. Then it's dinner and preparing food for the next day before squeezing in an extra pumping session. Somewhere in those moments, she finds time to play with the baby but still feels guilty it's not enough. By the time she's finished eating, cleaning, showering and preparing for tomorrow, it's 9:30pm—and she's just about ready to knock out for the night. She … [Read more...]
What to Do when Your Child Cries at School Drop Off
Do you feel guilty or frustrated when your child cries at school drop off? Learn how to cope with school drop off anxiety and make your mornings smoother. I couldn't get the image out of my head: my son crying on his first day of preschool, trying to wrestle himself out of his teacher's arms as I said goodbye. I reminded myself that this was to be expected, that adjusting to anything takes time. But as I stepped into my car, the mom guilt came into full force. I felt so bad thinking about my son upset, and even questioned whether preschool was the right decision. It didn't help … [Read more...]
How to Explain to Your Kids Why You Work
Has your child got you stumped when trying to explain why you work? Learn how to explain to your kids why you go to work and its many benefits. "Mama, why do you work?" My four-year-old asked me that question a few times, and I couldn't blame him. How do you explain the stretches of absences? The getting ready to go somewhere you don't understand, and why it happens on certain days and times? How to explain to your kids why you go to work From his point of view, going to work seems like a secret meeting. This ubiquitous "work" we run off to and rush back from day in and day out. All … [Read more...]
Why Parenting Is Harder than Your Day Job
Is parenting harder than a job? Read several reasons being a parent is often harder than your day job, no matter your career. I had always believed taking care of kids is not for the faint of heart. I read statistics in the past that claimed a stay-at-home parent's salary, if paid, would be worth at least $100,000. Such is the testament of the work and dedication we put into this job. I agree—taking care of kids has been harder than my own day job. Yes, I have perks—during maternity leave, I got to nap or veg out when the kids did. I didn't get ready, pack a lunch or drive anywhere. … [Read more...]
What Every Mom Needs to Know about Pumping at Work
Pumping at work can be a challenge for many breastfeeding moms. Read everything you need to know about pumping at work and breastfeeding. I have yet to meet a mom who loves pumping at work. Breastfeeding already comes with its own challenges—trying to keep milk supply up when we're away from home and the baby is hard. We're also transitioning back to work after a difficult first few months with the baby. And it's not always easy to get away from your desk to pump multiple times during a work day. What you need to know about pumping at work Still, pumping at work—even if not exactly a … [Read more...]