Bridging The Gap Between Stayathome Moms And Working Moms

Writen by Amy Tiemann

The time has come to call a truce in the so-called "mommy wars."

Everywhere you look these days there are stories about hard feelings and judgments between stay-at-home moms and employed moms. Fortunately, in the real world, I perceive much less conflict than the media portrays.

I have several strategies for healing the mommy wars. First and foremost is to decide that it's time to work together. Any effort that women spend judging each other is wasted energy that could be used instead to work together for common goals.

If you think about it, there is really no "us" versus "them," only "us." Nearly eight of 10 American women return to work by the time their first child reaches five years of age. Despite the stereotypes you see in the headlines, becoming a stay-at-home mom is not a one-way trip out of the paid workforce for most women.

Perhaps more importantly, it's time we realize that even when women take very different career paths, most of us experience similar pressures. The search for quality childcare, family-friendly employment and financial security can play out in very different ways.

One mom may stay home because her employer could not accommodate her request for part-time work, while another woman goes back to work because she secured a job-share. Some women can afford to stay at home, others can't. Some women can't afford to go back to their jobs because the cost of day care is more than their take-home pay.

We need to work together to increase family-friendly career options for all women, because very few of us can truly count on being stay-at-home moms forever, and many of us would like to resume careers when our children get older.

Every woman needs a back-up plan that will enable her to go back to work when necessary. This is good planning for our families as well as ourselves. It is difficult to think about, but any of us could find ourselves in a situation that requires us to become the primary breadwinner. In my own life I have seen women close to me suffer serious financial blows when faced with one of life's unexpected curve balls of divorce, widowhood, spousal unemployment, or disability.

Keep an eye on emergency employment options, and ask yourself, "what would I do if I needed to get a job tomorrow?" Consider long-term strategies as well, asking "what is my ideal life-long career path?" Time at home with young children can provide an opportunity to plant the seeds for a future career path.

Here are five practical strategies to help you stay at the top of your game and ease your transition back into the work world after taking time off:

1. Maintain and build networks. Keep in touch with old colleagues in your professional persona, and cultivate relationships in all the groups you belong to.

2. Update marketable skills. Take classes and consider going back to school part time to get a certificate or degree that will help advance your career later.

3. Keep up with new developments. Read relevant publications and maintain continuing education requirements needed to keep your professional licenses current.

4. Volunteer. Volunteering will keep your intellect sharp and can introduce you to influential people within your community. In addition to traditional volunteering such as field trip chaperoning or class clean-up, seek out opportunities that let you use your professional talents and could tie in to future employment.

5. Build your resume. Writing journal publications or articles, giving conference talks, making presentations to local community organizations, or becoming involved in the local Chamber of Commerce all offer ways to show continued involvement.

For all mothers, the day will come when our youngest child grows up and moves on to pursue his or her own dreams. Thanks to our increased life spans, most of us moms can count on decades of productive living, working, and creating during our empty-nest years.

It's more important than ever to take a lifelong view of our careers. Let's join forces now to lay the groundwork that will maximize our current work options, as well as pave the way for the exciting "next act" in our lives.

About Amy Tiemann: Before becoming a mom, Amy Tiemann earned her Ph.D. in Neurosciences from Stanford University. Today, her work helps women regain their "mojo" when entering motherhood. Often times, women lose themselves when baby is born. Getting in touch with your true 'self' while raising your baby is not only possible, it's being done in "Mojo Mom Circles" around the country. See why women are joining the revolution and downloading their own "Mojo Mom Party Kits" http://www.MojoMom.com. Contact Amy at Amy@mojomom.com

Parenting Problem 5 Simple Things That Will Help

Writen by Derrick Pizur

What is a parenting problem?

Parenting is a tough job, we all know that. Parents face many situations that they are not familiar how to deal with. Is the child's fault? Of course not. We as a society are quick to place blame on the problem teenagers, yet often times if we examine the situation closely it is truly the parents that are the problem.

Communication

Parents and children need to communicate with one another before a problem occurs. Your child should know that they can come and talk to you about anything that is on their mind. Parents usually think that this is the case with their child but often they fail to continually tell the child that. Children often do not understand unless told that there is a constant open line of communication and support available to them.

Trust – Lack of trust can be a factor with a parenting problem.

If your child does not trust you they will not communicate with you on a regular basis. Trust is developed over time. Trust is hard to build but easy to loose. Remember often your actions as a parent will speak louder than what you actually say.

Self Esteem

Parents that have a low self esteem often subject their children to tactics that lower their self esteem. Usually this is unintentional but that does not make it right. A child's self esteem or lack of can have major affects on their life.

Family Time

Did you know 90% of parents that have a parenting problem do not actually spend much time around their children? How can you effectively raise a child when you are rarely around them. In today's busy world we are all constantly on the run but we need to set at least one day per week where we can spend time with our children. The more time you spend with your child the easier it will be for them to talk and relate with you and likewise you with them.

How do you tell if it is not a parenting problem but a problem with your child?

It is always tough to tell if it is a true parenting problem or a problem stemming from your child. The best thing to do in both situations is to seek professional help. They will be able to diagnose the source of the problem and help set up an action plan to solve the problem.

http://ChildSafetyInfo.com - Ensure your child is safe!

On Leaving How To Teach Your Child How To Leave The Park Gracefully And Without Arguing

Writen by Shelly Walker

This past summer, I've had lots of opportunities to watch parents attempt to shepherd their children away from the park. I've seen good parenting and really horrible technique. I see a lot of parents and children really struggling with leaving gracefully. Here are some thing's I've learned this summer about leaving:
• Don't sit on the sidelines and watch your child play, yelling instructions to him from afar.
• Do make sure to play with your child to the best of your strength and energy level. Believe it or not, they'll be more willing to leave the park if they have had quality time with you that will continue on the way home. Turn off the cell phone and put down the latte and get out there and have a great time with your kids!
• Don't give three or four different five-minute warnings. This only teaches your child that you don't really mean what you say and that he can push the boundaries because you don't really have any.
• Do give one five-minute warning. This prepares your child & lets her know that a change is coming, helping to create a smooth transition.
• Don't yell at her from afar that it's time to go. This will give her the opportunity to ignore you.
• Do go right up to your child and touch him on the arm to get his attention, then look in his eyes and say it's time to go. This is a loving, thoughtful way to get your child's attention.
• Don't threaten him with a nap if he doesn't leave right now. Naps should be sacred, loving times, not ever punishments. (I actually heard this a couple of weeks ago: "If you don't come with me right now, I'm going to make you take a nap when you get home!" Sleep is not a punishment, it's a blessing!)
• Do tell your child what is coming next. "It's time to leave the park. Let's go home and get a snack!"
• Don't allow your toddler to play until she's completely physically and emotionally spent, then expect her to leave gracefully. We're not looking to exhaust our children: we're giving them a chance for healthy exercise and fresh air.
• Do make play times fun and energetic and make sure they end after an appropriate length of time.

Every parent and child can learn how to leave the park gracefully. It's a simple matter of setting clear boundaries and enforcing them with loving kindness.

Straight talk from the mom who has been where you are and knows how to help your family: Shelly Walker is the mother of two beautiful children and the author of Awakened Power and the upcoming book Parenting Keys, which will be filled with conscious parenting tips and parenting advice. Shelly is passionate about children and believes that every child deserves healthy, happy parents. Her website has great parenting information and free tools to help parents raise successful, empowered children. For a free copy of The Top Five Parenting Challenges: How to Succeed Where Others Fail, go to www.ParentingKeys.com .