NETWORKING WAHM

Archive for the ‘Just for Moms’ Category

When I was young, I dreamt of being a mom.  I thought I would stay at home with my kids and everything would be wonderful.  Well, the former didn’t quite work out but the latter still did.

I worked full time in software after graduating from college.  When it was time for kids, I knew that financially we needed me to have some income so the stay at home full time thing wouldn’t really work.  So we brainstormed what I could do.

My mom had a home based business as a real estate appraiser.  Although only 40 minutes away, it was in the next state.  I decided to get my appraiser license and work with her.  I took courses online and passed my test and worked as her apprentice.  My dad would watch my son while mom and I did inspections and worked.  The plan was too eventually use the state reciprocity so I could be licensed in my own state and work for myself.

Then it was time for another kid.  What we realized was that with 2 kids, it was going to be a lot more difficult to run an appraisal business of my own.  I would not have granddaddy-daycare anymore and would be spending a lot of time for inspections and reports and would have to figure out what to do with the kids.  And the biggest concern?  I was expending a lot of effort but not making nearly what I did in software.

So we brainstormed more.  I approached my former company with a proposal.  I would come back 20 hours a week, working only one day in the office.  They jumped at that.  I was really happy because it made me feel important to them.

At first I tried working hours in the afternoon after my husband got home and then going in for a full day on Fridays.  That worked for a while but we really needed some childcare help so that I could work during normal hours.  So we used a nanny for a few hours a few days a week.  She would watch the kids while I worked at home.  Eventually I stopped going into the office and worked all my hours at home.

We also used au pairs for a few years so I could work more hours while still being able to have lunch with the kids and take breaks to see them throughout the day.  Having an au pair provided a lot of flexibility for a very reasonable cost.  It really worked well for us.

Now that both kids are in elementary school, I can work from home during the school day.  I get to see them in the morning to get them on the bus and in the afternoon as soon as they get home.  It is a great balance for me.

So after trying a few things, I found what works for me.  It may not always be easy.  Sick kids, teacher workdays, and summer vacation are all challenges.  But my husband and I work together to make it work.

I encourage all working moms to figure out what makes the right balance for them.  Whether it is working full time in an office, part time telecommuting, home based business … there is something for all of us.  It may take a few tries to find it but you will and it will be wonderful.  – Denise

Denise blogs at According to Denise (www.accordingtodenise.com) and tweets at @acctodenise.
A self-described “chick getting through” she’s a mom, wife, step-mom, programmer,
migraine-sufferer and wannabe runner.  She balances all this with humor,
emotional meltdowns, chocolate, coffee and then blogs all about it.

Mom Health  -  Do you struggle with putting your life first? Do your family and your career always come first over taking time for your health? Many of us have the same issues! We’re all so busy with our family life, we forget about us in the process of living.

10 Steps to a Healthier You:

1. Take Breaks. Take frequent breaks while working. Take a walk, run errands, or just make some phone calls. Breaks are important for your physical and mental health.

2. Exercise Regularly. We do get a lot of exercise as mothers, but it may not be the type that’s best for us. Join a gym if you can? Develop an exercise program for home if you can’t.

3. Eat Right. We often eat in a rush everyday or on the road, while driving our children around. Even if you eat out sometimes you still can make health choices.

4. Get Enough Sleep. We’re all guilty of not sleeping enough, even if our bodies need it.

5. Hydratation. Drink water throughout the day to keep you engery up and your mind fresh.

6. Stretching. Most of us don’t stretch at all, even if we exercise regularly. As we age, we really need to focus on stretching.

7. Take Vacations. When was the last time you took a real vacation? Many of us take too few vacations. Even if your busy you can take regular weekend trips to refresh.

8. Have Regular Moms Nights. We’re all so busy we often loose track of our friendships over time. We need the support of our female friends for emotional health. Time to get back to social networking at it’s best!

9. Practice Proper Ergonomics. Do you know what ergonomics is? Your body position while moving and sitting can effect your health something to consider

10. Invite Love and Positivity into Your Life.  We all benefit from love and positive people have a great effect on our lives.