Parent Talk Today

Helping Kids Understand When Mommy Goes to Work

It's a subject many moms and kids can relate to: separation anxiety. It’s a normal part of growing up.

I remember those first date nights Randy and I had when Matt was a toddler. Lots of tears as we left — followed by happiness with the babysitter five minutes after we were out the door!

Most kids experience some form of separation anxiety, beginning as early as eight months of age. And when Mom goes off to work, it can be tough to explain that separation to a young child.

Snuggling up for a bedtime story with Megan Calhoun's book, Oscar the Pig — Mommy Goes to Work (2008; $16.65) is a terrific way to help ease a child's anxiety. (It'll make moms feel better, too.)

The comforting words and adorable illustrations are reassuring and fun. Just make sure to throw in a whole bunch of piggy kisses when you read it.

 

Ready to Re-Enter the Workforce? Find The Work You Love

Samuel Greengard, a dad and a terrific journalist, has written a hot new book that you'll want to check out if you're a parent thinking about re-entering the workforce after full-time parenting. (It's also a good pick if you're considering changing careers and you want to explore all your options.)

The AARP Crash Course in Finding the Work You Love takes a look at the growing social phenomenon known as "recareering." You'll learn how to beef up your education or seek out retraining, how to find balance in your new life (what a concept for parents, huh?) and how to choose a new career you'll truly enjoy.

By the way, don't let the "AARP" part of the title scare you off. Even if you're a long way from age 50, you'll find lots of great tips, practical resources and motivation here. The Boomers don't get to have all the fun with this terrific book. 

Greengard also has a website, Recareering-Guide.com, that features even more helpful tips and discussions. Check it out.

Need a (Flexible) Job? Beyondmotherhood.com Can Help

Shannon Davis, the founder of  Beyondmotherhood.com is all about thinking big, and creatively, when it comes to promoting women's careers. (And I LOVE the logo for her company's website. Let's give a shout out for sexy-looking moms with realistic hips!)

As a mother of two, Davis knows that being a mom is a wonderful job — but sometimes you find yourself needing extra income (filled your gas tank lately?), the chance to have a little more contact with the adult world, or both.

Unable to find what she was looking for in the work world, and recognizing there was a real demand from both women and employers, Shannon created Beyondmotherhood.com. Her organization affords women the opportunity to raise a family and use their business skills in a flexible work environment. It's essentially a matchmaking site for employers and employees, with the employers paying the fee for the service.

"Many mothers resign themselves to the fact that they cannot have it all — being home with your children when they need you while maintaining a position in the working world," says Davis. "Why not? Why must we be either a 'Stay at Home Mom' or a 'Working Mom'? Why can't we have and be both?"

Whether you're looking for a job that will get you out of house for a few hours a week or one that could become a stepping stone to a full-time position in the future, check out Beyondmotherhood.com.