As moms we tend to be so hard on ourselves. We want to do it all. We want to be "Supermom". That is an Unrealistic expectation. Don't be so hard on yourself.

During the week- take time to plan fun activities/events with your kids. You can pick out the events duing the week, It gives both you and your kids something to look forward to. My daughter and I will pick one night a week to research different events for the weekend whether it's storytime at the local book store or library, a holiday fair or a movie we both want to see. We have fun searching out the events, choosing them together and using our imaginations to think about the event and what it will be like.

Have fun picking out events and planning the day.

Diane

Working from home still means you are working. So, it needs to be time that you set aside and have a 100% focus and concentration towards your job. A lot of moms realize that the best way to do this is to drop off your child for a few hours a day at a nursery school setting. When you drop your child off they are at a place where  your child learns independence by eating her own snacks, thhrowing away her garbage, using the potty, picking her toys, etc. This setting also enables the child to develop great social skills by making new friends, learning to be part of a group, following directions, learning a routine and so on plus your child will have plenty of fun! Nursery school has such flexible day/hours schedule that you can pick and choose the times you will need. It's a win-win for both you and your child. You get to work and focus on your job while your child gets to learn, grow and have fun!

Remember, working from home is still a job but it allows you the flexibility of picking your hours/days, having no commute and flexibility.

Working from home is great for moms. There are many advantages - no commute, flexibility, more time with your children, no  extra costs for wardrobe but there are disadvantages too.

One of the common issues I hear from moms is about support. Their husbands don't consider it "work" if you are not getting up and going to an office. Explain to your husband - you have two jobs! Your first job and  most important job is being a Mom - the job you get no Paid vacations, sick days, holidays, No raises or promotions. You are on-call 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. Then you have your second job which is babysitting where you are responsible for another child and their development as well as their physical, emotional and mental health.

That is a tough job! If he doesn't beileve you - switch jobs for a few days- he will understand 

Also, make sure to take some time for yourself. make plans once every other week to do something relaxing for you - get a manicure, massage, go out for lunch or dinner with a friend, etc. Whatever makes you feel relaxed!

Hi! I live in Morris County...

Saturday, March 29th at 2pm - Come Meet Diane lang and have all your questions answered on Reentering the workforce. This includes: How to deal with the Gap on your resume, cover letter and resume questions, the interview process and the top ten interview questions, options for moms and dealing with Mommy Guilt.

 Goldfinch Books

97a Baker Street

Maplewood, NJ 07040

973-763-4225

 Hope to see you there!!!

I'm a working mom with a five year old daughter. I try to do a few different things with my daughter to make her feel special.

I'm a working mom so I try to involve my work with my family. As a college professor, I get the opportunity to bring my daughter to work. So, when I'm teaching any type of psychology class that invloves Children, development, etc. I bring my daughter to class and let her speak about her interests, her friends, school, etc. This allows my daughter to feel special and also adds in a good work ethic. My daughter always asks about my work and the best way to fill her curiosity is to show her what I do. The next day my daughter goes back to Kindergarten and tells everyone how she went to work with Mommy. This is a great experience for both of us and allows for Mommy & Me time.

I also include my daughter in some of Adult activities. Example: I have a friend who lives about 2 hours from me. I take my daughter with me and we all have a "Girls Lunch" My daughter loves to feel included in my life. So, taking her to work or out with my friends alone makes her feel special.

I answer my daughter with honesty. My daughter is five and is at that point of her life that she asks a lot of questions and asks "why" all the time. Instead of using the typical answers my parents used to say like - go ask your father or because I said so or because I'm the adult or I'm your parent. I take the time to explain to my daughter in simple terms why she can't do something or why something is wrong. If we take the time to explain Why then our kids won't repeat the negative behavior. If they don't understand why they will keep repeating the negative behaviors which will keep frustarting us as parents.

One more thing....

I also try to teach Positive Parenting skills when I teach Parenting workshops. Positive parenting is teaching Parents what Traits are learned. Some of those traits are: Kindness, manners, Patience, Honestl, Respect, etc. Once a parent knows these traits and that they can be taught to their children thru role modeling and explaining behaviors, the parents can change their ways. Parents can begin to show more of these traits, point these traits out by using volunteer work and positive reinforcement.  You can also encourage your children by teaching them to use their strengths and not focusing on their weaknesses.

Diane

lifeline36@aol.com ...

Please check out Homegrownradionj.com  this Thursday at 10am. I will be a guest on the radio show: A Novel Idea.

The show is hosted by Helen Cornato - a great author who writes Books for Moms who want to teach their kids to be Eco-friendly.

Check out the radio show where Helen and I will discuss Balancing work and family.

Thanks

Diane Lang

www.dlcounseling.com ...

Mommytalkers:

Hi! Thank you so much for filling out my survey - I appreciate it. If you have any comments or questions, Please feel free to e-mail me at:

Lifeline36@aol.com ...

Thanks

Diane