Your browser (Internet Explorer 7 or lower) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all features of this and other websites. Learn how to update your browser.
What does the word family mean to you? On my school drop-offs and pick-ups, I notice many grandparents doing that role. How lucky for those kids to have their grandparents present on a daily basis, and for the parents to have assistance!
The other day I was looking through pictures from a year ago and realized many of my friendships were with mothers from my neighborhood and moms of my kids’ friends from their school. I think of their school in many ways as a “family”.
When my kids first started school, I had no idea who to list as an emergency contact besides my spouse. With no extended family in the area, we were at a loss in that area.
Over the years, I’ve asked other moms, “Can I list you as an emergency contact?” They’ve said yes, fortunately.
After over ten years in Philly, I feel like there is a network of other moms who I can turn to if I needed help. If you don’t have family in your area, what do you do?
I’ve worked out carpools with other moms when logistically it made sense rather than spinning my wheels.
As I looked through my photos I realized I’m part of a school family and would feel perfectly content if my children stay at the school until 8th grade.
I am grateful for getting to know these mothers through car pools, birthday parties, class trips, etc. We all want what’s best for our children.
Years ago, I gave a keynote address for NY Mom’s World in Westchester, New York entitled “Five Ways to Master the Mommy Track” to promote my book for working mothers. I thought the pointers were worth sharing as a blog post. Here are the points, edited to be applicable to 2017:
Don’t overstress yourself when times are tough. Many women nationwide are afraid of losing their job or struggling to find work and concerned about their family’s financial situation. Career moms should realize that millions of others are experiencing the same feelings. The events happening today – job loss or an uncertain work status — will turn around in the future.
Don’t be so preoccupied with work or your career that you miss out on quality time with your kids. Ditch the smart phone for an hour or two each weekday so you can play with your kids or read to them. Limit the amount of TV they watch, and strive for quality interactions. Make the weekends extra special—take them on family outings to local parks, museums or excursions. Ask them what is going on at school, and they will tell you. Evaluate their current daycare or preschool program to make sure it’s the best fit for them.
To avoid burnout, women can communicate their needs to others by letting their spouse or partner and family members know what they need. This could be asking that groceries be purchased and put away, dinner be started, toys picked up, laundry folded, and so forth. Instead of reacting to unmet needs, moms can be proactive by expressing their needs from the start. When their needs are met, there is less exasperation. If other family members are local, ask them if they have time to assist, perhaps via school drop-offs or pick-ups and babysitting as needed.
How can mothers can take their careers to the next level–even with active home lives? Flex time is paramount so moms can be part of their kids’ activities. Women can ask their current employer for a change in their schedule–whether that be the option of telecommuting, working flexible hours, working a compressed workweek, or going part-time. They can build a solid case for changing their schedule and see if their boss will allow some flexibility. If not, then perhaps it’s time to find a job that allows flexible work options.
Career moms need to share family and home obligations with their partner or spouse. Women have made great strides toward equality in the workplace, but not at home. Household chores largely fall on the mothers’ shoulders–but these tasks and parenting responsibilities should be divided equally. Women will never have time for themselves until they can achieve this balance at home. Women should schedule their free time in advance otherwise it might not happen. It requires planning and cooperation with their spouse or partner. Each person’s free time can be scheduled and agreed on–and both must commit to making it happen.
Yesterday, I attended the Women’s March in Philadelphia. It was a historic event to witness. I did not have kids with me. It was such a friendly crowd, I worked my way up to the front line behind the gate. I watched the inspiring speakers and took some notes. #womensmarchphiladelphia
Emily Morse, one of the local organizers, is a mom of three and full time worker who is going to Villanova at night for further education. A sexual assault survivor, she thought, “We cannot accept this.” Emily read about the DC women’s march, noticed many of her local friends wanted to attend and bring their children, so she decided to launch a march in Philly.
Morse launched a Facebook page for the Philly March, which turned out to be 50,000 strong. “Women’s rights are human rights. Demand equality for womanhood. This movement won’t be stopped,” she told the crowd.
Raising the wage was mentioned by many of the speakers, including Donna Bullock, a representative for the 195th District at Pa House of Representatives.
Salima Susswell, an Advisory Board member for the Council on American Islamic Relations – Philadelphia Chapter, said God’s plan is superior to that of man. Her local chapter vows to fight vs. oppression against Muslims, who comprise 250,000 in Philly alone. Susswell spoke about standing vs. hate crimes and vicious rhetoric.
Brenda Dunston, mother of slain Sandra Bland, spoke of her need to close a painful chapter in her life. Her daughter was a 28-year-old African American woman who died in a Waller County, Texas jail cell in 2015. Bland’s family won a settlement in a wrongful death civil lawsuit. Dunston will be going on a 40 city tour nationwide to promote her book and calling.
Malcolm Kenyatta, political commentator and member engagement coordinator for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, was another rousing speaker. “The battle will be hard, but now is the time to endure. The value of equality will endure,” he said.
Kenyatta said they will not be silent when you could become bankrupt if you got sick without healthcare coverage.
Terri Matthews of Jaden’s Voice advised Hillary Clinton on her autism policies. Jaden’s Voice is a non-profit that offers support for autistic children and their families. “We stand here because our children mean something,” Matthews said. She added that families are dying (committing suicide) because no one cares about their concerns.
City councilwoman Helen Gym spoke about marching for those rebuilding the city public schools, fighting for higher wages and immigrant rights and defending Muslims. Gym noted that they fight against Comcast’s opposition of the city’s pay equity bill. This bill aims to curb hiring discrimination, particularly for women and minorities, and would prevent employers from asking job applicants about past salaries.
Nellie Fitzpatrick, Director of LGBT Affairs for the city, appeared with her wife, and spoke of the city’s efforts to fight discrimination against LGBT individuals. She said violence against transgender people has to stop.
Obtain new clients. Every year, I assess the past year for my business—what worked and what didn’t. I value the work from repeat and long-term clients. It’s tough when a contract is not renewed, but that is the life of a consultant. It’s best to have a mix of clients, rather than rely on one or two for your income.
Exercise! Last month, I cut my gym membership to the local YMCA because I just was not going. My exercise right now consists of dropping and picking up the kids from school, and running them around to different activities. That has to change.
Cut unnecessary expenses. I enjoy supporting local Moms in their business endeavors. I will buy their books at book signings and listen to their talks and discussions. I’ve purchased essential oil kits and skin regiments to help these Moms boost their businesses. I stopped using essential oil; the skin regiment might be the next one I cut. If a product is not working for you, why continue it?
Build my support network. There’s an evening event I want to attend later this month, and a neighbor is watching the kids until my husband can pick them up after work. I promised her I would return this favor. If you don’t have family in the area, you may have to ask another parent or neighbor to assist. Another mom walks one of my daughters over to CCD class every week. This saves me an amount of time that is much appreciated. When someone offers to help you, accept it! I walk a daughter’s friend over to a CCD class every week and do not expect anything in return. The saying “Give and you shall receive” is so true.
Evaluate time spent—meetings, product demos, etc. When you are a consultant, time is money. What monthly activities can you eliminate to add more time to your schedule? Are you committed to too many meet-ups? Should you scale back on the volunteer work?
With a Barnes & Noble gift card, I recently bought “Fresh Start: The New You Begins Today” by Joel Osteen. Looking forward to some inspirational reading.
Here’s to our success! Happy 2017!
Image courtesy of Supertrooper at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
As parents ourselves, we can say with confidence that there is nothing more important to us than the health of our children – a truism for all parents. Equally so, there is nothing more devastating than thinking about our children being injured. Sadly, for many parents in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, birth injuries are a serious threat to the wellbeing of their child. Often the result of medical malpractice, a birth injury can impair a child for life, leaving them with injuries ranging from nerve damage affecting motor abilities to cognitive disabilities to scarring and disfigurement. When an injury results, parents should be able to turn to other parents, legal support, medical professionals, and various organizations for support and counsel.
In Pennsylvania, there are a number of these resources, as this map of birth injury resources in Philadelphia demonstrates. This post is brought to you by the law offices of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C.
Medical Treatment for Birth Injury Victims
The most important thing after a birth injury occurs is ensuring that your child receives the medical care that they need to improve their chances of recovery moving forward. Throughout the city of Philadelphia, a parent can find a number of medical treatment centers that specialize in working with children, including children who have suffered a birth injury. Some of these include:
● Shriners Hospital – 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia
● CHOP Newborn and Emergency Care – 1201 Newtown-Langhorne Rd., Langhorne
● Pediatria Healthcare for Kids – 8101 Washington Ln., Wyncote
Behavioral and Cognitive Health Services
Children whose brains have been impacted by a birth injury may suffer from cognitive or behavioral development delays or other complications as they grow. When this is the case, seeking professional behavioral and cognitive health services can be incredibly useful. Some top recommendations include:
● Children’s Behavioral Health Services – 160 Devereux Rd., Glenmoore
● Autism Centers of Excellence – 499 Spring Gardens Street, Philadelphia
● Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pocono – 1547 Millcreek Rd., Newfoundland
Resources for Parents of Children with Special Conditions and Disabilities
If your child’s birth injury is severe, you may have questions that extend beyond seeking additional help for behavioral problems or physical therapy to restore motor abilities. If your child has any special conditions, there may be a resource for you within Philadelphia. Organizations and resources for parents of children with special conditions and disabilities that can be found in or around the city include:
● United Cerebral Palsy
● Kelley Anne Dolan Memorial Fund
● Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
● The PEAL Center
● Sunshine Foundation National Headquarters
● HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
The above list is not complete; refer to the link above for a full map of resources.
Getting Legal Help after a Birth Injury
If your child is the victim of a birth injury, another thing to think about is your right to seek legal counsel, to potentially pursue a claim against the at-fault doctor. At the law offices of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., experienced Philadelphia birth injury attorneys know what it takes to recover the compensation that your family deserves. To learn more, contact today for your free case consultation by visiting their website here: https://cprlaw.com/pa/philadelphia/birth-injury-attorney/.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of accompanying my kids on their camp trip to Clementon Park. Last year, I went on this excursion with them so I knew what to expect. With other city camps there, it would be packed. There would be long lines.
I know some parents keep their children home from these crowded events. I was game for another trek over to Clementon.
In my opinion, here are some benefits of taking time away from work and going on summer camp trips with your children:
• They’re only young once. I hear this again and again from other parents: “It goes by in the blink of an eye.” Nothing gives me greater pleasure than running around an amusement park with my kids. When they are older, I won’t have this opportunity so I can look back on these happy memories of their youth.
• You develop friendships with other parents. I have made friends with some other Moms by taking my girls on trips and to events. I like to get the girls together with their friends – and look forward to catching up with my Mom friends.
• This is their time to have fun and relax before the school year starts. When my kids start school again, they will have nightly homework, tests and some afterschool activities. There is a lot of pressure on kids these days. The summer is a chance for them to stay up later, spend more time outside at the pool or beach, for example, and just be silly kids.
As the summer winds down to a close, enjoy the last weeks with your spouse and/or partner and children before school is in full swing again.
Earlier this month, I attended Career Wardrobe’s annual reception and silent auction #HopeOntheMove. Last year, I enjoyed networking with other local women professionals and supporting this worthy cause. I decided to attend this event again.
Career Wardrobe is a non-profit that uses clothing and professional development to empower unemployed individuals to work. The Boutique provides professional clothing to individuals in transition. Job seekers can shop at no cost with a referral or for a small fee if they are not receiving government assistance. In Philadelphia, the Boutique is open to public where shoppers can find deals on women’s designer and modern clothing with sales supporting the non-profit.
Career Wardrobe recognizes that everyone may need help at some point in their working lives, and thus expanded their programming to meet the needs of the community. In 2015, they opened their doors to men with the Make It Work for Men program, providing dressing services to men in order to assist them in presenting a smart first impression.
The annual evening event includes a Hope Walk of community leaders and local media personalities modeling professional outfits on a fashion runway.
I realized my own wardrobe was in need of an upgrade, as I meet with clients or prospects on occasion face-to-face. So on my birthday, I left my kids with my husband and walked over to The Boutique at 1822 Spring Garden Street to do some shopping.
What a pleasant surprise. I tried on some outfits and in under 40 minutes, I left with three dresses, a pair of jeans and a dressy top. The price tag was a bargain for these five items. I was happy to find this deal on my birthday. The staff was super friendly as well.
I now feel prepared for when I have a future meeting. Yeah! I don’t have to scramble at the last minute for a suitable outfit. I encourage women seeking a wardrobe upgrade—both working and stay-at-home–to check the store out.
I’ll definitely return to The Boutique in the future!
Career Wardrobe partners with community and government agencies to reach those in need of its services throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. The social enterprise is the regional provider of the PA WORKWEAR program, giving women on public assistance access to professional clothing for job search, training, and work.
Career Wardrobe operates Boutiques in Philadelphia, Chester, and Bristol, PA. Clothing donations are accepted Monday through Saturday in Philadelphia, Fridays in Chester, PA and monthly at partner locations in East Falls and Haverford, PA.
ENTREPRENEUR WORKS PRESENTS: REBECCA RESCATE – 2X ABC’s “SHARK TANK” ALUM REBECCA RESCATE TO SHARE HER JOURNEY AND PHILOSOPHY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19TH
Presented by Entrepreneur Works & International House Philadelphia (IHP), with Sponsorship from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
For those who dream of finding a better balance by becoming an entrepreneur – or of pitching their business to the right investor, and getting their name out to millions of Americans overnight – Entrepreneur Works is presenting two-time ABC’s “Shark Tank” alum Rebecca Rescate speaking with aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs about her journey and philosophy of business ownership and work-life balance. A Bucks County-based mom of three, Ms. Rescate’s companies include CitiKitty and HoodiePillow – both of which she pitched to the “Sharks” – and her latest product, Top-Down Planner. The conversation will take place on Monday, October 19th, 2015 at International House Philadelphia (3701 Chestnut Street) from 7-9 PM. The event is open to the public, but advance registration is required ($20 general admission; $15 for students; free for International House members and residents).
The Entrepreneur Works Presents series features master entrepreneurs in a variety of fields speaking about their experiences starting a business and offering guidance to aspiring small business owners. After launching in July 2014 with renowned director and choreographer Debbie Allen on how to sustain a career in the arts, the Entrepreneur Works Presents series continues with serial entrepreneur Rebecca Rescate. This installment of the Entrepreneur Works Presents speaker series is sponsored by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, of which Ms. Rescate is an alumna.
Rebecca Rescate
Rebecca Rescate is a two-time alum of ABC’s “Shark Tank”, a serial entrepreneur, and a Bucks County-based mom of three. Ms. Rescate has started multiple companies since 2005, including CitiKitty, HoodiePillow, and her latest product, Top-Down Planner, a “success strategy tool that helps you painlessly organize your time and plan to reach any goal you have.” For more information on Ms. Rescate, please visit http://www.rebeccarescate.com/.
Entrepreneur Works
Entrepreneur Works is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating pathways of opportunity for hundreds of talented yet underserved Philadelphia-area entrepreneurs each year, with a focus on serving low-to-moderate income, minority, immigrant and women entrepreneurs. Our clients start and grow small businesses, create jobs for themselves and their neighbors, and strengthen the local economy. Since 1998 we’ve served over 4,300 clients, advanced more than 415 loans, and invested $1.4M into neighborhood businesses. Visit www.myentrepreneurworks.org to learn more.
International House Philadelphia
The Intercultural Leadership Series at International House Philadelphia is an ongoing project involving lectures, symposiums and live performances. The events aim at fostering discussion and offering insight on the competencies, behaviors and specific skills needed to be an effective leader in an intercultural environment. International House, http://ihousephilly.org/, provides a unique experience that encourages mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among all people. We house students and scholars from more than 75 countries around the world, including the U.S., at our award-winning facility in University City and we broaden the horizons of our residents and the Greater Philadelphia community by offering high-quality arts and cultural programs.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses helps entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing greater access to education, capital and business support services. In the Philadelphia region, the Community College of Philadelphia offers this educational experience to three cohorts of entrepreneurs each year. Rebecca Rescate is an alumna of 10,000 Small Businesses, and Goldman Sachs is a proud sponsor of Entrepreneur Works Presents: Rebecca Rescate. Learn more at www.ccp.edu/10KSB and https://www.10ksbapply.com/.
It was bittersweet to watch my five-year-old complete her homework packet for Kindergarten. She’s the baby and will remain so. Is she ready? You betcha! I’m preparing for the transition as well.
As we speed into August, I’m looking ahead to the school year for my two: marking teacher conferences on the calendar, reviewing what we need for the meetings and of course – uniform and school supply shopping.
It’s nice to be at this point (the kids will be at the same school in September) but it’s also a realization that our baby is growing up.
When my oldest started Kindergarten two years ago, it felt like such an accomplishment for her and myself. I’ll feel the same way when I drop the youngest off in September.
Do you have a child headed for Kindergarten? If the child is your “baby” or only child, it will be even more poignant. Just look back at how far you’ve come. You are past breast feeding, diapers, potty training—the early stages of life.
And it gets easier. What a transformation it is from five to seven years old! They learn to bathe themselves, take extra care in picking out outfits, clean up more around the house and can even make a small meal when hungry.
You’ll have to prepare your child for heading off to school—is their homework packet complete by the due date and have you reviewed sight words with them? You also may have to prepare yourself mentally for the “baby” or only child leaving for school.
This might not affect your situation but many moms will have more time during the day once they have a child in grammar school. It’s a good time to review your career stage and ponder: Should I return to work full time? Or work part time and line up after school activities for the kids? Continue the current business or start a new one?
What is best for your family’s financial situation, your career as well as your child’s growth? Talk it over with a spouse if you need to. You’re in this together, after all.
Remember to take lots of pictures and a video capturing their first day. It only happens once. Don’t forget to bring tissues because you may likely shed some tears. I know I will.
I take my kids for lunch at local fast food restaurants, on occasion – like many parents do. I’ve met or spoken with some parents who work in the industry, like you probably have. Mothers or fathers who work hard to support their families.
The Fight for $15 has become a successful labor movement in the country. Last month, the Los Angeles City Council set itself up to raise its minimum wage from its current level of $9 per hour to $15 per hour in 2020. While the bill faces a final vote, it’s expected to pass. This will be a major win for labor unions and liberal organizations.
Los Angeles followed Seattle and San Francisco in setting its minimum wage at $15 per hour. And last month, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he would establish a “Wage Board” that allows him to determine whether workers in a set industry in New York deserve a higher minimum wage.
“Through the Wage Board, New York can set fast-food workers on a path out of poverty, ease the burden on taxpayers and create a new national standard,” Cuomo wrote in a New York Times op-ed.
Many restaurant owners are accumulating wealth at the expense of their employees. Unfortunately, many employees nationwide–especially immigrants–accept horrendous working conditions in restaurants for fear of losing their jobs. So they are paid less than the minimum wage, work overtime without additional compensation and forfeit a portion of their tips to chefs and owners.
Let’s hope other cities follow suit and workers continue the Fight for $15.
As Bittman wisely noted, “But if you run a business that’s dependent on labor at the poverty level or worse, and that business doesn’t work if you pay workers something approaching a living wage, it isn’t a viable business, from either the moral or practical point of view.”
Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
