Working Moms Against Guilt

Prior to becoming a mother I was not a crier.  That has changed a little bit, but I am still not a generally weepy sort of personality.  The tears I shed these days are typically because someone mentioned that babies grow up, or I think about my babies growing up, or my babies do something that make me realize they are growing up, or (in a really bad state) I realize I have grown up and away from my mom and now my babies are going to do the same thing to me. Pregnancy with Monkey provided me with just more than the amount of hormones anyone needs to be reduced to a tearing, whimpering … [more...]

I am convinced there is a circle of hell that is devoted to forcing people to re-live the agony of selling a home. It is the worst. THE WORST. While this isn’t the first time I have done it, this was the first time I’ve had to do it with a couple of kids (my kids) actually living in the house I’m trying to sell. Also, despite the fact that I am moving, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to keep my job. While this is wonderful in every way, the only downside is that I had to sell my house while working full-time with two kids in the house. And with a husband who had … [more...]

Have you ever noticed that one of your children is about to get sick and you do nothing? And not because you don't love your children. But if you take ANOTHER day off work to take them to the doctor it means you will miss a meeting. Balancing sick children and your job is a challenge. Period. We working moms are always trying to do what is right for our kids and our employers. But if you take your son to the doctor, you won't finish that project on time another month in a row and you aren't sure your boss will be so understanding this go round. Or, maybe you are hourly and you just can't … [more...]

Someone I know, like and respect very much asked me if she could write a few guest posts for this blog. I agreed, because she is a fantastic storyteller and has totally legit reasons for keeping her identity private. So we’re calling her posts “Tales from the Family Crypt.” Read her first post here. Feel free to comment away (anonymously, if you like). — Susan We are five hours and two states into a family vacation when I see the bulge at my husband’s side. When I saw it I knew. I just couldn’t believe it. My husband is packing heat on the family vaca. “Lee, what are you … [more...]

When you are thinking about becoming – or about to become – a parent, people are full of advice.  Everyone talks ad nauseam about the joys of a newborn.  The more honest ones also mention the trials and tribulations.  What nobody tells you, though, is that the true torture is the music.  Sure, the same songs from the baby swing or the infant soother can get tiring and very stuck in your head, but I am not talking about the infant and toddler years.  It is in preschool that the ruthless battering begins. Now, in our household, we have managed to avoid the high-pitched squeaky … [more...]

It's that time of year again ladies! A day when flowers, chocolates, and, for a lucky few, spa gift certificates are distributed to the hard-working moms of America. Interestingly enough, many of the moms I know don’t really care about those material things. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never met a woman who would turn down a quality box of chocolates or a good pair of shoes…but the candy, flowers and massage certificates aren’t the most coveted Mother’s Day gifts. So…what do we moms REALLY want? Here are some responses I got when I asked a few of my fellow WMAG … [more...]

This guest post shows you why "mommy brain" is not helping your paycheck. Use Pat's tips to negotiate a bigger raise and recognition for your hard work. By Pat Katepoo  There's a surprisingly simple memory aid I want to tell you about that could stoke your salary at performance review time. It's built on a habit that takes only minutes a week, yet most professionals overlook it. As a busy working mom, your life is all about lists, right? I'm guessing you keep to-do lists, use grocery lists, and have a hefty projects list at work. With your days full of distractions and a brain on … [more...]