Business Opportunities Weblog

April 24, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 0 Comments

If you’re old enough, you can remember the old marketing jingle, “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan….and never let you forget you’re a man, ‘cause I’m a woman!” The 1980’s marketing campaign that emphasized the strength and beauty of the working woman has well outlasted even the popularity of the product it was touting!

I’m sure we would all agree that women are complex creatures who are the ultimate multitaskers. Chances are that if you are a woman reading this, you probably have a pot boiling or a laptop nearby. Perhaps there is a diaper just waiting to be changed, and undoubtedly dirty laundry ready to be made fresh again.

According to The Working Mothers Millennium, for the last ten years our society has witnessed 83% of new mothers returning to the labor force within 6 months after childbirth. How do we do it all? Is there a wonder woman inside of all of us just waiting to be unleashed? Somehow we manage.

Working mothers who achieve a healthy balance of work and time spent at home with the family find this very rewarding. Knowing that her little ones are loved and engaged throughout the day is the extra reassurance a working Mom needs to relax into the “good stress” of workplace demands.

In my experience, just about the time a working Mom perceives that she has at last achieved an equilibrium in her routine, kindergarten peeks out like a mischievous child who is waiting to be found while hiding behind a chair. A new routine is born.

Tears flow down with one final glance of the backpack you purchased with love. Strapped to the child you seemed to give life to just yesterday, you watch it disappear into the crowd, knowing that the first day of school is one of many times your heart will break as a mother. You quickly run a tissue across your cheeks, for there is no time to waste. Your job awaits and for Heaven’s sake you forgot to use the waterproof mascara!

After 54 days at school, you suddenly realize that you’ve settled in to a new phase of life. You are on autopilot. “Isn’t it great to buy new clothes with the money I’m not paying the daycare?” You smugly tell yourself as you look at your reflection in the rearview mirror. “I love school!”

Then the inevitable happens. Summer comes. School goes away, but your job doesn’t. You are inwardly debunked from your Wonder Woman throne. Your confidence is tested again. You question your decision to remain in the workplace, but either enjoy the vocation too much to quit or simply can’t afford to live without your income. What’s a woman to do?

First don’t panic. Remind yourself that lots of women do this everyday. There is a solution for you. Second, get yourself ready to do a little research. That’s all it takes to find the right fit for your family. And third, have a piece of chocolate. That always seems to help.

Well, knowing that once you’ve been reacquainted with the taste of chocolate again, you’re probably sitting down with your feet propped up and have taken one of two roads: You’re either feeling very sorry for yourself or you’ve resorted to simply watching Oprah. If this is you, don’t fret. I’ve put together a little research for you. So not to worry. Here are all my hot tips on summer childcare:

Summer School

Many schools will offer a summer program to children during the summer that includes educational, fun-filled activities to keep students reading or socializing while you are away earning the dough. Check with the communications office of your local school district to see if your child’s school has a summer program.

Local Summer Day Camps/Recreational Programs

There are many opportunities to get your kids involved in a summer day camp through award-winning family strengthening programs such as those offered by the YMCA. Not only will you discover that these programs are a valuable community resource, you will find them affordable for most budgets.

In-Home Childcare

Many in-home childcare providers have numerous vacancies during the summer due to families taking children on vacation or schoolteacher Moms being home for the summer. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to see if there are any caregivers listed. Check with churches that may be able to put you in contact with a childcare provider.

Local Stay-At-Home Mom

Is there someone you know and trust who is a stay-at-home Mom who may be interested in earning extra money for the summer? Think about neighbors and friends who might enjoy an opportunity like this one and afford you the peace of mind of knowing your child is safe and happy. Sometimes the very thing you are looking for is right under your nose!

Hire a Summer Nanny

According to Urban Institute’s National Survey of America’s Families 8% of all children are cared for by nannies or sitters over the summer.

What is a nanny? Despite the common misconception that a nanny is a live-in babysitter reserved for the rich and famous, a nanny can be anyone who comes into your home as needed to do what you would normally do if you were there.

Nannies come in many forms. Consider hiring a college student who is home or taking the summer off from school. Contact an organization that specializes in providing household help to working Moms.

“There are so many benefits to having a nanny. When I first became a Mom, I searched for the right solution for my family. I found the convenience of having someone come to us to be a great relief of the daily stress. I started my own company based on the concept of matching families up with nannies and to this day I know that we are helping Moms everywhere.” –Monta Fleming of GoNannies.com

Many times nannies will offer customized care suited to your family’s needs by helping with academics, playtime, meals, or even the most dreaded of tasks–housework!

When considering the cost of childcare outside of the home for more than one child, nannies are more affordable. Also, there are programs like Domestishare that offer the benefit of one nanny to more than one family at a time.

As summer approaches, we all know that the time is now to plan for a stress-free transition into what used to be called the lazy days. So after getting a good pedicure and booking your beach rental, don’t forget to lock in your summer childcare plans early. As school lets out and your child tucks another year under his belt, you will have the assurance that you’ve done the right thing as a Mom and find yourself on top of the world once again.

by Brandi Chambless

For other great household tips, inspirational stories on child-rearing, or great recipes visit The Soapbox at www.brandichambless.blogspot.com.

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