Tag Archives: working mom

Mom

Why Is It So Hard for Moms to Ask for Help?

Getting childcare help is an essential part of parenthood, but not all Moms are getting the help that they need. We asked moms, “Why is it so hard to ask for help?” The most common answers were:

• I want it done a certain way.
• Mom guilt.
• Not sure who to ask.
• I feel that it’s my job to do it.
• The time it takes to set up I my as well do it myself.

Mom #1: Lindsay, 4 children

I like to do a lot of it a certain way, but I try to teach my husband how to do things around the home and with the kids so I don’t have to do everything. I also ask for help a lot and don’t feel bad about it. My husband is mortified to ask for help, he will always just do it himself. If I don’t ask for help it makes me resentful and always leads me to exhaustion.

Mom #2: Kate, 3 children

I think part of it is due to social media. We all live in this fake reality where it appears that everyone has everything together (all the time) and we have to keep it together too. It’s the pressure we put on ourselves as moms that makes it hard — mom guilt is real.

Another thing I run into is who do I even ask for help? We all assume these responsibilities and put it on our shoulders to do everything the best that we can. I know when I do ask my mother-in-law or mom for help they are so happy to do it!

Mom #3: Alex, 2 children

I think some of it has to do with a sense of pride of “being able to do it all” – and perhaps asking for help would take away from that. 

I don’t subscribe to traditional gender roles, but I think moms may feel guilty “needing” help — especially if they don’t work (like it’s their job to take care of the kids and the house so they shouldn’t outsource).

I ask for help because it makes me a better mom, wife, friend and person. It ensure that I get a break so I’m able to be present and enjoy my time with my family. 

Mom #4: Elisa, 3 children

For me, I often think that the time it takes to set up childcare I my as well do it myself, but that’s not true! I think moms don’t share their real trials and tribulations with each other, resulting in each feeling as if they are the only one having difficulty balancing it all. 

Get the childcare help you need today! Contact our team of childcare experts and we’ll guide you to finding the childcare coverage you need.

Looking to hire a babysitter or nanny? Bell Family Company provides fully vetted & FULLY VACCINATED on demand babysitting, including full and part time nannies, baby nurses, temporary care and more! Learn why BFC is the best childcare agency, with childcare providers available across the U.S. (on-demand service available in the Tri-state & Dallas areas). Contact us today to hire.

Mom

How to Conquer Motherhood With 4 Kids

Going from three to four kids is a lot. People told me it’s much the same as going from two to three kids, but I think it’s harder! So, how does one manage a lot of kids? A lot of patience, love and help!

I found that getting childcare and household help assists me in being a better mother, friend and wife. 

A part time nanny can bring consistency to the family and offer a regular schedule of coverage. For my family, we use a part time daytime career nanny. This allows me to work from home consistent hours four days per week, grab lunch or a coffee once in a while with a friend and attend my workout class every Wednesday. I get to mingle, check off my weight bearing exercises and leave the house!

My nanny also helps me tidy up the kitchen and folds the children’s laundry — a BFC Family Helper would also be great at things like this!

For date night, when I need additional coverage during the day or weekends or for overnights when my husband travels, I book a BFC sitter. I use a sitter at least once per week as something always pops up in our schedule.

I love being a mom. I also love being a good wife, daughter, sister and friend.  I found outsourcing to reliable childcare providers is the best way to enjoy the many hats we mamas wear.

Looking to hire a babysitter or nanny? Bell Family Company provides fully vetted & FULLY VACCINATED on demand babysitting, including full and part time nannies, baby nurses, temporary care and more! Learn why BFC is the best childcare agency, with childcare providers available across the U.S. (on-demand service available in the Tri-state & Dallas areas). Contact us today to hire.

Partner

Veracity Founder Talks Parenthood & Prioritizing Selfcare

Allie Egan is the Founder and CEO of Veracity Selfcare and member family of Bell Family Company. In our Q&A she talks about life as a working parent and the story behind Veracity. Learn more about her impressive journey below.

Let’s start with hearing about your experience as a working parent!

Q. The question we all want answered is how are you juggling being a woman start-up business owner and a mother of two young children? What’s the biggest challenge from your perspective and how are you overcoming it?

A. The struggle is that you’re always working! I love my kids dearly and would not give them or my business up for the world, but as soon as I walk in the door after a full day of work I’m right back on the clock. This leads to two main challenges 1) carving out time for your own mental clarity and 2) trying to nurture your relationship with your partner behind schedule management. I don’t have all the answers, but the two main things I try to do are 1) being fully present in each job (aka mom at home, CEO at work) when it’s time for that job and 2) making time every day for at least a moment of joy. For me this can be a run, a dance party with my kids or a glass of wine with a friend post bedtime.

Q. What are the top 3 things you’ve learned about yourself being a working mom? 

A. 1) You will never have time for everything. 2) Don’t hype moments to be too perfect in your mind. You never know when a cold or fatigue or just a grumpy mood might set in with kids so give yourself grace that what you plan may not turn out as planned. 3) I love leaning into fun kids stuff like jumping on a trampoline, playing hide and seek or coloring bring me simple but real joy.

Now tell us about Veracity! 

Q. What’s the philosophy behind Veracity?

A. At Veracity, our mission is to empower women by providing them with the knowledge, tools and support they need to understand and balance their hormones effectively. We believe that when women are equipped with the right information and resources, they can unlock their full potential, both in terms of physical vitality, glowing skin and emotional well-being.

Our products are designed to create a healthy body and skin ecosystem for results that last. We only formulate with clean ingredients, free from hormone disruptors and toxins — a health first approach with clinically backed results. Our skincare is also safe for all life stages, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. You should never have to compromise results for your health.

Q. Why is it important that women keep track of their personal hormone levels?

A. Hormones influence every aspect of your health — from skin, hair, nails, mood, energy and metabolism to sleep and sexual health. More than 80% of women have a hormonal imbalance. At Veracity, we believe that if you have the knowledge and understanding of the state of your hormones, you can uncover the root cause of your skin and health issues — big and small — and unlock the best version of yourself.

Q. What are 3 things every woman can easily do today to protect herself from harmful everyday toxins?

A. When it comes to looking and feeling your best, what I’ve found is it’s less about what you add to your routine and more about what you remove from it. Endocrine disrupting chemicals, or chemicals that interfere with your hormones, can wreak havoc on your metabolism, energy, mood and skin. The easiest way to remove them is by using EDC free skincare, like Veracity. Next, eliminate plastic products where you can (e.g., food storage, plastic packaging, plastic baby bottles). Then, maximize your gut health with whole foods, breakfast in the morning and a probiotic (I’m obsessed with our BioEvolve Probiotic) which will help rid your body of toxins and excess hormones.

Looking to hire a babysitter or nanny? Bell Family Company provides fully vetted & FULLY VACCINATED on demand babysitting, including full and part time nannies, baby nurses, temporary care, help with virtual learning, and more! Learn why BFC is the best childcare agency, with childcare providers available across the U.S. (on-demand service available in the tri-state area). Contact us today to hire!

Partner

Stay Connected & Have Fun Getting Back to Work

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a game changer for working women. Pre-pandemic times were full of hustle and bustle for the working mom; play dates, lessons, worry-free activities and childcare all gave mothers a chance to have some time to work on themselves and their careers. But now, even just running out to sit in your car and take a phone call alone is considered normal (and funny)!

With all the lessons we’ve learned, now is the best time to think outside the box and expand on ideas and inspiration for 2021. NYC-based Supermom, Courtney Rohler Sullivan, is the prime example of taking pandemic era challenges and creating opportunity. In an effort to stay connected and have fun working with old friends and colleagues, Courtney launched herself into the business of promoting and selling clothes with the up and coming SAVVI line, launching in 2021. Realizing that virtual is the new reality, Courtney started her own small business under the umbrella of SAVVI and stays active promoting cute new clothes with friends, family and new clients. What a great example of making the most out of the moment!

“Being a mom and having the kids home all the time, I needed something JUST for me during these crazy times. Forming a team with my dear friends upended from the Broadway shutdown has been the best thing to come out of this pandemic! The clothes are incredible, but the community has been the saving grace.  It’s been so fascinating to be part of launching a new company and the best part is that I can do it at my own pace. It’s truly the perfect mom side gig.”

Courtney Rohler Sullivan
Courtney with her daughter

Courtney would love to have you on her growing team! JOIN TODAY for the buttery leggings with pockets, but stay for the community and camaraderie. Come as you are. Everyone is welcome.

Just here for the pockets? Enjoy $25 OFF with code SHARE25 for any first time customer. Trust us – they are the best leggings ever!

Bell Family Company

My Childcare Agency Is Open, Why Are Decision Makers’ Minds Closed?

Care taking has been ingrained in me since I was a child. I became a big sister when I was one and have been a caretaker ever since. From my early teens through my twenties, I babysat for everyone I could – and I loved it. That is why I started my childcare placement agency Bell Family Company, 10 years ago in New York City.

Now, I am a mother of two boys under four years old and run my small business from my home. Like many moms, I am juggling my day-job with ‘daycare and school’ for my children in our “new normal” resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every day there is a new article about how working from home with children is an impossible task. There is, “As Companies Reopen, Employees Scramble to Find Child Care” and “If America Doesn’t Invest in Childcare, Who Will Watch Our Kids When We Go Back to Work?” Reliable and flexible childcare was necessary before this pandemic struck, now it’s proven to be imperative.

While my agency concentrates on the tri-state area, there are agencies all over the United States that can assist employers big and small in referring help. There is not a one-size fits all approach, so a variety of service options must be available to working parents. This is a vital benefit, and employers and the government must step in to help.

In my endless attempts to reach out to employers big and small to educate them on our services and how we can help, the story is the same. I usually speak with a woman in Human Resources and she gets it immediately. Then the conversation begins to breakdown;
“It will be tough to get past the board”, or “There is too much red tape or liability involved”, blah blah blah … nothing gets done. And here we are, amidst a global pandemic in a country that is supposed to thrive on innovation, entrepreneurship and the American dream; and the problem is what do we do with our kids?

Employers and/or the government need to build a committee or board full of employees that are parents. The committee needs to come up with a list of agencies and other resources to refer to their families. Employers and the government need to then build a benefits program or package including ways that the company will help the parent (i.e., provide reimbursement on childcare hours).

The business community and government must work together to put forth viable solutions that support American families. If employers truly care about their employees and want to retain top talent, then they must offer modern-day caretaker policies that are flexible, reliable and affordable. If governments want thriving families and a strong economy, they must act as well.

The time for change is now and I am here to help. Please contact me  if I can be of service in anyway.

Written by Lindsay Bell, Small Business Owner & Working Mom

Mom

Making Your Back-to-Work Plan, The Pumping Edition

We recently teamed up with Jennifer Mayer, founder of Baby Caravan, and Birth Doula for over 12 years, to get her advice about mothers who are going back to work and are committed to breastfeeding and maintaining their pumping schedule. Read below for her thoughts and suggestions, and to start your back-to-work plan.
For many mothers, the return to work is filled with lots of stress, concern and worry. Leaving your new baby in the arms of an entrusted caregiver and returning to work is never easy. For moms who are committed to breastfeeding, creating a good pumping
plan is a huge asset.
Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. In order to produce enough milk for your child’s feedings, it’s essential that you pump on a regular and consistent basis. Many moms are concerned about their supply when they return to work, since they will be away from their baby. It’s true that the pump is not quite as efficient to remove milk as compared to your baby, and your supply may decrease. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your supply up while pumping at work.
1) Make A Schedule: The most important thing when pumping at work, is making sure you pump on a consistent basis. Usually pumping at least twice while you’re away (every 4 hours), and ideally three times while you’re away (every 3 hours) will be often enough. To ensure your pump sessions occur, schedule them into your daily schedule if possible.
2) Have a Dedicated Pump Spot: Some offices have lactation rooms already available, and other places of employment do not. If possible, speak with HR prior to returning to work to sort out where you can pump when you return to work. Make sure it’s not a bathroom!
3) Grab Your Gear: You’ll likely want to have one pump at the office, and another at home. Prepare for your first day by bringing an extra set up pump parts as back-up, and extra shirt (just in case!) and extra storage bottles. You’ll also want to bring a cooler bag to transport your milk home in. We love the Pack-It coolers.
4) Breastfeed When You’re Home: One way moms ensure to keep up their supply is to nurse often when they are home with their baby. Depending on how well your little one is sleeping at night, you may want to feed more often in the evening and in the morning hours. On the weekends you can spend time nursing to boost
your supply and have lots of bonding time with your baby.
Some workplaces are more supportive than others when it comes to pumping at work. Hopefully your employer respects how important and beneficial breastfeeding is.
However if you’re the first employee to pump at work, or your employer isn’t very supportive, here are some ways to create a pump friendly environment.
1) The Law is Your Friend: At the federal level, mothers are also protected but for just one year: “Section 7 of the FLSA requires employers to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child’s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk.”
2) Design a Lactation Room: If you’re able to, design a lactation room for your company. You’ll want to include essentials like access to a sink, fridge for storage, cubbies to hold gear, a desk or table to hold laptops and pumps, comfortable chairs, wipes, and a community board. If you need a temporary space check out companies like Melk and Mamava.
3) Educate: If you’re one of the first moms who’s pumping, your boss and colleagues might just be unaware of all the benefits. Gently educating them on the health benefits of breastfeeding for babies and moms could go a long way toward acceptance.
I hope these tips help you as your prepare for your transition back to work. Pumping is certainly a commitment that takes time and dedication. Yet for many moms the satisfaction of providing breast milk for their babies while they are away at work is worth all the effort.
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For more information about Jennifer and Baby Caravan, click here.

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Working Women Wednesday: Balance

One of the great questions of women considering becoming working moms is: “How will I balance everything and still be a good mom?” Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks to balance work and home life; plus, having a career and a family is perfectly normal! Your kids will turn out great despite a few hours away from them, and will still have a great role model.

mom

  • Accept that there will be tradeoffs: taking on another job in addition to being a mother pretty much mandates that there will be tradeoffs. Some nights may be pizza or takeout, and you may even have to buy store-bought playdough instead of making your own. Remembering why you agreed to work in the first place and why you are making those sacrifices can make this better and avoid feeling guilty.
  • Schedule Yourself: Similar to how you carve out the time you need for work to be successful at your job, set aside family time, me time, or couple time. Putting things on your calendar will help to make sure you have that time reserved and don’t feel like you are missing out on family time.
  • Be Present: When you come home, turn your devices off or at least put them aside. Make time for family time either during dinner or during a TV show that you all enjoy watching together. You will have plenty of time to catch up on work and answer emails when the kids go to bed, in the mornings, or during the day.
  • Accept help: As much as we all want to be, nobody is supermom. Don’t feel bad about accepting your parents offer to take the kids one day a week, or your husbands offer to pick up groceries.

Most of all, remember that if working is best for your family and self, then don’t feel guilty!

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