ML Interest Tag: online-community

Starbucks Now Offers Childcare Benefits for Its Employees & It’s Long Overdue

by Erica Loop

Creating work-life balance isn’t easy and that’s why some of major companies are all-in for helping employee-parents out. Starbucks now offers childcare benefits, making it the latest company the quest to make it easier to parent and still earn a living.

If you’re a working mama, then you’ve probably been in the, “My kiddo is sick and I have no one to watch them!” panic type of situation. Well, it looks like Starbucks wants to remedy this situation.

Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks 

Partnering with Care.com to offer Care@Work, Starbucks gives employees the opportunity to connect with caregivers through an online community. Starbucks employees who work in company-owned stores within the United States will get 10 subsidized backup care days annually. This doesn’t just include care days for your kiddos. Employees who are adult caregivers of aging parents also get this benefit, too.

According to vice president of benefits at Starbucks, Ron Crawford, “This is giving our partners resources for things that happen in regular life. We wanted to give them something to help fill in the gaps.”

So what else do Starbucks employees get with this new benefit? They’ll receive a free premium membership to Care.com (that’s a $150 value) and get low rates for in-home or center-based backup child or adult care. And by low, we mean $1 an hour for in-home care and $5 per day for center-based care. Whoa!

—Erica Loop

 

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11 Video Games You Can Feel Good About Your Kid Playing After School

By Common Sense Media

It’s a modern-day dilemma: Do you ban gaming during the school week in hopes it will encourage more studying? Or do you use games as a reward for finishing homework but risk kids doing a rushed job?

Research on the positive effects video games have on players’ brains may make those questions moot. In fact, all that decision making, logical thinking and strategizing kids do while they’re playing may not be wasted on enemies in Fortnite. Spatial reasoning, for example, is strengthened by playing games that emphasize building — a lift that’s especially good for girls interested in STEM careers. Action games can boost cognitive abilities including perception, attention and reaction time. And some games can condition the brain for all kinds of learning—sort of like how football players take ballet to improve their coordination.

So, how do you find the kinds of games that encourage the type of thinking that pays off? Look for games that include planning ahead, experimentation, problem-solving and creativity. These games might not have the same appeal as Fortnite or Far Cry 5 (which can also serve up brain benefits) but might be the middle ground you and your kids can agree on for school nights.

Of course, it’s still a good idea to make sure video games are balanced with plenty of offline brain-building activities and exercise. And taking an active interest in your kids’ games and other media is another surefire way to boost learning. Check out these great games that you can “yes” to after school—or anytime.

Math Blaster Online, 7+ Do your kids need help with equations? Math Blaster Online gives them plenty of practice as they join the Blaster Academy to save the universe using their math skills. It also lets your kids team up with other players to solve problems together in a safe, socially positive online environment.

Art Academy, 8+ Art Academy is more than a video game—it’s a fun art tutorial. The game walks you through the basics of drawing, shading and other skills so you can apply them to real-life creations.

Lifeboat to Mars, 8+ Young scientists can experiment with creating a brand-new ecosystem on Mars to help support terrestrial life on Earth. Players can choose to work on microbes or on animal and plant missions to accomplish the task of terraforming the red planet. Even cooler, once they’ve finished a few missions, players can design their own missions for other players to try.

Minecraft, 8+ Minecraft can reinforce geometry concepts as it strengthens players’ thinking and reasoning skills, creativity and even collaboration. The game has a strong, positive online community and even has an educational module teachers can modify for classroom lessons on different subjects.

Oregon Trail, 9+ Oregon Trail has been teaching and entertaining kids for more than 40 years. The game continues to innovate through digital versions that provide realistic storylines and context. Players take on the role of a wagon leader directing settlers from Missouri to Oregon in 1800s America while dealing with issues such as disease, food and weather.

GarageBand, 10+ GarageBand has exactly what fledgling musicians need to take their music to the next level. Kids can record vocals and instruments and mix tracks to create—and share—new songs while learning essential audio-engineering and composition skills. It’s like having a professional recording studio in the palm of your hand.

The Political Machine 2016, 10+ While The Political Machine 2016 may be focused on the main political players of the 2016 presidential race, the hot-button topics that candidates have to address are no less important today than they were then. Whether you’re addressing issues like gun control, immigration or global warming, players will have to figure out ways of swaying public opinion to their viewpoints, raise funds and hopefully conduct a successful campaign.

SMART Adventures Mission Math 2: Peril at the Pyramids, 10+ Peril at the Pyramids is a story-based math app, where kids test their math knowledge to solve a mystery of disappearing artifacts at an archeological site. The app provides an engaging setting for players to use their logic skills as they solve engineering, science and technology problems, as well as play mini-games that reinforce math concepts.

Walden, A Game, 10+ It’s not often that students get a chance to explore a celebrated work of American literature in a video game, but Walden, A Game puts you directly in the shoes of Henry David Thoreau as he explores the wilderness around Walden Pond back in 1845. The game highlights many of the themes of the novel, including the simplification of your life, the importance of self-reliance and the impact of nature.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, 11+ With more than 20 cultures from around the world, Civilization VI is an ideal supplement to history class. Players lead a civilization from the Stone Age to the stars, using a variety of political, scientific or military goals to accomplish their ends. Players can also found new religions, spy on rival countries and explore various governmental systems through their country’s development as they try to become the most important society in the world.

Spore, 11+ Can you design and develop the perfect creature? Spore lets you develop a species from its microscopic origins to an intelligent, social alien life form that can venture into space and interact with other sentient life forms. This is a great way for your young scientist to explore the methods and ideas behind biology.

— By Jeff Haynes, Common Sense Media 

Common Sense Media
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

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Lend an Ear: Awesome Podcasts for the Whole Family

by Gabby Cullen

Take a classic form of entertainment, throw in a little technology and what do you get? Podcasts!  Built like radio shows of days past, but streamlined for modern listeners, there’s a genre for everyone at home. Whether you need to stock your arsenal for a long road trip, shake up your daily commute, or want to simply sit back and lend an ear, read on to discover 15 awesome family podcasts.

For Everyone

Eleanor Amplified
Join world-famous radio reporter Eleanor Amplified on the trail of crafty villains, and help her foil their plans for world domination! In pursuit of The Big Story, you’ll follow Eleanor over the sea, across the land, into orbit and even in the halls of Congress. Created by a producer of Fresh Air at WHYY in Philadelphia, spunky protagonist Eleanor represents the best of journalism: the importance of access to information, being inclusive of different points of view, telling the truth and much more! Enjoyable for the whole family, okay for kids of all ages, and especially recommended for kids ages 8 -12.

Find out more: whhy.org/cms/eleanoramplified

Available on iTunes, PlayerFM, SoundCloud, and Stitcher, free.

Short & Curly
You know those questions kids ask that make your brain hurt? Short & Curly will have an answer. This fun, fast-paced podcast is made just for kids and their parents and tackles the hard-to-answer ethical questions families face today. Topics include: Do you have to love your sibling?, Is it ever okay to fight back against a bully?, Should you move to Mars?. Serious as these topics may be, each one is approached in a light-hearted manner thanks to the silly antics of Molly, Carl and Dr. Matt Beard.

Find out more: abc.net.au/shortandcurly

Available at iTunes, SoundCloud, free.

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
What makes The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel unique is that it is, unlike many other family-centric podcasts, performed by actual kids. Listen along as 11-year-old Mars and his pals, JP, Toothpick and Caddie set out on an amazing adventure in search of two missing friends. They’ll meet mysterious tech billionaire Oliver Pruitt, search the earth and maybe even head for the stars during their journey. A little bit Goonies, a dash of Spy Kids, combined with a hint of Stranger Things, this brand-new podcast is ideal for kids ages 8 – 12.

Find out more: blobfishradio.com/theunexplainabledisappearanceofmarspatel

Available at iTunes, Stitcher, free.

Brains On!
Curious kids of all ages will love Brains On!. A science podcast that tackles all kinds of topics (what’s behind waves and tides?, big universe, big questions, mosquitos, what are they good for?), each week takes listeners on a scientific journey that may include chatting with a snake handler, writing songs about sleep, or even talking to a food scientist. With a different kid co-host each week, Brains On! is engaging even for younger listeners. Tune in and turn your brains on!

Find out more: brainson.org

Available on iTunes, PlayerFM, SoundCloud, free.


The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast
The Sugarcrash Kids make songs and stories for the imaginative family. In each episode of this family-friendly podcast you’ll find a mix of interviews with imaginary characters (pirates, robots, dinosaurs), interviews with real kids, awesome storytelling, a little education, and a new Sugarcrash Kid song!

Find out more: sugarcrashkids.com/podcast

Available on iTunes, PlayerFM, free.

For Moms

One Bad Mother
No mom is perfect, and that’s okay. Join hosts Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn as they navigate through the uncharted waters of motherhood, or as they beautifully state, “as we deal with the thrills and embarrassments of motherhood and strive for less judging and more laughing.” If you are looking for a podcast on parenting advice, this isn’t it. This is the one you’ll need after the third feeding of the night, after the tantrums, or after missing the PTA meeting.

Find out more: maximumfun.org/one-bad-mother

Available at iTunes, PlayerFM, Podbay.fm, free.

Tough Girl
We all need to toughen up once in awhile: Tough Girl is all about motivating YOU. Listen as host Sarah Williams chats with inspiring women from all over the world, learns about their challenges and successes, and provides women in any stage of life with the ammo to get out there and get it done. In these modern times of dubious role models, moms will embrace (and let older daughters listen to) the guest list, which includes marathon runners, mountain climbers, environmentalists, world record holders and more.

Find out more: toughgirlchallenges.com

Available at iTunes, PlayerFM, SoundCloud and Stitcher, free.

Motivating Mom
If you need a boost to get back into the groove, Motivating Mom is a great place to start. Each episode—with an expert co-host at the helm—offers tips on living a healthy, engaging, fulfilled life. So whether you’re looking for ways to jumpstart your diet, organize your finances, or be your own mom boss, Motivating Mom has the answer.

Find out more: fit4mom.com/latest/motivating-mom-podcast

Available at iTunes, PlayerFM, free.

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
If you’re a mom who needs a little time to herself (aren’t we all?), make Happy Hour a regular thing. Join Jamie and her girlfriends for a chat on anything and everything that has to do with womanhood. Topics include marriage, faith, kids, books, joy, justice and everything else under the sun. Replenishing your soul tank has never been easier, so grab a cup of coffee and lend an ear!

Find out more: jamieivey.com/category/podcast

Available at iTunes, PlayerFM, free.

For Dads

Turning this Car Around
Made by dads, for dads, the insanely popular Turning this Car Around gives the Big Guy a place to get all the answers (and questions that have even been asked yet!) that come with parenthood. Join hosts Lex Friedman, John Moltz and Jon Armstrong for show topic that range from hilarious to heartwarming (Elmo Ate Daddy, Free Range Parenting, Dad Guilt), as they navigate their own lives as parents and take listeners along for the ride.

Find out more: turningthiscararound.com

Available on iTunes, PlayerFM, SoundCloud, and Stitcher, free.

The Good Dad Project Podcast
What started as an online community of Dads is now a podcast and it’s worth a listen. Founded by a dad who, like many other dads out there, wants to be the best person he can be so he can raise the best kids he can (wait, there’s no map to this thing called parenting?), The Good Dad Project aims to help listeners do exactly that. Each week tackles a tough subject—single parenting, money issues, connecting with a partner—the important stuff that sometimes gets swept under the rug while we deal with the daily grind.

Find out more: gooddadproject.com/podcast

Available on iTunes, PlayerFM, Stitcher, free. 

The Black Dad Podcast
Not just the voice of African American men, but also the voice of two new dads, just trying to figure it all out—with a smile! A refreshing perspective from hosts Jamal Press and Murphy; topics range from light hearted (Check out our mixtape, Bruh!) to serious (Fight the Power). You’ll hear it all: from the size of Peyton Manning’s neck, how to perfect the “baby hand-off,” and why role play could possible be a marriage-saving tactic!

Find out more: blackdadlife.com/blackdadpodcast

Available on iTunes, PlayerFM, SoundCloud, Stitcher, free.

For Parents

Your Mom’s House
Once the kids are down and out for the night, sit back, relax with your spouse and join the mommies (married couple and comedians Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky) for a good laugh. Ranging from hilarious to slightly gross (potty humor, lots of it), you’ll find yourself wanting to understand the inside jokes, and looking forward to hearing about what’s going on with the mommies each week. There’s over 300 episodes, so get ready for serious binge listening!  

Find out more: yourmomshousepodcast.com

Available at iTunes, PlayerFM, SoundCloud, free.

The Mamalode Podcast
Sometimes, a parent wants to hear about it what means to be mom and dad from a thoughtful, engaging perspective. Enter Mamaload, a brand-new podcast from the print and online literary magazine of the same name. Listen to authors and Mamalode writers read excerpts from new books or stories, and enjoy adult conversation on the art of parenthood.

Find out more: mamalode.com/categories/podcasts

Available at iTunes, SoundCloud, free.

Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled
Readers (Janet has a blog, too) and listeners take the reins in this thoughtful, provoking podcast hosted by parenting adviser Janet Lansbury. Each episode tackles a problem from readers, takes a peek at parenthood from Janet’s perspective, and helps parents learn how to nurture and grow relationships built out of love, respect and trust. Expect to see topics like toddler toy battles, alternatives to time outs and the power of NO.

Find out more: janetlansbury.com/podcasts

Available at iTunes, PlayerFM, SoundCloud, free.

Do you have favorite podcast? Let us in on your secret in a Comment below!

—Gabby Cullen

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Instagram’s Most Stylish Moms (with Babies) to Follow – Stat!

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

If you’re already hooked on Instagram (we know you are!), this post isn’t going to help ween you from your addiction. We’ve sifted through feeds to find some of the hippest moms (and their equally hip babies) that the photo-sharing site has to offer. From expertly outfitted baby bumps to moccasin-clad bambino toes, check out our picks for the must-follow style maven mamas.

The mom with the chicest laid-back look: Shannon Peterson, Much Most Darling

This Instagram feed proves that new mamas can still be super fashionable (and comfortable) – whilst toting diaper bags and baby bottles. Shannon, a lifestyle blogger, features pics of her chill baby-mama style, which includes perfectly paired scarves, headbands and shawls. We also love when she sneaks a pic of her handsome 13.5 month old little guy into a style shot.

Instagram Handle: @shynnz

The mom whose baby always has adorable headbands: Lynzy Coughlin, Sparkling Foot Steps

During the day, Lynzy works in an ER room (you go, mama). She then moonlights as a blogger and photographer. Her Instagram images are super girly and ethereal, perfect for showing off the cute hair accessories that her 17-month old daughter Olivia rocks on the regular. Bonus: Lynzy’s two rescue kitties make chic cameos on the thread, too.

Instagram Handle: @sparklingfootsteps

The mom with the coolest (and realest) nursery: Shaynah Dodge, Ruffled Snob

This Minnesota-based family and style blogger shows off her “ordinary life” in this Instagram feed devoted mostly to the antics – their funny faces, their energy, their hip-beyond-hip fashion choices – of her three boys. But it’s Shynah’s simple, yet stylish nursery decor (her whole house for that matter) that we can’t get enough of.

Instagram Handle: @ruffledsnob

The mom with awesome nesting style: Mandy Roberson, Momma Society

Mandy, founder of Momma Society (an online community for modern mamas), makes nesting look so chic and fun! From baby moccasins, nursery books, toys, diapers, crib sheets, and clothes -the cutest clothes – this momma-to-be documents how she (and other moms) prep for their newest addition.

Instagram Handle: @mommasociety

The mom who knows exactly how to dress her baby bump: Christina Han Johnston, Proper Hunt

If mommy blogger Christina has ever had a rough day with her pregnancy, she doesn’t show it in her lovely Instagram feed. Instead, we see her glorious baby bump, homemade mama-friendly meals, and cute pics of her first born. If Christina’s photos are this addictive now, just wait until the new addition arrives!

Instagram Handle: @properhunt

The mom with the most fashionable babies: Karla Quiz, Karla and France

Karla is the mother of two little girls, sassy France Fox (3 years old) and sweet Fair James (7 months old). They live in the San Francisco Bay area and take weekly adventures into the city, but never without the cutest outfits (think: bandana bibs, head scarves, and jumpers, oh my!).

Instagram Handle: @karlaquiz

What other style maven mamas should we be following? Dish in the Comments section below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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We’re Hiring: Ad Ops/ Web Producer/ Email Marketing

by Jacqui Boland

Red Tricycle, a digital city guide for parents, is hiring a Website & Newsletter Producer to lead its efforts in managing all digital content for the company’s website and email newsletters. This position will be responsible for content and advertising management of the website as well as the operations of daily local and national newsletters.

The ideal candidate needs to be a digital media pro with proven ability to deliver top notch results under tight deadlines. The candidate must be a laser-focused multi-tasker who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Responsibilities include:
• Maintain, manage, and update web pages via our WordPress CMS
• Work within email marketing software to compile and manage all daily newsletters assets, including copy, photos and ads
• Manage ad trafficking operations using tools such as OpenX or Google DFP for managing display ad units on site
• Work fluidly with all departments, including editorial, ad sales, and marketing to ensure efficient and timely delivery of newsletters
• Use web analytic tools to run weekly reporting
▪ Inputting information into our internal trafficking system for initial & post campaign set up. Inputs include creative file uploads, editing & formatting of URLs, as well as updates to campaign targeting and budgets.
▪ Ensure ad campaigns are set up efficiently & accurately according to the clients signed contract.
▪ Examine and troubleshoot any set up issues as a result of technical capabilities and effectively translate information to both technical and non-technical teams.
▪ Perform quality assurance checks on advertising material to ensure that content, targeting, and creative are 100% accurate.
▪ Quickly learn operating systems, mobile device categorizations and capabilities, etc. to ensure proper targeting is applied to each campaign.
▪ Clearly express all workflow processes & company products involved in each campaign trafficked.
▪ Create and maintain campaign report s, analyze campaign performance and make recommendation for optimization

Required Skills:
▪ Must be highly organized, extremely detail-oriented, and able to multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
▪ Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills and a comfort in working within a team
▪ Experience using DART/DFP and Google Analytics and eNewsletter servicing software, such as Contactology
▪ Solid MS Excel skills
▪ Experience in digital media and journalism, preferably producing content for media web sites.
• Familiarity with WordPress, Google Analytics/Webmaster Tools
• Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to balance creative thinking with strong attention to detail
• Excellent grammar, organizational & communication skills.
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and ability to be self-disciplined
• Operates well under pressure and tight deadlines
• Ability to work seamlessly with different departments

About You

If this all sounds exciting to you, you should come work with us. Here are some statements that should apply to you:

You are self-motivated and enjoy taking ownership of projects.

You feel comfortable doing things, even when no one is telling you exactly what to do.

You can execute with flexibility and speed.

You enjoy being part of small team, and understand your critical role in helping other team members and making the organization successful.

Your understand and thrive in the speed, chaos & vibrancy of a start-up environment.

You are solution-oriented and enjoy figuring out how to make things happen.

About Red Tricycle

Red Tricycle is the #1 resource for families planning their weekends. We offer inspiration, discovery and solutions to get people off of the sofa and onto their next family adventure. We serve a fast-growing online community of busy urban parents in 9 major markets. The company is continuing to scale at an aggressive pace, with the help of a commercial marketing deal with zulily and Series A financing (lead by Maveron), and is focused on improving our product offering and better engaging our already loyal community.

As a team, we work really hard, move fast and are focused on delivering an exceptional solutions to our community (readers, advertisers, partners, community)

If this sounds good, seriously, get in touch. We need your help. 
This is a full-time position located in our Sausalito, Ca office. Please submit a resume and cover letter to the email address above. Please, no phone calls.

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5 Groups Every New Mom Should Join

by Heidi Moore

Congratulations, mama, on finding time to shower. Next on the to-do list: Leave the house. If you need a good reason to pack up all that gear, we’ve got one. These new moms groups offer everything from tips on the latest baby products to emotional support led by licensed clinical counselors. Of course, babies are welcome at all of them. (And you won’t get the stink eye if she cries or spits up.)

Mingle
The 6,000 families-strong Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) connects Chicago parents at events and a popular discussion forum. Each month NPN moms of infants sip coffee and swap stories at the New Moms Mingle. Snacks, live music and raffled prizes add to the fun. After the event, attendees receive a spreadsheet with everyone’s vital stats (contact information, baby’s birth date, zip code and mom’s work status) so they can reconnect. If you’ve ever tried to swap info with someone while holding a squirming baby, you know what a perk that is.

Next event: Sunday, May 5, 3:30-5:30 pm at Bubbles Academy. The event is free and for NPN members only (one-year membership $55). Register here.

Grasp
Clinical therapist Alison Kramme and child development specialist Sara Sladoje started Grasp Group to help women navigate the sometimes-choppy waters of new motherhood. “It’s that old saying, ‘If mama’s not happy, nobody’s happy,’” Kramme says. In the group, they tackle the big question, “How do we get happy in our own lives… and give our baby the best start possible?” Each six-week session provides a safe space for new moms to explore topics like breastfeeding and staying connected to your partner. Participants can reach out to Kramme and Sladoje for advice throughout the session, so it’s a true support group.

Next session: May 10-June 14, Thursdays, 12:15 pm-1:30 pm at Little Beans Café. $175. Register here.

Kick Back
Online community kickSprout Chicago brings together moms and moms-to-be for events and classes on fitness, breastfeeding, first-year milestones and more. Moms get together monthly at the New Moms Café for adult conversation and wisdom from a Birthways postpartum doula.

Next event: Every third Wednesday of the month, 1:00-2:00 pm in the Moms Lounge at Little Beans Café. Free with purchase of drink or snack. RSVP here.

Bump
Bump Club and Beyond hosts more than a dozen events each month for expecting and new moms. “The best support comes when people don’t know they’re getting support,” founder Lindsay Pinchuk says, adding, “And it’s so important to get out of the house.” Besides product demos, shopping nights and dinners, the popular BCBrunch for New Moms brings together moms of infants for socializing and big-ticket prizes with a different theme each month.

Next event: Sunday, May 5, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, at Bubbles Academy. The Mother’s Day brunch is open to moms, grandmas and tots ages two and older. There will be a special craft from Babbaco and open play. $40-$60 per group, with additional fee for a second child or adult. Register here.

Share
Linda Szmulewitz — a licensed clinical social worker, sleep coach and postpartum doula — founded Chicago New Moms Group two years ago because of her own experience with a moms group after her daughter was born. “I felt a tremendous sense of relief that I wasn’t alone,” she says. Now she aims to do the same for others attending her six-week session. Each week focuses on a different discussion topic, such as body image, traveling with an infant and finding your parenting identity.

Next session: May 8-June 12, Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Multilingual Chicago. $150. Register here.

What is your favorite new moms group?

— Heidi Moore

Photos courtesy of Neighborhood Parents Network, GRASP Group, KickSprout, Bump Club and Beyond, and Chicago New Moms Group

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Meet the 16 Coolest Power Moms in L.A.

by sommy rhee

All moms work overtime with no overtime pay, we all know that secret.  Then there are moms who step it up a notch to share their knowledge and expertise in helping other moms ease  into motherhood.  Meet these L.A. power moms who not only take care of their households, but also manage to pursue their passions and share them with us.  We’ve rounded up a colorful list to include: a go-to mom specializing in family issues, artists, a celebrity, entrepreneurs and philanthropists.  The best of the best of power moms that make L.A. a fabulous place for moms and their families.

Kimberley Clayton Blaine

Founder, TheGoToMom.TV

As if chasing around two young boys isn’t enough, this power mom has over 20 years experience under her belt working as a licensed Family Child Therapist.  Specializing in ages newborn to seven-years-old, she launched TheGoToMom.TV in 2006 to produce parenting shows that are syndicated to over 2 million viewers.  Working Mother Magazine named her one of the most powerful moms in social media, and she has interviewed many influential people including Vice President Biden.  As if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, she is also the Social Marketing Director for the Early Childhood Mental Health Campaign in Los Angeles, helping families detect and manage mental health in their little ones.

Tara Tiger Brown

Founder of LAMakerSpace

Move over fake geek girls, the real cool geek is in town and she’s a power mom.  Well, that’s what she’s recently blogged on her contributor site at Forbes.com where she dishes about women and technology tidbits.  She’s also the genius founder of L.A. Maker Space, a community that brings together a smorgasbord of creatives for kids of all ages to make DIY hands-on projects and inspire artful minds.  They describe themselves as “age-agnostic”, meaning all ages welcome!

Jayneoni Moore

Fashion TV Personality and Celebrity Fashion Insider

If Hollywood wants to know the latest in baby and kid’s swag, they know whom to call: Jayneoni.  She’s been featured on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, and MTV just to name a few.  She is famously known for her Boom Boom Room, a Pre-Golden Globe gifting suite that showcases the latest in baby and kids’ gear for celebrity moms-to-be.  Anybody who is somebody in Hollywood knows Jayneoni is the gatekeeper who knows what’s in and what’s out in baby and kids products.

Jina Park

Founder and President, PLUSH

Who doesn’t love a fantastic party and the inside scoop in the latest, hottest baby gear?  Mom of two boys and entrepreneur Jina Park has built her empire on delivering the best in baby products and party planning ideas to trendy savvy families.  PLUSH is her highly publicized Los Angeles trade show featuring the best of the best in posh little urbanite products for consumer parents.  In addition to PLUSH, Jina’s empire includes PlushLittleBaby  (formerly known as Ultimately Plush), an online resource for moms to find party planning ideas & tips, vendor directories, product reviews, and her creative blog.

Yvonne Condes

Founder, MomsLA.com

When she’s not marathoning or chasing around her two kids, this former newspaper reporter edits and manages a community of over 100 bloggers on MomsLA.com.  The website picks the creme de la creme of the best mommy bloggers to dish about real challenges and issues surrounding life in LA through the eyes of real LA moms.  She’s also a contributor to Babble and writes for YvoneeinLA, Tecca and CBS Los Angeles.

Melissa Nash

Founder, Knuckleheads Clothing

Transforming the look of little boys’ fashion with her creative greaser/skater designs from Knuckleheads, Melissa Nash started the family business from her husband’s motorcycle shop inspirations.  Melissa keeps her styles simple, classic, yet trendy.  Her clothing has been all the sensation on among celebrities’ kids and featured in various publications.  Her biggest helpers with the business? Her kids who are at the office daily are her biggest inspirations in her design process.

Linda Perry

Founder, PeachHead

Moms love getting together and sharing on all topics of life.  Meet Linda Perry who started out meeting with 15 moms and grew the group to lead over 13,000 moms and families to share challenges, triumphs, and stories through the online community, PeachHead.com.  In addition to being one of the biggest online mommy support groups, they also meet off-line to actively help each other with motherhood issues and form true, meaningful relationships.

Brooke Chaffin

SVP of Women and Family, Disney Interactive Media Group/Disney Online

Originally a power attorney who started her career as an associate entertainment attorney at Loeb & Loeb, LLP, this power mom of twin boys quickly climbed the corporate ladder blazing through years as President of Auditude, then six years at Yahoo! developing content and business strategies, and now as Senior Vice President at Disney Interactive Media Group and Disney Online where she oversees online content geared towards women and families. 

Caroline Kunitz and Melissa Ratcliff

Co-Founders, LA Diaper Drive

This Hollywood mom has worked as a casting director for many popular TV reality shows.  Her philanthropic ambitions and her passion for social change led her to create the LA Diaper Drive.  The nonprofit organization collects diapers for low-income SoCal families year-round.  The LA Diaper Drive has donated over 800,000 diapers for low-income SoCal families in the past year and has helped to bring awareness this issue. 

Amber Dusick

Founder, Crappypictures.com

Ceramic artist, wooden craftswoman, Etsy shop owner, and blogger extraordinaire , this mom of two created Crappy Pictures to vent her funny happenings as a mom and because well, she didn’t have a fancy photographer to follow her around to document her life.  Her hilarious take on motherhood captured by a simple paint and draw by the computer has garnered an impressive following of other moms who can empathize with a big gusto of LOL’s.

Catherine McCord

Founder, Weelicious

Her mission is simple: get the kids cooking up something in the kitchen with you!  Catherine introduces simple, kid-friendly recipes to encourage and inspire moms to get the little ones involved in the cooking process.  Her honest, organic and nutritious approach to introducing kids to foods is refreshing and helps families develop healthy attitudes to food and eating right.

Jessica Alba

Founder, The Honest Company

Who doesn’t know or love Jessica Alba: her beautiful family, her impeccable style, and her commitment to bring natural and eco-friendly products to families through The Honest Company. This Golden-Globe nominated beauty is changing the way companies are run and products are made by making sure they are created out of a culture of honesty.  She extends her commitment to an honest community by being a strong volunteering advocate: she’s actively involved in Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, ONE, and Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few.

Jill Spivack

Co-Founder, Sleepy Planet

Sleep…it’s probably the number one issue surrounding our families once a little bundle of joys arrive.  Jill Spivack is an experienced psychotherapist that specializes in pediatric sleep disorders after her own battle with her first child’s sleep issues.  She has made her life’s journey to speak, write, and contribute to various outlets to help parents and their children how to develop healthy sleep patterns.  She is co-owner of Sleepy Planet, a community including her consultation services dedicated to guiding parents on the path toward healthy sleep development.

Cathy Siegel Weiss

Chair of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

This Stanford grad has had an amazing career working with the big names in Hollywood as a former entertainment lawyer.  She is currently the Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, one of the premier pediatric hospitals in SoCal.  She and her husband have also founded the Children’s Fund 100, a dedicated group of generous philanthropists that support the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in order ensure quality healthcare for our little ones.

Tammy Takahashi

Homeschooling Advocate

Homeschooling expert and author of two books: Deschooling Gently and Zenschooling, this power mom of three has devoted her life to advocating the benefits of homeschooling to families all across Southern California. Since 2003, she has been actively involved in the homeschooling community by organizing homeschooling information nights, speaking at conferences, and volunteering.  She says the best thing about homeschooling is the freedom it allows families to travel and experience the world first-hand.

Kristina Lin

Owner, Bel Bambini

This mother of three made it her mission to find herself a plush selection of luxury baby clothing and gear that was lacking in the 2006 baby market at the time her twin daughters were born.  So she decided to set up shop and Bel Bambini was born with an impeccable selection of baby and nursery products that are safe, environmentally friendly and of course, of the utmost quality.  Her baby boutiques can be found in the trendy neighborhoods of West Hollywood and Newport Beach. 

There are hundreds of power moms out there. In fact, we bet you’re one of them! Who else would you add to our list and why? 

–Sommy Rhee

Photos from: Babble.com, Bel Bambini Flickr, thegiggleguide.com, wobmedia-news.ning.com, tammytakahashi.com, businesswire.com, freshfiction.com, saltandnectar.squarespace.com, weelicious.com, crappypictures.com, voicestoshare.com, hollywoodreporter.com, Jayneoni Twitter, vimeo.com, teachmetstuff.net, thecreativeallianceexperience.com

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