So you scored the holy grail of work/life balance by being able to work from home. Yay for you! Except….screech…..your child is six months or older and now knows exactly where you are working in the house. She wants you, only you, and wants to hang on your leg or stand outside your office door crying “Mama” non-stop.
You loved the idea of being a part of your child’s daily routine by working from home, but it has turned into a total nightmare because you cannot mentally and physically work full-time and be a mom, especially when you’re paying a babysitter to take the reigns.
Don’t give up mamas! Here are some top tips to creating a seamless job and mom balance:
Sleep Train Your Entire Family, You Too Mom!
Let’s start with you mom. Get yourself up and ready for the day and rolling before your child. The #1 key to success in life is sleep! To be your best self you need sleep, and your child needs sleep for you to sleep. It is NEVER too late to teach healthy sleep habits (even five-year-olds can be taught to sleep in their beds and stay in their bedrooms until it’s time to wake.) For example, when you know your “Me Time” is before 7 am, you have known parameters for getting caught up on overnight emails and social media while you’re experiencing quiet coffee time. Teach your child respectful boundaries so you can begin your day sane, centered and focused.
Create a Schedule For You and Your Child
Just because you’re working from home does not mean you’re on call 24 hours a day. You have an important paid job to do! I recommend having a hard start and stop time to your work day. Create a daily schedule that both you, your child and your caregiver can maintain. Children (as well as adults) thrive on schedules because they know exactly what to expect in their day and tend to transition seamlessly from event to event. To create the best schedule, start with your child’s eating and sleeping schedule. You can then build in as many activities out of the house as possible without making your nanny and child race around like crazy people. When a schedule is followed, your child will more easily cruise out the door without wailing, “Mommy!” You’ll get the house to yourself to focus on your job.
Here is a sample schedule for a toddler on one nap:
7 am breakfast
7:30 am get dressed
8:30 am drive to music class
10 am snack after class
10:15 am target stop
11 am lunch
Noon nap
BONUS! Because your child naps at the same time every single day, you’ll know when you can send your nanny out to run errands, while you can have peace in your “office” to work on more difficult projects.
Schedule Quality Mommy Time
Decide when you’re going to be a mom and be consistent in the role every day. For example, maybe you want to feed your child lunch every day. Your sitter can prepare the meals, and then you pop into the kitchen to sit and have lunch with your child. Every single day for a half-hour you’ll know not to schedule any conference calls because lunchtime is quality time with your baby. By being consistent, you will teach your child that your actions speak just as loudly as your words. You will build up trust with your child as they will know what to expect. Also, you will know exactly what your child is doing and when, so you can fit in YOUR needs around her.
Compartmentalize!
Working from home while a caregiver takes care of your child is like being a fly on the wall in your own home. You may have the urge to race out of your office to tend to every cry, crash and thud. DON’T! Stay in your lane, lady, and let your caregiver do her job. She will not appreciate your hovering or micro-managing her every move, and if you can’t leave them alone, I suggest wearing a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones to keep your focus firmly on yourself.
Take A Break!
Being in the same four walls all day long will not benefit your energy or creative juices. Try to schedule a walk to the park with your baby and caregiver at the same time every day. Alternatively, take a stroll by yourself for a cup of coffee to return to your desk awake and focused. Also, remind yourself you are a woman first and foremost and require human contact. Be sure to schedule face-to-face meetings to get off mommy island and connect with others.
Combining work and family commitments is never easy. Creating a schedule will help you with the daily juggle, but remember to relax if a piece of the puzzle goes off the rails. You’ve got this!
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Eirene Heidelberger is a certified parent coach with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the President & CEO of GIT Mom, a full service parent coaching firm dedicated to helping Moms “get it together”.
We’re breaking down the pregnancy and baby trends that will make waves in 2022. As we enter the second year of the ’20s, a focus on mental, emotional and physical well-being is a dominant force across all industries, especially when it comes to expectant mothers and their babies. From calming childcare facilities and nurseries that spark creativity to low-intensity exercises that are ideal for moms-to-be, read on for the top trends you’ll see popping up in the bump and baby world this year.
Last year Japandi designs (a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese style) emerged in a big way, and the trend trackers at Etsy saw it coming. This year those same trend experts are using their search data to predict the next of-the-moment design choices. So, what trends will parents see everywhere as they search for nursery design inspiration? Let's start with going green! Bringing nature indoors started catching on in 2021, and it's continuing to gain steam this year. From Etsy's choice of emerald as the major hue for 2022 to Sherwin-Williams, Behr and Benjamin Moore all choosing various shades of green (specifically, Everygreen Fog, Breezeway and October Mist) as their color of the year, don't be surprised if the green paint chips at your local hardware store are out of stock.
By definition, trends don't stick around for long. But they do resurface and, inevitably, the old becomes new again. Vibrant, intricate floral and ancient Indian block prints are suddenly sprouting up everywhere. We love that you can easily incorporate this theme into your nursery with textiles and accessories. Another hard-to-miss trend for 2022 is curved furniture. A reason to add this gorgeous Stokke crib to your cart, perhaps? Lastly, designing a space that sparks creativity is more important than ever. So searches on Etsy for fairy items and mythical creatures are up as parents look to turn their kiddos' spaces into magical realms where they can emphasize make-believe and inspire imagination in their little ones.
Calming Classrooms
iStock
Making the transition back to classrooms and childcare facilities as relaxing and positive as possible for little ones is a theme we'll see grow in 2022. As kids reconnect with their community outside of their homes, a focus on calming spaces is at the forefront for educators. Pinterest reported that trending search terms include classrooms with nature, forest and sunshine themes, as well as eucalyptus decor. Think mini mediation lessons and nature walks during recess to round out this, hopefully long-lasting, trend.
Baby-naming trends have enduring effects (as every Jennifer born in the 80s, with three other Jennifers in their classroom, can attest!), and that's why it's so fun to highlight them every year.
So, what do names like Bear, Baby, Ziggy, Buddy, Gigi and Honey have in common? They're playful and fun—and will be highly popular in the year ahead. In addition to wanting more carefree and playful names, new parents are giving a nod to the National Parks they've visited recently by choosing names like Sequoia, Reef, Zephyr or Horizon. Our love of adventure and wanderlust for travel has also skyrocketed lately, causing names like Banyan, Capri, Bali and Dune to move up the popularity list. Get in on the trend with these 50 names inspired by travel and geography. There's something special about choosing a retro name that's equal parts cool and old-fashioned, and 2022 babies will benefit as a trend towards vintage names like Etta, Frank, Polly, Mae and Sally make a comeback.
Parties for Life’s Undercelebrated Moments
iStock
In bump and baby land, we're used to seeing parties thrown for big moments like baby showers and first birthdays. However, a welcome trend for 2022 is a shift to celebrating both the obvious milestones and honoring the magical mundane parts of life (parenthood has quite a few of those!). So get ready to throw an "altbash" for life's undercelebrated moments like "just paid off student loans" or "made it through baby's first meltdown" or one of these everyday victories. A reason to celebrate is right around the corner in the new year!
Physical/Mental Health Takes Priority
As we enter the third year of an international health crisis, it's no surprise that two out of three consumers are more conscious than ever of looking after their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. For expectant moms who are self-caring for two, the trend toward "flexercise" is a perfect option. Searches for daily stretches and walking in nature are up significantly on Pinterest as low-impact exercise and more mellow ways to move your body become important to everyone. From dancing in your bedroom while the baby sleeps to a morning stroller walk out in nature, a shift toward opting for your own low-key exercise routine is mom-approved.
Babymoons were always popular for new moms and will reach new heights in 2022. Travel will become a form of stress management, and there's no better time to do it than before your little one arrives. All-inclusive travel is also making a huge comeback as more and more people want to escape and not think of anything on their to-do list.
Wellness extends to spirituality too, it seems. The question "how to protect your energy" saw searches up by 60%, while searches for "how to raise your vibration" jumped by 145%.
Oh my goth! Yes, according to the data gurus at Pinterest, goth is making its way to the mainstream across all ages, including the 0- to 12-month set. Searches for goth baby clothes are up 120%—which means you may be seeing a few more skull and crossbones onesies in the coming year. There are a few adorable and subtle pieces, like this one, that might inspire you to dab your toe into the trend.
As we slam the door on the past year, and then set that door on fire, it’s time to look forward to new goals, new experiences.
After countless grueling and painstaking interviews, for which we endured a lot of whining, ours and our subjects’, we’ve rounded up the top 17 new year’s resolutions from toddlers:
1. Try new foods…and spit it out after one bite.
2. Meet new friends…and then push them.
3. Insist on wearing a particular outfit and then change my mind at the very last minute, just like my resolution from last year. Why fix what ain’t broke?
4. Don’t complete potty training. Mommy doesn’t appreciate things unless she has to work hard for them.
5. Ask “What’s that?” while pointing in a vague direction. Daddy enjoys guessing games.
6. Convince the world I’m a robot. Beep-beep, boop. I. AM. A. ROBOT. I said that in a robot voice. I mean, my voice. Cause I’m a robot.
7. Avoid peeing on the toilet seat so that my butt doesn’t get wet and I slide off.
8. Cover every inch of wall space, from the floor to 4 feet high, with my art. Use an egregious amount of scotch tape.
9. Come up with new dance moves with which to wow Mommy while she’s trying to get me dressed. And when she asks, “Are you kidding me?” it’s another opportunity to say “No.”
10. Cut down on carbs. Am I kidding? Yes.
11. Now that I don’t need the stroller anymore and can walk, insist on being carried. Unless Mommy brings the stroller. Then insist on walking.
12. Improve work/life balance.
13. Since Mommy keeps saying, “You can look, but you can’t touch,” master the art of breaking things with my mind. Or perhaps just scream at a higher register?
14. Get woke. This was something I heard another mommy talking about. My understanding is I’m to wait in my bed on Saturday mornings for someone to come wake me up, that way I can get woke, not wake myself.
15. Become Death, Destroyer of Worlds.
16. When a timeout is on the horizon, throw in an “I love you.” They can’t resist that.
17. Wherever I go, resolve to have a good time, or at least make sure that if I’m not having a good time, no one else is either.
—ER Catalano
Do you have a story you’d like to share with our readers? We’d love to hear it! Sign up for our Voices Contributor Network where you can submit your funny, heartfelt and/or unbelievable parenting stories and see them on Tinybeans.com!
E. R. Catalano is a writer and mother of one evil mastermind living in Brooklyn, NY. She is a contributor to I Just Want to Be Perfect and The Bigger Book of Parenting Tweets, and her humor has appeared on McSweeney's, Scary Mommy, MockMom, HaHas for Hoohahs, and Below the Fold.
They say it takes a village and thankfully our tribe of moms is constantly churning out ways to help each other navigate parenting. Whether it’s inventions to reduce the daily amount of laundry, wooden baby toys that help with development or revolutionary lunch boxes that make kids excited to eat, moms have got each other’s backs. Keep scrolling to see the best mom-invented products for kids and babies.
Multicultural Play: ISH Dolls
When mom Amanda Ealla wanted to find a way for her kids to celebrate their diverse culture, ISH Dolls was created. These colorful plush dolls are designed to bring joy to children of all backgrounds and to introduce them to the avatars found in Hindu culture. This mom-owned business launched at the height of the pandemic in May 2020 with their first plush, Baby Krishna, and followed up with his companions Shiva, Lakshmi, Rama, and Sita, who will soon be joined by Durga and Saraswati (launching summer 2021).
Their clothing is designed to showcase the beauty of the culture while also empowering little ones. The Devi Collection features the goddesses Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswati with uplifting words that encourage positivity and self-expression.
Created by single adoptive mom Kayla Lupean, Play Maysie is a portable, customizable world in a case for the pint-sized bunch. Noted as “everything a dollhouse should be,” this toy is a gender-neutral classic childhood favorite that is made for adventures. Play Maysie’s design was inspired by the nostalgia of vintage tin lunchboxes. It folds out on both sides to showcase interchangeable, magnetic rooms with fixed wooden furniture—built for frustration free play, less mess and no more lost pieces! With an eye on teaching sustainability, each Play Maysie is made of eco-friendly, renewable materials for indoor and outdoor play either at home or on the go.
At the core of the company's mission, for every three Play Maysie cases purchased, they will donate another one to a child who is entering the foster care system. Their hope is, with an integral sense of ownership, foster youth can open their Play Maysie case at any time to create an experience where they feel safe, secure, and in control during a time where nearly everything in their world is unfamiliar.
When Sharmi Albrechtsen became frustrated trying to find educational and fun toys for her daughter in 2015, she took her experience in consumer education for STEM companies and took a leap. Seeing a world of opportunity to inspire interest in STEM-related subjects through coding, digital learning and tech, Albrechsten started SmartGurls, which later led to the creation of Smart Buddies. Using a tablet or smart phone, Smart Buddies programmable self-balancing scooters that kids code to do all sorts of actions, like zoom and spin. The introduction to coding further teaches kids to create sequences, loops, events, conditionals, functions, and variables and most importantly, get excited about STEM!
Cognitive Development for Every Age & Stage: Lovevery
Lovevery
Co-founder and CEO Jessica Rolph came up with the idea for Lovevery after reading a doctoral thesis on infant brain development. Also a founding partner at Happy Family, the mom of three wanted to nourish her baby's developing brain as much as his body. In response, she began making her own toys for cognitive development at each stage. Now, Lovevery offers subscription boxes with toys, tools and information that gives parents the confidence they are helping their kids learn and grow.
When Zahra Kassam learned that 85% of a child’s brain is formed by age three, before they even go to school, she knew that she had to do something, especially being a new parent herself. So, she created Monti Kids, the only program for children 0-3 that gives parents in-home access to the Montessori curriculum. Via an easy-to-use subscription service, parents receive eight levels of age-appropriate toys, delivered every three months, with free access to online classes, one-on-one support and a private community moderated by child development experts and Montessori.
It was during the morning-prep-for-school chaos when Jamie Montz came up with the idea for the Original Stretchlace. She had three boys all in different stages of learning to tie their shoes—the oldest still needed help re-lacing high tops, the middle was mastering tying (at a less-than-ideal pace) and the little one wanted to ditch the velcro for laces like his brothers. Oh boy! Jamie knew there had to be a better way so she scoured the market for elastic laces that looked good enough and instead she found elastic laces with locks, clips, clasps and boring colors. That wasn't going to cut it so the Original Stretchlace was born!
Melanie Hurley's girls were the motivation behind Piggy Paint, and they continue to inspire her daily. She started Piggy Paint when they were two and four as she was always concerned about the chemicals found in traditional nail polish. She started looking for a safer alternative and couldn’t find any. Thus, Piggy Paint was born! Piggy Paint is non-toxic, virtually odorless and free of all harsh, smelly chemicals. This water-based nail polish dries to a hard finish that doesn’t wash or peel off—cruelty-free, vegan and kid-friendly!
Reduce Your Laundry One Towel at a Time: My Buddy Towel
Angelyn Myers, mom of six, turned the idea for My Buddy Towel into a product in less than a year. The Original My “Buddy” Towel® was created out of frustration (as are many good products)! Her daughter would always use three towels after a bath and Angie was tired of the unnecessary towel laundry piling up. She turned to Google to hopefully buy a solution. There were hooded kids towels, or bath robes, but she had already tried those with no luck. Angie needed something with full coverage, high absorbency that covered the whole body. She had frog and pink flamingo prototypes made and her daughter has only used one towel ever since—The Original My “Buddy” Towel®.
Nancy Yen has over 15 years of experience bringing game-changing new products to market, with a focus in the kids and baby space. At Gap Inc. Nancy did merchandising and consumer insights, as well as supported the development of new store concepts (BabyGap Home). With an MBA from Stanford Business School, it’s no secret that she’s a savvy businesswoman. But when her own son, was a picky eater and underweight, she came up with possibly her best business idea yet! Searching for a lunchbox that could hold both hot and cold foods, she found there was nothing on the market—and OmieBox was born. It’s an innovative Bento-style food container that features separate temperature zones! You can find OmieBox at Amazon.com and the OmieLife website.
Toronto moms Anna Lozano and Lindy Sood started Love Powered Co. in 2017 with the goal of improving the lives of families. After successful business careers, both moms wanted to achieve a better work-life balance, and also create positive change in the world using tools for mindfulness and compassion. They just debuted the Love Powered Littles Box Set, a set of 22 affirmation cards to help children affirm their own greatness—I am loved, I am compassionate, I am kind—and six bonus cards to help parents in this positive journey. These cards reaffirm children’s natural brilliance, power, compassion and strength. And we are betting they are going to be healing for parents too.
Invented by an avid runner and working mother of three, Mary Tiffin created RunLites gloves and mittens because (like so many moms) she did most of her running and exercising at night and was frustrated by inefficient flashlights and headlamps. These gloves with built-in, rechargeable LED lights are comfortable, easy-to-wear and perfect for illuminating your path as you need it (and are also killer for helping you find stuff in the bottom of your giant purse). They are easy to spot and increase visibility dramatically. Tiffin also discovered that a glove with a built-in light added to her children’s visibility when walking at night or when waiting for the bus stop on winter mornings when it was still dark. They come in fingerless and full-gloved styles as well as mitten (and even a sling model for hotter months) and run from XS to larger sizes for adults and they even have a little pocket for you slide in cash and keys (We found the XS was a good fit for a child around 5 or 6, but it does depend on the size of your kiddo.). Prices range from $24.95 and up.
Inventor and mom Wendi Cooper will be the first to tell you: kids with dangling feet while going to the bathroom face a host of issues including pain and discomfort. Not to mention that many children experience constipation and without proper toilet posture, this can go from bad to worse. From numbness to difficulty pushing and strain, Wendi knew there was a better way and she knew she wanted to help. While there are plenty of bathroom footstools out there, this is the first of its kind to fit right up against any toilet and easily tucks away when not in use so it never gets in the way. It comes in four different colors and takes up barely any room compared to other clunky stools. It is “compact, cool and discreet.” Your kiddos can sit with proper toilet posture and relax, every time, just like nature intended. Retail price start at $26.99.
Ylleya Fields was reading to her oldest daughter when she was surprised at how few books were available that featured African American characters. In response, the mom of four girls and two boys began writing her own stories that blended the personalities and physical traits of her own daughters into a lovable character: Princess Cupcake Jones. Now, the author has five books in her series, with an interactive website that features downloadable activities and merchandise all dedicated to her main character.
Problem: Parents want their kids to have exposure to new and engaging books, but with so many new releases and busy, busy lives, they don’t always know what to choose (or have time to choose them). Solution: Literati Book Club, a subscription book service founded by two busy moms who wanted to make sure kids could get vetted, awesome new books delivered right to their door. Kelly Carroll teamed up with Jessica Ewing and started Literati Book Club. They work with top-educators and librarians to hand-pick five beautiful new books every month with a fun theme (science, friendship, adventure, history, etc.). You select the book club based on your kids' age and development (up to nine years old) and the books come each month. You have a week to read them, decide what you want to keep, and send the rest back. You are only charged for the ones you keep. We love Literati so much we recommended it in our gift guide this year.
The pursuit of balance is a neverending one for all moms, but it’s especially tricky for working moms. As a working mom, you know all too well the struggles and pressure that come with succeeding at work and at home.
Since 81.2% of mothers with kids aged 6—17 work full-time, many women struggle to balance family and work. It’s no wonder that, between work and family duties, working moms actually clock 98 hours of work a week. Even if you try to carve out time to connect with your kids, emails from work and anxiety about the workweek make it tough to enjoy this limited time with your kiddos.
Your family is starved for connection, but in a world where you have to give so much of yourself at work, it’s tough finding the time to be present with your kids. Instead of beating yourself up or thinking you’re a bad mom (you’re a great mom!), remember that you’re human. Try these 5 tips to be more present with your kids, enjoy more quality time, and pursue a work-life balance.
1. Put the Devices Down
I know, I know. It feels physically painful to mute work notifications or place your phone in another room. But if you want to be present with your kids, you need time away from your devices.
Just set aside 1-2 hours in the evening where you aren’t checking your phone. You’ll be amazed at how much time you can recover without the constant distractions! Device-free time also shows your kids that you don’t need to be glued to your phone 24/7. If you want your kiddos to spend less time in front of a screen, this tip will help you lead by example.
2. Prioritize
The word “priority” is singular—that means you can only have one “most important thing” on your plate at a time. Trying to juggle work priorities and home priorities is just setting you up for failure and mom guilt!
Do you really need to answer that work email at the dinner table? It feels easier to just deal with work emails immediately as they come in so you don’t have to worry about them all night. But are low-value tasks worth sacrificing precious time with your family? Try to prioritize what needs your immediate attention. Unless a catastrophe is happening at work, get back to your email during regular working hours. Show your kids how important they are by making them your priority when you’re at home.
3. Schedule Regular Family Time
Sure, a schedule might take some of the spontaneity out of family time, but if you’re struggling to spend time with your kids, a schedule is a must!
You don’t need to play Monopoly with your kids every night. Just try to carve out scheduled family time once a week. That might mean doing Saturday family movie nights or going to the park on Tuesdays after dinner. It doesn’t have to be anything big—as long as you and your kids are spending time together, that’s what matters.
4. Eat Together
Hey, sometimes you’re going to grab Happy Meals on the way to soccer practice, inhaling a burger while you’re stuck in traffic. It happens. But if you’re at home with the kids, make it a point to eat dinner together at the table.
Eating dinner as a family leads to more emotionally resilient children and can even improve your kids’ performance in school. Just 30 minutes at the table together gives everyone a chance to talk about their day; it’s the perfect way to stay on top of what’s going on in your kids’ lives. And guess what? You don’t need to put together a gourmet home-cooked meal, either. Feel free to keep dinner simple, involve kids in the cooking, or pick up dinner on your way home. What matters is the time you spend together.
5. Connect With Your Kids
Despite what your moody teenager might say, your kids want to feel connected to you. Even on your most hectic days, saying “I love you” or “You are so special to me” or “I am so proud of you” goes a long way.
Take a moment every day to give your children these positive emotional connections, no matter how small they are. This shows your kids they’re valuable, models healthy relationships, and builds parent-child trust.
Motherhood is a beautiful journey. But in the hustle and bustle of daily work, it can be hard to find the time to connect with your kids. You probably aren’t going to achieve all of your goals every day—that’s okay! These 5 tips will help you manage your focus outside of the board room, connect as a family, and be more present with your kids.
As a former Emmy-Award Winning News Anchor and over 10 years of experience in the news industry, Kristen prides herself on being able to tell great stories. As an expert in communications and mother of two, Kristen gives her tips and tricks.
Juggling a work-from-home lifestyle can be daunting, especially when your little “associates” would much rather play than act professional. A workspace outside your home with top-notch childcare might sound like some sort of elusive unicorn but they actually exist. Keep reading for the newest places in Los Angeles where parents can find that work-life balance, while little ones get the social stimulation they crave for the ultimate win/win!
Century City: BümoWork
BümoWork
Digital influencer-turned-entrepreneurChriselle Limand education expert Joan Ngyen(of MeriEducation), have joined forces to open LA's newest workspace-meets-licensed-childcare center. This members-only club (apply here) provides some of the most flexibility we've seen for working parents (including freelancers!) with weeknights and weekend childcare options.
Ages:6 months up to 6 years of age.
Good to Know:The design-forward space also has conference rooms, phone booths for private phone calls as well as hot coffee and nursing rooms as needed. The kids will love the private, indoor-outdoor space along with daily activities focused on creativity, STEM, inclusivity, and exploration. Inquire for pricing.
BümoWork at the Westfield Century City 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 2860 Los Angeles Online:bumowork.com
With all of the tech companies popping up in Playa Vista, it only makes sense that this Silicon Beach hotspot has a spankin’ new facility perfect for busy families. Set to open Oct. 25, Brella is different from some of the other spaces mentioned in that they don’t require pre-paid plans or memberships to take advantage of their state-of-the-art childcare or workplace amenities. Just download their app and book/pay by the hour. The app lets you schedule in advance or drop in with the littles after those last-minute nanny cancellations. And again, unlike other co-working spaces, you are not required to be on-site while your kids are being cared for (makes off-site lunch meetings or coffee shop breaks that much easier!). This sort of flexibility means you can truly tailor your work schedule in a way that is both convenient and family-friendly. Throw in an expertly crafted childcare curriculum, carefully trained staff, and a beautiful facility and you and your brood will never want to leave!
Ages: 3 months-6 years
Good to Know:Brella will also offer parent, family, and community classes highlighting a range of topics such as prenatal and postpartum issues, infant sleep and nutrition, family yoga, professional coaching for parents re-entering the workforce, and more!
Creative types will appreciate the inspiring vibe at Big and Tiny's studio. Aside from the communal workspaces, professional parents also have the opportunity to hop on peloton bikes, jam in the music room, and even find some much-needed zen in the meditation pod! Meanwhile, the teachers at Big and Tiny will make sure your sweet peas are happily engaged in creative exploration through enrichment classes, sensory activities and interactive play.
Ages: 3 months – 6 years.
Good to Know: Memberships start at $185/month and go up from there wherein parents have access to a workspace, printers, WiFi, etc. while kids are well cared for through thoughtful instruction and stimulating programs.
1731 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica Online: bigandtiny.com
West Hollywood: The Little Wing
The Wing, a members-only workspace designed for women, recently added exclusive-to-members childcare amenities through The Little Wing. With a motto of “designed for kids to play so their parents can take flight,” this co-working/childcare space is sure to stimulate your saplings while you are able to meet those deadlines and then some! Aside from the magazine-cover worthy play spaces, The Little Wing also offers enrichment classes for kids (and parents alike), such as music, art, yoga, and even sleep training workshops. Yes, please!
Ages: Babysitting, 6 months-6 years; enrichment classes, 3 months-8 years; open play, all ages (3 months and up)
Good to Know: In addition to the $215/month membership fee, babysitting services are offered by Wingsitters for $25 for 2 hours or $35 for 3 hours for kids 6 months to 6 years.
Another flexible option with boatloads of convenient amenities is a local Silver Lake gem that offers a couple of different workspace options. If your small fry is not cool with you being out of sight, the first floor has a few working desks right near the playground entrance so you can be productive while your mini-me plays peacefully knowing you're there. For those babes who are past the separation anxiety phase, the second floor offers a quieter space filled with desks and armchairs as well as a giant television screen of the childcare area. You'll also get a pager so the super-efficient staff of trained childcare professionals can let you know if you're needed below for an extra snuggle or two. Most likely, however, your sprouts will be so engaged with crafts, sensory activities, ball pits, music, and playground antics, they'll be begging to stay longer.
Ages: 3 months-4 years
Good to Know: Pay as you go or purchase one of Wiggle & Work's many membership or package plans designed to fit lots of different family lifestyles. Download their straightforward app and schedule your week at their facility conveniently from just about anywhere!
Looking for a local place to get away this summer? You don’t need to go far for a true vacation. These Airbnb rentals near Washington, DC offer epic swimming pools, plus plenty of space for families of all sizes. Read on for the best Airbnb rentals near the DMV for summer fun. Splash on!
Escape to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where this historic home—built around 1790—awaits families looking for some R&R near dining, shopping and outdoor activities in New Hope. The updated property retains its old-world charm throughout, but the real highlight is the secluded, outdoor pool, surrounded by lush greenery. Bucks County or the South of France? You won't know the difference here.
This Airbnb is so big and so cool that you might forget the beaches and boardwalk of Ocean CIty, Maryland, are only a short drive away. Play in the oversized pool, relax in the hot tub, roast S'mores by the fire pit, hang out in the game room (where there's also a wet bar), play basketball, and more. This Airbnb has five bedrooms and sleeps a total of 12 guests, making it perfect for a multigenerational escape.
Planning a trip to the Strasburg Rail Road or the Turkey Hill Experience? Make this Airbnb your home base. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, it offers an oversized pool with diving board—the perfect place to relax after a fun (and exhausting) day at nearby Dutch Wonderland or Hersheypark. It also has a spacious living room with a balcony.
If you can safely see family and friends this summer, it’s time to plan a visit to this Airbnb that’s big enough to accommodate 15 guests. Situated in Fairfax, Virginia, this modern house offers a beautiful pool and hot tub, both of which can be lit up at night for after-dark swimming. You’ll also love the grill and outdoor dining area that’s covered and screened-in, ensuring the fun never stops, even when it rains.
This property has been nicknamed the Petit Resort because you will feel like you're tucked into your own private retreat. But petit it is anything but. This house can accommodate up to 10 guests in six bedrooms. Relax on-site in the hot tub or in the pool or take a short walk (or water taxi) to downtown Annapolis for fresh seafood and waterside dining. Bonus: these superhosts employ the latest technologies and cleaning products to make sure this rental is clean as a whistle (and based off of reviews, they're doing a great job).
This private cottage offers waterview rooms from nearly every be in the house; there are 3 bedrooms to accommodate up to 6 guests (including a set of bunk beds for the littles). Get direct access to the Chesapeake Bay from this property or take a dip in the home's pool or hot tub. Amenities at this cottage include two kayaks, a stand up paddle board, a crab pot and dip net, a charcoal grill, a fire pit and two adult bikes. Toss these folding bikes into the car for the kids!
You don't have to travel far to dip your toe in a cool pool. This home in the heart of Clarendon in North Arlington offers a wading pool perfect for pint sized swimmers. Before or after your dip, don't forget to roast marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit. Feel free to leave your car at home; this house is conveniently located near a metro stop.
Why rent a cottage when you can enjoy this spacious compound. It's the perfect place to self-quarantine for 2 weeks (there is a 14 day minimum stay) with family or friends. This elegant retreat is just 30 minutes from the capital; the perfect rental for those that need work/life balance. Lounge by the heated salt-water pool and enjoy a retreat that will make you feel worlds away from city life.
Perched on 90 acres, this farmet has views for miles. Enjoy everything the Eastern Shore has to offer, like fishing from the on-property pier or catching blue crabs for dinner. Amenities include crab traps and fishing poles and a $100 credit toward kayak rentals (or bring your own). Or just spend a lazy day in the pool while watching the wildlife.
This perfectly private property, aptly named Peace and Plenty Farm, features a heated lap pool (open May to October) surrounded by wildflowers. It's the perfect place to relax after exploring historic downtown Frederick, Maryland (about 15 minutes away), or Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (45 minutes away). Other features include a grill, fire pit and walking trails.
Over two years ago I gave birth to my daughter and like every new parent, I wanted to give her everything. I wanted to find the best pediatrician, the highest quality child care, the most enriching things to do with her on the weekend, and all the other information I needed to be a successful parent. But as a full-time working mom, I found it pretty challenging to even have time for the basics, like feeding her and giving her a bath. Forget having time to research anything else!
There isn’t one single place to get parenting information, and many recommendations are shared in private mother’s groups which I wasn’t a part of as a working mom. Mobile apps for parents are basically nonexistent. Navigating all this information can feel like a full-time job.
I had an epiphany one day when I was at work that maybe no one has built great technology for parents not because it’s so hard to build but because there aren’t enough moms starting companies. I have a technology background — I was a computer science major at MIT and I’ve worked at tech companies like Google and Twitter. I realized I had the right background and expertise to build an app for parents, and I knew based on being a parent and my discussions with other parents that access to information was a big pain point.
The only thing that was holding me back was myself. I was worried that starting a company would give me even less time with my daughter. Tech startups have the reputation for being grueling environments where young people work 24 hours a day and wear hoodies. I realized that if I was going to start a company, I’d need to do things differently and set up a work environment that would allow me to be the person I needed to be at home.
A lot of people thought I was crazy to start a company as a new mom but fast forward to today and Winnie is an app used by over 100,000 parents across the country. We’ve raised venture funding from some of the biggest names in the technology industry. Parents rely on Winnie to find high-quality affordable childcare, get answers to their parenting questions, and find things to do with their kids.
But more importantly, starting a company has also helped me find success in another aspect of my life: being a mom. I’m able to be a better mom to my daughter because I have control over my schedule. I have more time to spend with my family because I call the shots. I can come in late to work to take my daughter to a doctor’s appointment, or leave early to play with her in the afternoon. We all eat dinner together as a family every night and that’s something I would not have been able to do if I stayed in my old job and worked typical tech company hours. The time we spend together matters more to her than anything I’ll accomplish in my professional life so having that time is an accomplishment in and of itself.
Through this experience of starting a company I’ve learned that starting a business isn’t just for young guys in hoodies, it’s also a great career path for moms. When it’s your own company, you set the ground rules that work for you and you don’t have to compromise. Better yet, you get to build an environment that’s a great place for other people to work too. People who also desire work-life balance in their lives will seek you out and want to work for you.
Since I’ve started Winnie, I have spoken to countless other moms who are thinking about taking the leap. My advice to all of them is to go for it! You are your child’s biggest role model and when you take the leap into the unknown you’re showing them that one day they can too
Short mom to tall kids. CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a leading marketplace for daycare and preschool helping millions of parents across the United States. Still getting the gist of this whole parenting thing.
I write this in my basement, as my toddler and infant tromp around above me—all while trading childcare shifts with my husband because daycare’s out of session due to covid.
Clearly, the current era has been all about juggling. But at a time when it’s harder than ever to achieve balance in our work and home lives, striking some kind of peace treaty between work and home life is especially crucial.
As the Millennial Money Expert at Fabric, a startup that’s a one-stop-shop for families and their financial lives, I speak to all sorts of parents. Between these conversations and the tenuous line I’m also trying to walk, here’s how I’ve been thinking about work-life balance in 2021.
Leave work at work, even if you’re now working from home: In practical terms, the best way to do this is to set aside a designated place for WFH-ing. If I try to work on my laptop at the kitchen table, I can guarantee that I’m going to be interrupted with a request to bake cookies (where did she get the impression that was on today’s schedule?), build a puzzle or help with the niggly parts of dressing a baby doll. Finding a work-only space can be difficult if your home isn’t giant or you don’t have a separate office. Still, even if “home office” means throwing on a winter coat and working out of the basement (ahem), it’s vital to have a designated space where you can concentrate—and where your kids understand that you’re off-limits.
Set time limits on technology for your kids and yourself: When your top goal is to get your kids to be quiet long enough for you to get through a conference call, it can be tempting to plop ‘em in front of a screen. Likewise, when the weather’s cold and all the stores and restaurants are closed or potentially coronavirus-ridden, it often feels easier to tune out and tune into Netflix. I’m not here to take a stand on whether screen time is good or bad in general, but my own experience is that after a long day of screens, I often feel better if I can step away. Sometimes this takes the form of cooking and baking or listening to an audiobook. Lately, I’ve been rediscovering my crafty side by drawing kids’ books and puzzles for the children in my life. Whatever your release, try asking yourself: After the fact, which action will make me feel better about how I spent this hour?
Get your financial life in (better) order: With so much going on, dealing with finances and long-term planning can feel very stressful and overwhelming. But in a world of chaos, it can be reassuring to impose some order. Think about what tasks are on your financial and organizational to-do list. Which ones can you knock off between kids’ bedtime and your own? Start there. Whether you are a new parent or not, nows the time to think about the status of your life insurance, will, and college savings plans and update priority documents so you can relax a bit.
Iron out a schedule with the people in your life: If you’re a single parent, this time is incredibly challenging. I hope you have other support systems in your life, like family and/or “learning pods” with friends’ kids. Whether your pinch-hitters include spouses and partners or grandparents and friends, this pandemic has gone on long enough that it probably makes sense to formalize your arrangements, if you haven’t already. If your kids are typically in school or daycare, what’s the backup plan for if and when they close for the dreaded 14 days for COVID? If you have a nanny, what’ll you do if they end up getting sick? If grandparents or other family members can help out, can they come on regular days each week?
This hasn’t been easy for any of us. I can’t pretend that work-life balance is going to magically fall into place, especially when it was hard enough previously, without a pandemic! But I know I’ll be taking a deep breath and thinking more consciously about how I can create the boundaries I need to maximize my work and family successes.
Allison Kade is Fabric’s Millennial Money Expert. She has written about parenting, money, travel, careers, and time management, for publications like Bloomberg, Forbes, The Today Show, Business Insider, The Huffington Post, and more. She is also a Pushcart Prize-nominated fiction writer. Follow her on Twitter @amkade.
No one here is going to debate the fact that 2020 was a tough year. Many of us have faced illness, loss, and challenges we never thought (homeschooling while feeding a baby and attending a Zoom meeting, for example). We asked our staff here at Tinybeans Family Brands to think of what their silver lining was for 2020, and we think you’ll relate to a lot of these. From family bonding to showing up, self-care, and celebrating the little things, read on to see what our staff is grateful for this year and add your voice to the conversation.
We took on a new view of school and saw our children shine…
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“I have loved seeing my youngest son thrive in the distance learning environment when last year he really struggled in school due to his learning differences.” —Kate L, Bay Area Editor; National Content & Calendar Manager
“My elder daughter got to be on her college campus and have mask-to-mask classes this fall! It was a different freshman experience than she expected but she was happy that she got to go.” —Kim, Advertising Sales Director
“This year, because of distance learning, I have been able to be a fly-on-the-wall to hear my son interacting with his peers. I’ve heard him stepping up to lead discussions, keep kids on track, ask questions, crack jokes, and help his classmates. As a parent, you always hope your kid is doing the right thing when you aren’t around and it’s nice to get a sneak-peek that affirms this.” —Amber, Managing Editor
“When I reflect back on these past few months, one of the most impactful experiences I encountered, was actually witnessing that my son has turned into a mature, hard-working professional! He graduated college 1 1/2 years ago, and has been living and working in NYC. He came home to live with us in March and has been working remotely from our home these last few months. His bedroom and my office share a wall, and I absolutely love hearing him on his work calls with clients and colleagues. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself that this is my son—I am so proud to hear him speak with a sense of professionalism and witness his strong work ethic as a mature young man!” — Kathy, Bump & Baby, NYC & DC Ad Director
We learned the importance of self-care and the beauty in the mundane…
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“2020 has taught me a lot about how I hold myself accountable for my own happiness—daily exercise, creating a work-life balance, and time for reflection and gratitude are now things I'm actively working on and I'm much happier because of it!” —Sarah, Senior Product Designer
“I've realized I don't need so much ‘stuff’ in my life; pricey makeup, expensive workouts, clothes I never wear, highlights every six weeks...I colored my own hair for the first time in two decades and it came out pretty darn good.” — Jamie, Copywriter
“2020 made me realize how important it is to surround yourself with people you love/care about the most. Especially when times get tough!” —Nora, Partnership Marketing Coordinator
“Getting COVID allowed me to snuggle with my sick daughter for 10 nights straight and not worry about how I was going to get her back into her own bed.” —Julie G., NY Sales Director
“I've learned to never again take the fact that I can walk into a grocery store and get what I need, for granted.” —Karly, Pinterest Editor
We saw people step up and strengthened our community bonds, in spite of distance…
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“During this Thanksgiving season, our 8th-grade students and families showed up for critically poor families, who needed some extra help this holiday season. A single father with seven minors who lives in a one-bedroom apartment, a mother with two kids who suffered through domestic abuse and is now starting a new life during a pandemic...heartbreaking. When the students and the parents came together to provide and show up for these families in need, it was truly beautiful and inspiring. Baskets and boxes of food, generous grocery gift cards and cash donations, and beautifully handmade cards were received by families overcome with emotions that there are still good in people in spite of what is happening in the world." —Engelynne, SoCal Account Director
“The best part of 2020 for my family has been the ‘we're all in this together’ community vibe and more intentional effort everyone is making to stay connected especially since school remains remote for us. From starting virtual book clubs to distanced soccer practices to creating birthday video montages to bike rides on San Francisco's slower streets (we happen to live on one!), it feels like we've formed new or closer bonds with so many people.” —Julie S., NorCal National & SF Account Director
We learned new skills and discovered new places in our own backyard…
“I've never been much of a baker, but I started making sourdough this year! I've made quite a few loaves of bread, some very fluffy pancakes and a delicious pizza crust.” —Kenzie, Director of Partnership Marketing Solutions
“I found out that I love plants and I started to grow them!” —Bing, Head of Finance
“The extra time together as a family was actually really great (most of the time); oh and I think I might be qualified as a sommelier now!" —Tracy, Ad Sales Director, Northwest
"My husband and I actually fought less this year—with less on our calendars and rushing around to the latest activity. My kids are more adaptable than I ever could have imagined—happily wearing masks wherever they went. And finally, I started stand-up paddleboarding which has become a fun new hobby!” —Oliva, Ad Sales Director, Southwest
“We found out that dad is a better cook than mom....so now he gets to cook dinner...a lot! A lot more books have been read and naps have been taken. Schooling at home, I learned that my kid is the one in class who raises his hand and says ‘Is this going to be on the test?' Not gonna lie, I don't miss packing lunches in the mornings. I think we have become more creative/resourceful when faced with shortages of products or restrictions of activities.Finally took down the old shelves, cleaned up the dust bunnies/spider webs, and set up the new shelves. Discovered the Derby Cake (Mazzetti's Bakery, Pacifica, CA). My life is now complete. Company merger and got to meet so many new, fabulous co-workers!" —Marie S., Staff Accountant
“Since our travel and social happenings have been curtailed, it has given my very busy, very on-the-go family a chance to appreciate our house and home. We finished our treehouse, we've started doing the desperately needed updates, and we have discovered that we all love board games—a lot. Oh, and we've watched almost every classic '80s movie known to mankind.” —Gabby, Senior National Editor
“My wife and I explored New York City like never before (in a safe and socially distanced sort of way)! We used the NYC ferry boats to travel around the five boroughs, and explored so many new spots including: Roosevelt Island, Governors Island, Astoria, Bay Ridge, Staten Island, The Rockaways, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Battery Park, and all of Central Park." —Marshall, Senior Director, Client Success and Revenue Operations
2020 has given us a whole lot of family togetherness and proof that life goes on…
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“I had my second son, Parker, right before lockdown. Seeing him grow from a fragile NICU infant to an army crawling, smiley baby who adores everything his big brother does has easily been the best thing of 2020.” —Erin, Head of Editorial
“My wife and I, along with our four boys are closer than ever before, spending so many wonderful meals together ‘breaking bread.’ Also several of the boys commented on how this past summer was the best ever!” —Eddie, CEO
"My youngest finally learned to ride a bike, we now really enjoy our family bike rides and exploring our neighborhood. I’ve realized how much I love being around my husband. In a time like quarantine, this could've gone either way! And, my kids do a pretty great job of hanging out with each other and it's beautiful to see how much they genuinely love each other." —Laura, Email Marketing Manager
“After my maternity leave ended for my third kid in the fall of 2019 I cried (and I'm not a crier). I was so upset that as a working mom that I would never get that time back with my kids; that real 1:1 (or in this case 1:3) time where I devoted all my energy to crafts, snuggles, city adventures, or wherever the day took us. Well, clearly the joke was on me since I don't think we've ever spent as much time together as a family as we have in 2020. While the days are long and trying to juggle it all is trying, I really do enjoy working from home and being there every night for dinner and bedtime—something as a working mom I felt like I missed out on for years.” —Megan, Head of Product Growth
“My silver lining makes me simultaneously joyous and a little guilty. My college and senior-year-in-high school kids were less than excited to have their normal lives (mostly spent away from us) interrupted while we were working remotely, which meant we were all home. It was the longest and most wonderful stretch of the whole family being together in our 21-year parenting journey. And as it turns out, I didn't need to feel guilty about being happy about it. Our kids also appreciated the time with each other and us. It was a silver lining with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on the top.” —Nina, Chief Revenue Officer
“My in-laws ‘escaped’ Manhattan the second week of March to hunker down with us in the Midwest...and ended up staying through mid-June. There were ups and downs but they got to spend three months with our two kids under five and I'm so glad they had a chance to see them grow and change (especially the 1 year old!)." —Jen S., Head of National Sales
“While I did have to start cooking dinner every night, we actually get to eat as a family every night. We have become much more mindful about wasting things, especially food. Weekends feel longer because we spend quality time as a family instead of racing around to birthday parties, sports practices/games, etc.” —Grady, Head of Partnership Marketing
“This year, I welcomed a new baby, a new job, and a new house—a 2020 hat trick.” —Mark, Chief Technology Officer
“We're expecting a new addition in 2021!” —Jen W., Senior. Head of Audience Development
Want to share your silver lining for this year? Send it to amber at tinybeans.com with the subject line Silver Lining and we’ll add to this story.
