Back-to-school = stress. Forms to fill, carpools to organize, and new schedules to plan. My nemesis is shopping for school supplies, probably because my son's school list is insanely long and specific. It usually takes me three or four shops to get everything his teacher requires.
This time I played it smart. I went to Walmart, spent an hour shopping and beat the back to school rush! I found 93% of everything I need for both my son and daughter in one shop (plus a little something for mummy).
If you haven't done your back to school shopping yet, get going! Although the stock is constantly being replenished at Walmart, there is nothing worse than finding only three of the four binder colours on your list - forcing you to race around town looking for one elusive colour.
This time I experimented with leaving the kids at home. I wanted to be in and out in record time. I highly recommend it if at all possible. The only problem I had was picking the right back pack design for my daughter - there were so many cute styles to choose from. I ended up with the groovy flower bag, although the peace sign motif is very trendy. For my son I went with a more “rough'n tumble” back pack that can hold the weight of all his grade 6 homework.
Here's an important tip: if you're trying to get it done in one shop: remember that everything you need for school isn't always in the school supplies area of the store.
For example, the lunch bags and Thermoses in the back-to-school area were way too young for my kids. But the housewares section had great ones. My daughter is going to love her sparkly flower insulated lunch bag. And I made sure the Thermoses fit easily in each of their new lunch bags.
My son's school list is long and specific, but I was able to find everything in the office supply area - except the recipe card holder (see, it is a crazy list).
And while I was there I picked up a few adorable fall outfits for my daughter, plus socks and undies for both of them.
Of course mummy needs to play too. I couldn't resist this George top ($12) and skinny stretchy cargo pants ($19). I also bought the pants in khaki. Wouldn't you?
Not bad for an hour shop! Next on my list, filling in all my kids' dates in our Google calendar. I need a nap.
Hey, if you have more back-to-school tips, I would love to hear them. I need all the help I can get.
This blog is proudly sponsored by our friends at Walmart
Spending a couple of days at BlogHer reminded me, once again, that my own daily struggle to balance family and career is a huge issue with so many other women. At the Success on our Own Terms panel, author and entrepreneur Jane Buckingham, spoke about how challenging she found it to find time to get her to do list done. She admitted, almost confessed, to hiring a nanny. She seemed embarrassed to admit to having "help".
When my son was 3-weeks old and I was in the midst of postpartum depression, I hired a part time nanny. Not only did she allow me the time to shower and nap, she also taught me how to be a mother. For five years she helped me care for my son and daughter, while giving me breathing space to focus on launching my business.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I need a nanny. I'm domestically challenged. I'm not a good cook. I get distracted doing laundry and I'm too busy at meetings and dealing with my kids to clean. So I hire someone.
Truth is, what I'm looking for in a nanny today is quite different from the baby days. My kids are 7 and 10. I need a housekeeper who enjoys kids - rather than a caregiver who occasionally tidies.
The problem I had is how to find someone who is right for the job. In the past I've used the Canadian Nanny site to hire some nannies (including the Kerry, the super model) but frankly these days I don't have time to go through hundreds of resumes, set up a bunch of interviews, call references. It can be incredibly time consuming.
A bunch of my Mompreneur girlfriends highly recommended I contact the WeeCare Agency. I have to say, if you're an overextended career mom like me, this is the way to go. In an hour long phone interview with owner Robyn Zeldin she asked me a series of questions about my needs and expectations. She advised me on what industry standards are in terms of hours and salary. And then she put her team to work on my family's behalf.
Based on my requirements, she handpicked three women with the skill sets I was looking for. Each was sent to my home for an interview. Each applicant spent time with my family, and then we hired our favourite.
The agency drafted the contract and we had a new nanny. Except she didn't like the idea that I worked from home and quit after a day.
The agency called me right away with the bad news and another list of possible applicants. In fact, if the relationship with the nanny sours within three months, the agency goes through the hiring process with you again at no charge.
Bingo! It's been three months since we hired Miliney and it's a great fit. The agency fee was worth it for me.
No matter how you manage to have a career and kids, don't be ashamed of getting help. Nanny, au pair, babysitter, cleaning woman - the extra dollars are worth your sanity and will ultimately increase your productivity. That's a wise investment any way you look at it.
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When I was invited by Ford Canada to attend BlogHer 2011 in San Diego, not only was I looking forward to getting behind the wheel of some high tech cars, I was also hoping to be inspired by all the amazing BlogHer sessions. And I wasn't disappointed.
The discussion about Success on Our Own Terms hit home. A useful take away for me was suggested by parenting coach Susan Stiffelman who reminded the work at home moms about the importance of being fully present for your kids - something I'm constantly grappling with.
In the Video Blogging session, well known vlogger Jenny Ingram told us about YouTubes's new best practices document which she said is a must read. You can find it here.
Ironically, my biggest aha moment came outside of the actual conference. On three separate occasions, with three different groups of well- known, opinionated bloggers, confessions about social angst flowed. To my surprise, women who give off an aura of social grace and confidence shared their total discomfort meeting people at the conference.
Of course, I too admitted to feeling nervous when having to network with so many successful and inspiring women. And everyone responded with YOU? You're nervous too?
And that's when it really hit home. It's not just me suffering from social anxiety. Everyone else thinks THEY are the outcast, the imposter, the one with nothing interesting to add to a conversation.
Here's a picture that needs to change: A group of successful women sitting in an awesome conference, each one focusing on their nerves rather than the amazing conversation they were in the middle of.
So the next time you're on your way to a social situation like the Mom 2.0 Conference and you start feeling the dread and insecurity starting to bubble up, you can rest assured that everyone else is feeling the same way.
You can thank me when I see you at Mom 2.0!
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