Now that I have your attention, I am not talking about my children, I am talking about myself!!  I can't figure out why I am constantly in a state of disarray: the laundry, the dishes, the toilets, the paperwork.  I always seem to be behind the eight ball!  I am obviously unorganized by nature and that certainly does not help the cause.  My friend told me about a fun website with great organiztional tips.  I have been on it a few times and have already implemented a few new procedures.  Sometimes all it takes is a few new ideas to get us going.  Hope you find time to visit this site:  www.flylady.net

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I saw a story on the Today show this morning that was about whether moms today have it easier or harder than moms 20 years ago.  There didn't seem to be a definitive answer, but the majority answered that it is harder to be a mom today, because of our busy lives.

There were a couple of stories from different moms.  The plus side is that employers, in general, are more willing to offer flexible work situations.  We can work more from home, but sometimes trying to multi-task with work and taking care of kids is stressful.  The technology is a blessing and a curse, too.  I absolutely cannot imagine living without a cell phone and a computer.  Although, our need to be connected to EVERYBODY can take over our ability to really connect with those closest to us. 

I'd say most moms just try to make the best of whatever situation they have.  We love our kids, and want to do whatever we can to help them grow up and be ready for their turn in the world.  Do you think it is harder to be a mom today?

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It seems a lot of news in the press this week is all about the book , The Feminine Mistake, by Leslie Bennetts.  I haven't read the book, but it is causing an uproar.  It opens up the debate once more about staying home to raise kids, or keeping your career, and seems to be focused on the financial security that backs up these decisions. 

As facts go, I don't think you can argue that as a woman (or a man), you are going to have less financial security if you stop working at a certain point for any reason.  But there are so many factors that go into such an important personal decision.  The main thing I take away from all the debate, is the importance of educating yourself on the impact your decisions will have-- whether it is financial, emotional or physical.  Information, even if you don't agree with the way it is presented, is a useful tool.

I had a full-time job, was able to go part-time after my second child was born, and ultimately quit that job.  I loved having the time with my kids, but I do regret quitting.  There are a lot of things in life that you can't plan out because you can't see into the future.  I think most of us do the best we can with the information we have at the time.  What do you think?

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It sounds great - working from home on the computer or phone.  Being able to stay in your PJ's with your hair in a ponytail.  But how hard is it really?  Do you get distracted by the laundry, the dogs, the kids etc?  Is it too easy to leave to run a 15 minute errand that takes an hour? 

I'm considering this route and would LOVE to hear from people who have made this work.  And from people for whom it did not work - why?

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So, I'm still thinking about that day care study.  And I just read an article---- Something like " 9 Ways to Make Your Kid Smarter".  My kids are in middle school, so I'm a little behind on some of the suggestions!  I think that sometimes there is way too much information out there, and you can make yourself crazy if you start taking it all to heart!  I never read a lot of the parenting books-- I'm a "winging it" kind of girl.  Most of my information came from (and still comes from) other moms, aunts, teachers, doctors--- people who know me and my children. 

Information gets a little sketchier as they get into their teen years.  You don't have as much contact with teachers and other parents-- so I have found that I am seeking out more resources to find out about their world.  Many people that I work with have kids the same age, so that is helpful too.  Does your heart skip a beat when you read some new study that makes you worry if your parenting is up to par?

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