https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 22:51:30 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/remote-work-as-a-sahm#post-2924556 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 11:45:32 +0000 bees_knees 2924556@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Writing here to get some insight--you guys always have the best perspectives! (seriously. Most of my best parenting/life advice has come from here!)</p> <p>My high school best friend's uncle just called me. He is an attorney and looking for a legal assistant. His practice is located about 6 hours away from me, so this would be a remote position. He is aware I have 4 young children and sounds like he would be very flexible with hours worked, with the expectation that as my kids get older and in school I would increase my work load. </p> <p>I did not apply for this position, nor am I even looking for work...his sister (my best friend's mom, who I am still acquainted with) recommended me as someone who is bright and would be a good fit (which is so flattering!) I have been a SAHM since our oldest was born 7 years ago. We don't *need* the money, but obviously extra cash is always nice! I also have zero legal background (I have a BS in psychology and a BS microbiology and worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist previous to having kids) but have always found it interesting.</p> <p>I guess I don't even know what I am asking :silly: What are the downsides here? Has anyone been in a similar position? I am mostly worried about being strung pretty thin. Our kids have never had any outside childcare (and it's ridiculously expensive here), but my parents are close and would be able to help whenever I needed it. </p> <p>What sort of questions should I be clarifying with him, besides how many hours I would be working a week? How do I negotiate salary? What other logistics do I need to be thinking about? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-keeps-your-kindergartener-busy#post-2920529 Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:01:32 +0000 SweetCaroline 2920529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sure many of you were or are WFH while keeping kids alive. I had DD home with me while WFM March-May (baby born end of May), then we were isolated at home on maternity leave June-August.</p> <p>So fortunate to have DD at in-person school, but starting to feel itchy as we have 18 days scheduled of no school coming up Nov-Dec and certainly more unscheduled days off. I'm in lots of meetings (and it's my busy season) and am looking for creative ideas to occupy DD. She's in Kindergarten--what keeps your kids busy and happy?</p> <p>DD could play school with her imaginary "kids", play with her craft cart or whiteboard for hours *if she is in the mood*. Looking for other things to have in my back pocket. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-holding-myself-back#post-2919506 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:59:45 +0000 codeitall 2919506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Covid is making everything extra crazy. However, today I got a job offer that is a 47% increase over what I was making just two months ago. I was headhunted for this role, it is an opportunity to completely rebuild systems in software I'm familiar with. I have no complaints about my current job, management chain is great, I have tons of flexibility (I rarely work over 35 hours a week) and I'm lauded across the company for the work I do. I know all the systems, the issues, and I'm getting the opportunity next year to rearchitect one of the major systems as well.</p> <p>BUT this is 47% MORE $! My kids could go to a better daycare, I could hire a housecleaner, we could buy a house faster.</p> <p>Why am I reluctant? Has anyone else turned down a new job offer that looked better on paper? Why did you do it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-working-mamas-with-3-or-more-children#post-2919362 Fri, 02 Oct 2020 19:02:57 +0000 cake2017 2919362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do you do it?<br /> How many and ages?<br /> How many hours a week do you work?<br /> What made you have 1 and more...?<br /> What are your challenges?</p> <p>We didn’t really “try” with our two now. We’ve always been “not preventing “. </p> <p>I work 40 hours a week- 4 days a week.<br /> 3.5/14months children ages<br /> Lots of prayer and patience but it’s hard. I don’t want to stay home full time. I have the luxury to take off whenever I want for any time period- my children attend very good preschools and although it’s expensive I sometimes wonder if we should expand- I just don’t know how it would work? I don’t know if I can “handle” 3 mentally.... so wondering how do others do it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-take-time-off-right-now#post-2915742 Fri, 22 May 2020 12:19:04 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2915742@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know this is a challenge many of us face anyway but was wondering how you're all taking time off right now, if you are, especially if you're working and parenting at the same time. This was spurred because my boss keeps encouraging me to take some time off work and I just can't figure out how to really do this. I lead multiple teams who are at the front lines right now so work is crazy busy for me and it would just pile up into the next day if I simply sign off email for the day, which means I'm then spending less time with my kid, which I'm struggling to do anyway. And my typical time off approaches in "normal" times are to take a day when my daughter is in school and go somewhere by myself or with DH - see a movie, wander around a downtown area, have lunch and read. Literally all things I can't do right now lol So "time off" would basically just be not checking email, which just would mean parenting 100% of the day, which is fine but it's hardly time off. So wondering if anyone has cracked this nut somehow (or just commiseration - I see you!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-with-people-who-dont-believe-in-covid#post-2915344 Wed, 13 May 2020 13:21:21 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2915344@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess I’m looking for WWYD perspectives and/or commiseration with this post:</p> <p>I work in a small allied healthcare clinic. Two bosses, myself and two other practitioners. One of my bosses and one of my coworkers are crazy paleo, CrossFit, verging on anti-vax health nut type men who don’t buy the hype about COVID, think it’s all overblown, think we all should expose ourselves, the lockdown was wrong, etc etc. My other boss and coworker are like myself, as in we are the total opposite of them.</p> <p>Our office has been closed since mid March. Our province is talking of reopening but hasn’t given a date yet. The last few weeks of team meetings have been about what our protocol will be since we are in very close quarters with clients and cannot maintain social distancing. The two bro’s constantly argue with us about how mainstream media is wrong and these podcast guys they know think we all just need to go back without protection, etc etc. It’s literally driving me insane.<br /> I’m having major anxiety thinking I can’t trust either of them to uphold what we agree on or to follow our professional association and governments guidance to keep us and clients safe. I know I can only control my own actions but if they aren’t following the rules properly, it puts my family and myself as well as our patients and other coworkers at risk. We may need to rely on my in laws for childcare at our home and they are in their 70’s. I don’t want to take risks even if the science is mixed. I just want to take precautions so we can say we did everything we could to help the cause and so I can feel safe going back there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/this-is-impossible-covid-meltdown-rant#post-2914346 Wed, 22 Apr 2020 08:46:43 +0000 macintosh 2914346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is almost 5. He is getting super moody and defiant because he's home all day with noone to play with except his dad - who is disabled. Of course he won't be able to have a birthday party.</p> <p>I'm trying to work and the 2 of them are constantly bickering or my kid is melting down. I can't get anything done because I'm so worried and distracted. I try to take breaks to engage them but I don't have the energy or time to do structured activities for DS.</p> <p>He probably won't be able to go back to preschool or see his friends again. I'm feeling super guilty right now that he's an only child. My brother is going to be laid off from his teaching job so he's going to start coming over to watch DS starting in May, but right now I feel like I'm drowning.</p> <p>I have so much work to do and I can't focus for shit. I'm failing at everything. I just want to quit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-activities-with-low-parent-involvement#post-2914595 Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:04:09 +0000 JL 2914595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>there's an ebook on this topic for free right now ...</p> <p>It's called Work While Your Toddler Plays (on amazon)—in case you've been desperate for new things to try with your kid during lockdown, like I've been. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-cant-stop-eating-2#post-2914259 Tue, 21 Apr 2020 08:26:08 +0000 wrkbrk 2914259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No real point to this post. And I know there are far worse problems. But I find myself eating frantically - going on week 6 and I’ve gained 8 pounds! HELP! Anyone else? How can I about face and form new, good habits in this current culture of never ending stress??? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-coworker#post-2912973 Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:46:52 +0000 Corduroy 2912973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've seen this game on online and figured we need a thread to capture all the funny business. Tell us what your kid has been up to but refer to them as your coworker. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/today-during-a-videoconference#post-2912942 Fri, 27 Mar 2020 10:55:07 +0000 macintosh 2912942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS (4) came in announcing that he needed to change his socks because daddy spilled coffee and he stepped in it. Also asked me to get paper towels to clean it up. Also tried to hug my computer 😂</p> <p>What goofy (or frustrating) thing did your kid do when you are working? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wfm-schedule#post-2912978 Fri, 27 Mar 2020 21:20:15 +0000 macintosh 2912978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m big into scheduling and tweaking little things to improve time management. If you’re working from home and juggling kids (with or without a spouse) what is your schedule like? What would you like to change if you could? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/view-of-the-day-1#post-2912670 Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:33:43 +0000 wrkbrk 2912670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just for fun. What’s your view right now / what are you doing to fill the endless hours at home? DW and I are splitting the work day so she’s working right now and I am in my son’s room reading news on his bed while he plays paw patrol on the floor.</p> <p>[attach=5342/20/q7nkk8.450x600.1EB4E0D7-12AD-4A2A-8939-53B5B9578EE7.jpeg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-keeping-your-kids-home-even-if-their-daycare-or-school-is-open#post-2911876 Sat, 14 Mar 2020 12:31:21 +0000 HappyBaker 2911876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are not agreeing on this so I’m wondering what the general public’s thoughts are! My oldest kid’s school is closed, but my younger two’s daycare is staying open. I can work from home as of next week, but DH has to still go into the office so he thinks we should send our younger ones to daycare while we can.</p> <p> My thoughts are we are just opening ourselves up to so many more people’s germs if they keep going as opposed to staying home with me. I know I won’t get enough work done with all of them home but I feel like everyone is in that boat right now. My county is the hardest hit right now in our state. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-when-schoolsdaycares-close#post-2911756 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 05:26:33 +0000 Becky 2911756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Assuming this is inevitable for many of us at this point, does anyone have plans for what to do if you are expected to work from home full time, but also have to manage a young school ager’s online/remote instruction, and care for younger children? I know there are many of you on here with no family nearby, or who can’t work from home, so I am very interested in hearing from you. </p> <p>I’m pregnant and exhausted (thanks pregnancy insomnia) so working before/after the kids are sleeping/awake is very difficult (they sleep about 8:30pm-6:30am). I also just started a new job and have no leave time. My husband is a financial advisor so this is also a very busy time of year for him and he is already working evenings and weekends to keep up so I’d be doing it on my own. ETA my kids also fight all the time now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wfh-with-toddler#post-2911617 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:32:49 +0000 Shybee23 2911617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bit of a spin-off from the coronavirus thread. I’m trying to prepare for the possibility that DH and I will have to WFH without childcare over the next couple weeks. DS is almost 2 and will play independently for a good length of time, but we know we are in for some long days. DH and I will probably take turns working, but to maximize our working hours I’m trying to brainstorm things DS can do with minimal supervision - I’m picking up some mess free markers and stickers (and resigning myself to listening to him watch Frozen 2 on repeat). Anyone have other suggestions? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-daycare-get-easier#post-2908641 Sun, 19 Jan 2020 17:44:24 +0000 karenbme 2908641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi, I’m a FT WOH mom, and just went back to work on Thursday. I love my job and make enough money that economically it makes no sense to quit, but sending DD to daycare breaks my heart. She’s at a high quality center, but I still ache being away from her 10 hours a day. I’m wondering if it gets better or maybe for those with a nanny/nanny-share what your thoughts/feelings are. I feel like I would feel a little better if I could see her during the day, but the center that had an opening is near DH’s office, which is nowhere near mine, so daytime visits really aren’t an option. 🙁 We’re on waitlists for other centers closer to me, but the way childcare is around here infant spots don’t really open up until fall, when everyone moves up a level. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/working-parents-how-doyour-evenings-go#post-2908227 Mon, 13 Jan 2020 11:54:55 +0000 Umbreon 2908227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If both you and your SO work, how do you handle dinner and evenings?</p> <p>I go back to work in a few months. Right now, DH gets home at 4 and I start making supper at 4:30. By the time supper and cleanup is done it's usually 6:30. We start bedtime at 7.</p> <p>When I go back to work I want to maximize time with LO when we get home. I'm thinking cleanup will happen after bed and start making easier suppers? We would both be home at 4 as we work together.</p> <p>How do you do it? 3 hours before bed just seems soooo little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-or-would-you-outsource#post-2908214 Mon, 13 Jan 2020 09:47:27 +0000 SweetCaroline 2908214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In September, I'll have child #2 starting daycare (at 3 months) and within 2 weeks, DD will start Kindergarten. I've WOH FT since graduating college, and DD is almost 5 so I'm no stranger to trying to juggle all the things work and childcare. HOWEVER, I'm starting to feel serious anxiety over having two kids in very different phases of life while still pulling off my demanding job.</p> <p>We have flex in our budget to oursource more. Currently we have a cleaning person. So that is beyond helpful. I'm wondering what else I am missing that would help. What do you do, what have you thought about...what tips or ideas do you have?</p> <p>Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-what-your-morning-routine-looks-like-if-you-and-dh-both-woh#post-2897100 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:36:43 +0000 Ajsmommy 2897100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD just started K and therefore we have just started a new morning routine and today DH said it's not working out for him... so I am curious what others do and how it works for you...</p> <p>Background:<br /> I work 730 a- 4 p<br /> My commute is 45 m-1 hr<br /> DH works 9 a-6 p<br /> DH commute is 30-45 mins<br /> DH has chiro apt 3 times a week at 8 am<br /> DD is kinder w before and after care at her school 1 mile from home<br /> DS is in home daycare, 5 mins from home<br /> I tend to get up (late) at 6-615 a, I get ready/shower/etc and then I get DD up around 630 if she's not already up<br /> I get DD to potty, brush teeth and get her dressed<br /> I pick out clothes for DS (who is also usually up now)<br /> I then get dressed and head downstairs<br /> They usually follow for drinks so I get them drinks then they go back up to wait for DH to get ready<br /> I then get DD's thermos drink ready for her lunch box, put it in her box and the icy pack if needed, if she's having a hot lunch I warm that and put it in her box<br /> I place her lunch box and back pack (packed last night) together<br /> then I put her breakfast in a baggy or whatever and place with her other items<br /> Then I leave, usually 645-7 ish (usually running late)</p> <p>The way I see it DH has to get DS dressed and then have both kids put on shoes and then leave....</p> <p>As stated above Dh said this isn't working for him.. but I am at a loss as to what more I can do to make it easier for him. </p> <p>I think the only solution would be to get DD up earlier and I drop her at daycare (she can be dropped as early as 630 am) but that makes her day longer, I don't really like that. So I'd have to get her up at 615 so we could leave at 630 so I could drop her by 645 and be on my way</p> <p>Anyway I was just wondering what others mornings looked like and what else I could do to help DH but I guess I just answered it ^^^^ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dh-return-to-work-after-sahd#post-2892132 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:33:56 +0000 lindseykaye 2892132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For the last two years, DH has primarily been a SAHD after he left his administrative role in higher education. It was a decision based on a combination of factors including supporting me while I finished my Master's, my own work travel schedule increasing, and dissatisfaction in his previous role. He's worked freelance/part-time since then and we've added baby #2 to our family (currently 7 mo old). </p> <p>He's casually been looking at returning full-time and submitted a couple applications this weekend. Well - one of them has already led to a phone interview tomorrow!</p> <p>I don't want to get ahead of ourselves since there is so much of the process left to go, but I'm excited for him! Plus, we really need the additional income to make some progress towards some debt we are carrying after starting private school for LO1 last year and new baby/maternity leave expenses. So I am crossing my fingers hard for him/us.</p> <p>As we prepare for this possible change, I wanted to see if any other Bees out there had been through something similar and had any advice.<br /> I know we will need to use some of his additional income to cover increased costs like gas (for him to get to/from work and more daycare travel days). As well as increased childcare costs (aftercare for LO1 at school, moving LO2 from part-time to full-time). And I figured adding some conveniences to our budget will keep us sane (cleaning service, lawn service).<br /> What else did you do to make this transition?<br /> How did your kid/s handle a longer day at school/care if they were used to one parent being SAH?</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/time-off-with-new-job#post-2891290 Tue, 16 Jul 2019 15:26:18 +0000 Becky 2891290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to be starting a new job sometime in the next year, and just realized that means I will essentially end up with no time off. We have one child in elementary school, so throughout the year have about 18 days where there either isn't school or there is a school break that we don't have child care coverage for. Right now I typically use vacation or personal time for about 3/4 of those instances, and we are able to fill in with family or my husband working from home in the other instances. This also doesn't account for sick time.</p> <p>For other Bees who started a new job, how did you manage child care? I think for a few of those days we could probably get a high school student to watch her but I'm looking at at least 10 days where I have no options (and not being able to take a vacation for one or two years which sucks but I guess I have to suck it up). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-for-work#post-2889299 Thu, 27 Jun 2019 21:21:36 +0000 Becky 2889299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looking for some insight on traveling for work. I have an interview tomorrow for a position I would work remotely for (we decided against relocating if I get it), but I would be expected to attend monthly staff meetings except for extenuating circumstances. The drive is 4.5 hours one way so it’s an overnight (I could possibly fly but I don’t know if it would save any overall time). I would also need to travel on additional overnights (either because of multi day conferences/events or because of the distance) probably 4 times per year. </p> <p>For those of you who travel overnight monthly or more, how do your kids manage? Mine are typically fine but my husband FaceTimed me earlier because they were a hot mess (possibly somewhat because they didn’t sleep well last night). Insight and experiences greatly appreciated! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/backup-care-1#post-2887570 Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:07:44 +0000 Shybee23 2887570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are switching up our daycare situation and need to find childcare for about 10 scattered days throughout this summer. We are thinking of using care.com backup care to send our 14 month old son to a center near my office for those days. He’s used to daycare (he’s been going full time since he was 4 months), but I’m worried about sending him to a new place outside his normal routine. Can anyone tell me about their experience using a backup center? Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/full-time-working-moms-how-do-you-squeeze-in-connection-time#post-2887201 Fri, 07 Jun 2019 13:48:37 +0000 poppygirl15 2887201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm struggling. DH and I both work FT, out of the house. Kids go to preschool/school/aftercare. So, everyone is out of the house from 7:30 - 5:30. Bedtime is 8/8:30. Yes, it sucks. And we're struggling. I need ideas of how to infuse the little time we have with as much connection as possible. Please don't give me suggestions of finding a new job, hiring a nanny, or something like that. Just pretend that the schedule we have is what we have. I need help making lemonade out of lemons. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-move-3#post-2885626 Sat, 25 May 2019 18:44:35 +0000 Becky 2885626@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a dilemma. I may have a job opportunity that’s based out of the city/town my husband and I have always said is our ideal place to live. I really struggle where we live now because I don’t love the area, but what I do love is that we are surrounded by extended family. I am so conflicted because I really wish I lived in this other city/town which is near the mountains and is a place we love, and now this opportunity has come up. My oldest is just finishing kindergarten too which makes it harder. If this was 3 years ago we would have definitely taken the job and moved. Are we insane to consider uprooting our family when right now we live near and spend so much time with immediate family, and we have just developed a friend group? Thoughts/ideas are appreciated! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/society-to-working-moms#post-2883032 Thu, 02 May 2019 21:13:44 +0000 LCTBQE 2883032@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My awesome SIL forwarded this to me, so not sure who wrote it/if everyone has already seen it and I'm late to the party--but it is SO. GOOD. Whoever wrote this, I want to shake her hand. </p> <p>Society to working moms: </p> <p>-Go back to work 6-8 weeks after having the baby. The baby that you spent 9-10 months growing inside of your body. Go back to work before you have finished healing or have had time to bond with your baby. Keep your mind on work, and not your tiny helpless baby that is being watched and cared for by someone other than you. Make sure to break the glass ceiling and excel at your job- you can do anything a man can do! It is your job to show society this! Show the world that women can do it all. Rise to the top of your career.<br /> -Also breastfeed for at least a year. So take 2-3 pumping breaks a day at work, but don't let it throw you off your game or let you lose your focus.<br /> -Also, lose that baby weight and get back in shape, as quickly and as gracefully as possible. Make sure to get 8 hours of sleep a night so you can work out, work, and care for your family. But also get up at 5 am to workout, unless you want to do it after your kids go to bed when you also need to clean the house and get life ready for the next day and you know, sleep.<br /> -Maintain a clean, pinterest worthy house. Take the Christmas lights down. Recycle. Be Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the birthday planner, the poop doula (seriously when will this end), the finder of lost things, the moderator of fights. Be fun. Be firm. Read books. Have dance parties.<br /> -Maintain the schedule for the entire family. Birthday parties coming up? Make sure to have presents! Ensure the kids are learning to swim, play an instrument, read, ride a bike, be a good human being, eat vegetables, wear sunscreen, drink enough water, say please and thank you. Don't forget they need to dress as their favorite book character on Monday, and wear something yellow on Thursday. Oh it's totally your call but most parents come in on their birthday and read to the entire class. In case nobody told you, if you have more than one kid you will need to buy new shoes approximately every other day. See also: winter coats, shorts, pants that aren't 4 inches too short. There will never be matching socks or gloves for any member of the family, ever again.<br /> -Remember the dog you got before you had kids? Shes getting old now and needs expensive surgery. She also need walking, a new bed, and she smells pretty bad.<br /> -Hey! Kids need lots of doctor appointments. Monthly as babies. Every time they are sick. Specialist appointments, especially if any of them have extra needs. At least two school conferences a year. IEP meetings, if applicable. Parents night. Back to school night. Get to know your school night (what IS this). Most parents are volunteering at least once during the year, would you like to come make a craft with the kids? It will only be an hour or two of your time.<br /> -Sorry, you are now out of vacation time because you used it all for time taking your kids to appointments or when your childcare is unavailable. You should go on vacations though. It's good to relax and unwind from work. Makes you a better employee.<br /> -Don't forget the kids need healthy meals (and so do you! you are trying to lose that last 20 lbs before swim season right). That requires meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal prep on the weekend. But also hang out with your kids on the weekend since during the week you only get to hang out with them when they are exhausted and angry that you made the wrong kind of spaghetti for dinner.<br /> -Date your spouse! It's important to keep your relationship alive and fresh. Try to go out 1-2 times a month. Good, kid free time. Hire a babysitter, they charge 22+ dollars an hour in your area so make sure to take out an extra mortgage and/or work another job to be able to afford this.<br /> -Oh hey you should have a hobby too. It's important to have "you time". Also be well read, keep up with the latest pop culture and tv shows, and keep an eye on politics and be able to discuss at least one of the above on the small chance you are out in public and encounter another adult necessitating small talk.<br /> -Make sure to have friends. Social time is SO important. Surely there is an hour or two left in the week after all of the working, appointments, exercising, cooking, scheduling, cleaning, imparting lifelong morals and learning on the kids, the usual. Maybe go out after the kids are down for a glass of wine and a bite to eat. Make it a healthy bite though. And you may regret that wine at your 530 am spin class.<br /> -Self care though. SO important. See also: getting in shape. See the general doctor, the dentist (TWICE), the lady doctor. Prob need to get your eyes checked. Full body skin checks 2+ times a year (just me? okay well). Mental health too. Postpartum anxiety? But you look fine and your kids are so cute. Everyone should have a therapist. Good luck finding one that takes your insurance and has hours outside of your normal working time (out of vacation time, remember?). That leaves evening time when you want to hang out with your kids. But it's important, so make time for it.<br /> -Don't wear yoga pants and a mom bun or society is going to mock you in numerous witty blog posts. Never mind that nothing fits. Going to have to get up even earlier so you have time to style your hair, wing your eye liner and search for a pair of pants that fits your new post baby (or multiple baby) shape.<br /> -Get off your phone, turn off the TV, and enjoy your life. Enjoy your kids. THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES make sure to love every minute of life because before you know it all of this will be in the past. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-for-work-while-breastfeeding-share-your-experience#post-2881668 Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:16:16 +0000 mediagirl 2881668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In May I have to go on an overnight trip for work. My baby will be 5 months old. I'm still breastfeeding/pumping at work. If you had to do this, how the hell did you manage it?? </p> <p>I'm in sales and will be meeting with a potential customer. </p> <p>How do I explain I need a break every 3-4 hours to pump? </p> <p>How do you plan for the amount of milk needed while you are gone? My baby wakes up 1-4 times a night, depending on the night. </p> <p>How do you plan for flights? I'll be traveling for 5+ hours each way so I'll need to pump while traveling. </p> <p>I DO NOT want to quit breastfeeding just because work is an inconvenience. I also don't want my supply to tank for the same reason. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-pay-your-part-time-nanny#post-2875207 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 14:52:36 +0000 YogiRunner 2875207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am about to accept a part-time job after being home for almost 3 years (I have two small LOs). I've done hourly remote contract work in the past, but stumbled upon a 20-25 hour a week gig at an actual (awesome and brand new) office that is hard to turn down. The work is right in my wheelhouse and the people are great.</p> <p>I'm just having a hard time with a) leaving my kids, who are almost 3 and 5 months and b) the logistics of it all: childcare, the commute, etc. I'll barely break even with the nanny/daycare puzzle so it's really just to give myself balance as a mama and a professional. I feel like part-time opportunities like this are rare and I should jump on it.</p> <p>Would love to hear how others are managing the work/parenting balance. I hope I can feel balanced and refreshed in both my ability to parent tiny people and have a career!</p> <p>Thanks :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-hoursdays-does-your-dhso-work#post-2863089 Thu, 20 Dec 2018 19:22:15 +0000 cake2017 2863089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi!</p> <p>My DH works a lot- approximately 55-60 hours a week...we miss him and I hope this can change soon. I solo parent a lot during the week since I have a much better schedule that is “family friendly” and flexible. DH works out of the home. Just curious to know are these hours “a lot” compared to other households? </p>