by Solange Lopes | Aug 31, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
Transitioning for the lazy, carefree and unstructured days of summer with late nights and later mornings, to back to school, can be a serious challenge. Especially when you’re the chronicall late mom in your whole neighborhood country…
Every year in my household, we all have to go through what feels like a complete back-to-school brainwash. Getting back in the groove of going to bed, rising early, and getting ready in the morning, is a process! It’s like your brain goes through summer withdrawal, and refuses to consider anything remotely connected to schedules, order or alarm clocks for that matter…
For years, we’ve had to go through painful back-to-school transitions, filled with morning crisis, late school tickets, and leaving my brain on consignment between home, school and work… After a few traumatic starts to the school season, we’ve finally started learning… the hard way! The last thing you want is to have tired, stressed out and frazzled kids head back to school with limited focus and lots of resistance. Oh and parents looking for their phones while they’re speaking on it…
Here are 6 tips to go from the crazy days of summer to the structured schedule of back-to-school, as painlessly as possible:
1. Set goals with the kids
It helps to start with having a conversation about the upcoming change in schedule and structure ahead of time. Kids of school age will better adapt to the back-to-school transition when they know what to expect.
Starting a few weeks before school to talk to them about returning to school, and the changes that will happen may help make the transition smoother.
2. Start with fire drills
I don’t know about you, but in my neck of the woods, we need fire drills to get through certain transitions like back-to-school. A couple of weeks before school starts, try to set earlier bedtimes.
Start changing the routine progressively over the few weeks before school starts. It will help make it easier for both kids and parents.
3. Prepare the night before
I’m a veteran of what I call “working mom chronic lateness”. I’m from a long line of chronically late working moms. For years, my mornings have been the perfect image of chaos, complete rushing around trying to find backpacks, lunches, and matching socks.
The antidote to morning craziness? Preparing the night before. Trust me, it took me years of frantically scrambling in the morning to finally get it. From laying clothes out (down to the socks, because these little things will play with your fuzzy mind in the morning) to preparing backpacks and important documents the night before, getting ready ahead of time will make a world of difference.
4. Set a drop-off and pick-up zone in the house
If you’ve ever driven back home twice in the same morning because you forgot the kids’ lunch form, your cell phone and the baby’s left shoe, you know how important it is to have a pick-up and drop-off zone in the house. That’s the area where you drop off anything that you must take with you in the morning.
This includes backpacks, important forms, shoes, and pretty much anything that may skip your mind in the morning. I’m looking for one where you can also park your brain, but apparently it may still be in production…
5. Set an early time
No, you will not get up right on time and magically get ready in 15 minutes! No matter how much your tired brain tries to convince you that you can sleep for 5 more minutes, don’t do it! Instead, set your alarm extra early to give yourself enough time, in case your lens refuses to connect with your left eye, or the right side of your hair insists on remaining frizzy….
6. Give kids time hints
Give the kids a break! It’s hard to understand the concept of time, or that we only have about 7 minutes to get the hair done (I’m talking about kinky-curly-resistant-to-any-brush hair), swallow the cold breakfast and get strapped up in the car.
I used to start yelling like a sergeant general about 10 minutes before the bell rang (at school, while we were still home). Instead, give the kids hints about how much time they have left throughout the morning. This gives them a better sense of time, plus some hints as to when Mom is going to start losing it now…
How to do you help your kids transition from summer to back-to-school?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
by Solange Lopes | Jul 26, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips |
It's that time of the year again! Back-to-school season is in full swing, and with it what I like to call the "backpack fever". The other day, my little one pointed out the fact that his backpack's zipper was broken, so here we go!
In my household, it's a tradition to shop for new backpacks at the start of the year (or dust off the old backpack if it will be surviving another school year). We make it a family affair and love to browse fun, sturdy and reasonably-priced backpack options with the kids.
As a recovering nerd and eternal school lover myself, it takes me back to those days back home in Senegal when getting a new backpack for the school year had me partying for days.
I was raised by a struggling single mom at the time, and getting a new backpack was the closest thing to luxury back then. It's still one of my fondest memories of growing up.
Fast-forward decades later, and the whole "choosing a backpack" ritual is still very much close to mine and the kids' hearts. While I try to remind them that they're very fortunate to have so many options to pick from, I also enjoy the process to celebrate new school beginnings with them. Along with officially claiming freedom from the busy-ness of summer!
This is why I've curated a list of my favorite backpacks that take me back to being a kid and that your kids (and mine) will love:
My daughter is a huge fan of Wonder Woman, and so am I! This DC Comics Wonder Woman backpack is perfect to inspire the power girl in any school girl! It's $29.99.
This fun and colorful LEGO backpack will make your little master builder grin from ear to ear! I know mine will, and I personally love the practical knob-styled pockets and classic brick shopping. It's priced at $28!
With the
coming out in a couple of days, this
hits perfect timing! The water bottle pocket, padded straps and other extras make this a great choice for kids!
Who doesn't love cute monsters to take to school? This adorable backpack with monsters makes is fun to carry books to school. Oh and there's also the coordinated Monster pencil case, and Monster lunch box too…
Minecraft fans alert! This Minecraft backpack brings one of the most popular games to your kids' school routine, and they'll love it!
Got Pokémon? This cheery backpack just makes me smile! I love the roomy design, large front pocket and cute details.
If you're a Star Wars fan, you may hide out and occasionally borrow this backpack from your kids. The futuristic details are great, and it's roomy enough to accommodate all their school stuff too!
This dinosaur backpack is just great for any little paleontologist in the making (shoutout to my little nephew Khalifa)! It's a fun, roomy and just original pick for your future little scientist!
This Marvel Comics Super Hero Backpackis perfect for your little superhero, and includes a nice side space for their little water bottles too! I know mine is already hooked..
Why settle on one superhero when you can have the whole collection?
Unicorns have officially made their back-to-school debut! This fun unicorn backpack is for the unique, trailblazing girl who likes to dream big and…in color!
Which ones are your favorites? What do you look for in back-to-school backpacks?
The Corporate Sis
by Solange Lopes | Jun 20, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
In working mom (and dad) parenting lingo, summertime almost always rhymes with summer camps. Which camp to send your kid to? How to get your kid into a camp? And most importantly, which camp is right for your kids?
I remember being overwhelmed at the thought of researching camps, picking one that’s right for baby daughter, and actually trusting my own decision. The first time we sent baby daughter to camp was as close to a parenting disaster as you could imagine. In my (slightly) late working mom tradition, I signed her up late, didn’t exactly do all my due diligence before enrolling her, and started the whole first camp experience as a bone fide disaster. The result? We had to pull dear daughter out after a couple of weeks, and learn the hard way that the process of picking camps is not as unstructured as I had tackled it initially.
Since your mess is your message, I’ve since used my mistakes to learn a thing or two about picking the right camp for your kids:
Investigate, Investigate, Investigate!
Whether you choose to ask around, or do your online search, properly investigating is one of the first steps to picking the right summer camp for your kids. Inquiring from parents of children the same age as yours or with similar interests can help. When performing your search, make sure to check for the following three things:
- Accreditation: Are the camps you’re considering accredited? Make sure to check if the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This accreditation ensures the health and safety of your child through a benchmark of over 250 guidelines, rules and regulations.
- Camp activities: Does the camp provide activities that your child wants or needs? Are the activities offered varied or restricted to a narrow program? Which activities are mandatory?
- Camp logistics: What dates is the camp in session? Where is it located, and can you access it easily? What are the costs involved? Does it accommodate any special needs your child may have?
Make It A Visit!
Visiting a camp before enrolling your child(ren) is the best way to have a confirmation for all your doubts and questions. Most camps will accommodate a tour at a mutually convenient time. The earlier you can visit, the better.
Include Your Child in the Decision!
Last but not least, consider including your child(ren) in the decision. After all, they will be the ones spending most of their summer at the camp! Gently ask him/her what type of camp he/she would be most interested in. Give her/him the option of choosing between a couple of camp options as well. Not only will this give her/him some investment and responsibility in the camp he/she ends up going to, but it will also be enlightening (and interesting) to know what they think.
In summary, make sure to at least include the following tips in your camp search:
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Investigate!
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Make A Visit!
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Include your child in the decision!
How did you go about picking a camp for your child?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Jun 13, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
“It’s summer, and the kids are out of school!”, said no working mom ever. Let’s be real, as soon as school’s out, a host of issues present themselves. As in, which camp to pick for the kids? How to secure childcare if camps don’t pan out, or in between camp seasons? How to keep the kids entertained while we’re working? How to stretch the budget to accommodate vacations, staycations, and other summer treats?
While most of what we see on social media in the summer smells of tropical vacation getaways, perfect family moments and adorable family summer escapades, the reality is that for most working moms out there, summer spells packed schedules, busy families, tighter budgets, and some occasional headaches…
The reality is, it’s tough out there for working moms (and dads) in the summer. Unless you’re that super-organized working mom who’s got her family’s summer schedule downpacked, you may be like the rest of us, scrambling to find great camps, fun activities, and get everyone fed, bathed and happy all summer long.
From my own experience of “summer scrambling” as a working mom, and from taking advice from the amazing moms role models around me, here are 5 pieces of working mom summer wisdom:
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Plan Ahead, a little bit at a time
Ok, I’ll never be that mom who plans her family’s entire summer months ahead of time, down to the smallest details. I made peace with that (something about that adrenaline rush). However, what I’ve learnt to do is to plan a little bit at a time. Which means selecting a camp for the kids , while still allowing some room for spontaneous weekend escapades or staycations. Not everything can be planned ahead of time, but planning the most important aspects of your family’s summer vacation a little at a time can go a long way.
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Unpack your kids’ schedule.
Seriously, if the kids are going to sports camp, taking music classes, dance lessons, and having a private tutor while still keeping up with soccer practice and voice rehearsals, chances are their schedules are a tad too much packed. Many times, as working moms (and dads), we overdo the whole “keeping the kids busy” thing. While we mean well, we end up overloading their schedules and driving ourselves insane rushing from activity to activity. So lay it off a bit and cancel one, two or maybe even three activities…How about just letting these kids use their imagination, while you sit down somewhere for a minute and relax!
Related: How to entertain the kids in the summer when you work full-time
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Flex your work schedule!
The pressure of keeping your work on point during the summer month, while still spending time with your family and entertaining the kids can sometimes be just too much! Asking for a flex schedule can help relieve some of that pressure, while allowing you to enjoy the summer more!
Related: How to ask for a flex schedule as a working mom in the summer
Summers are fun, but they’re also messy. Plans fall through, schedules get messed up, and organization sometimes turns into the messiest of chaos. I’ve learnt over time to just let it be. Juggling the stress of work and entertaining the kids during the summer months can be daunting if you don’t just let the mess slide…
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The grass is not always greener at other working moms’!
It’s no secret that one of the biggest pitfalls that parents, and working moms in particular, fall into is comparison. We’re browsing social media,, desperately attempting to keep up with the Jones’ Punta Cana vacation. Or trying to enroll the kids in as many activities as our co-workers or neighbors. Before you know it, we’re engaged in an all-out competition with other working parents, and we’re exhausted! Resist the temptation to compare and compete. Instead, look at what works for your family and do just that!
Last but not least, just enjoy it! Spend time with your family, even if it’s just to sit together in the backyard or share a meal together. Let go fo the pressure to have the perfect summer vacation, and just take advantage of every moment!
What other tips do you have as a working mom to ace your summer vacation?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | May 31, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
I’ve been talking to a lot of my girlfriends lately, from all parts of the world, about our careers. The resounding echo I get from these conversations is pretty much the same. For many, if not most of us, we’re looking for more meaning in our work.
It’s not quite the grandiose mid-life crisis, filled with crazy shoe-shopping extravaganzas, trips to exotic locales or fantasies about the perfect man (ok I said fantasies). Neither is it the effervescent fever of the quarter-life, filled with question marks and existential queries of all kinds.
This crisis right here has us question the very meaning of our work. It has us asking ourselves questions like: “What’s my purpose?” “What’s my passion?” “”Heck, do I have a passion?” What am I here to do?”
In between shuttling the kids to and from school and activities, making last minute meal plans, trying to pray the laundry away, we stop and ask ourselves if we’re really fulfilling our purpose. Heck, do we even have a purpose, other than care for everyone else around, go above and beyond at work, home and everywhere in between?
As messages of female empowerment have never been more in our face than ever, it seems to be increasingly difficult to keep our power. We’re called on to slay as we climb the corporate ladder, build businesses, maintain successful relationships and friendships, and still find enough time to exercise, exfoliate and try the latest natural hair product out! Really?
What no one really talks about, at least not loud enough, is the fact that in the midst of what may be the biggest achievement century for women, we’re simply…exhausted! And a bit lost… Even more so as we don’t really have a chance to publicly admit it…
While we’re all about gender equality, female entrepreneurship and everything badass, fierce and slaying for women, many of us are lost. Yes, we’re slaying at work, at home and in business. We’ve got jobs (in the words of RHOA’s Phaedra Parks), kids, side hustles, meal plans, exercise routines, down to scheduled intimacy…
We’ve never been busier, but are we fulfilled? We’ve never been more positive, but are we intentional? We’ve never worn so many hats, but are we productive?
Maybe in this great rush to have it all, do it all and then some, maybe we’re skipping a few steps…That may be why after all the empowerment, the glass ceiling smashing, business dominating and all the slaying we can possibly muster, we’re still left wondering about what work really means to us….And how we can really, truly, achieve meaning through it? Not the meaning the world is looking for, but our own kind of unique, peculiar, flexible meaning….
Just scroll through the timelines of most of your girlfriends, mine included. Most likely, you’ll see gleaming pics of happy vacations, perfect family moments and extreme productivity. With the perfect Insta-worthy background too…
What you won’t see are the doubts, the moments in your car when all you want to do is scream because baby daughter got another late ticket at school, you forgot your left earring and you’d give up dessert forever to get a job you really love.
But you know, you’re an adult now, you’ve got to toughen it out and put on your brave face…So you dry your tears, post another positive affirmation on Instagram, and leave the daunting task of finding deeper meaning for your work to tomorrow….
After all it ain’t a crisis if no one knows about it, right?
Let me ask you this: do you agree that many women are trying to find deeper meaning in their work?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis
by Solange Lopes | May 23, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
Summers can be challenging for working moms. The kids are out of school, the weather’s nice, and everything around is not exactly conducive to being stuck in the office all day long. I mean, let’s be real…
For many, if not most, the solution is to ask for a flexible schedule in the summer. Whether’s it’s working from home one (or a few) days aweek, compressing your hours into four (4) days instead of five (5), or shifting your schedule in a way that aligns with your family and personal life, being more flexible schedule-wise in the summer is always a plus.
Think about it: a flex schedule can not only make your life much easier in the summer, especially when it comes to picking up your kids early from camp (or just keep them entertained), or being able to enjoy more summer activities with your family. But it can also get you out of what I call that “summer office funk“, you know, when your productivity dips below sea level because your mind (and your body) just ain’t trying to be there…
But I know what you’re thinking…You may have thought about it before, and just vaguely dismissed it because you thought it wouldn’t be possible. Or that it wouldn’t really work for you or the type of work you’re doing…Well, think again…
While there definitely are instances (and jobs) where a flex schedule is not welcome or encouraged, or even practical at all, there are times when you can argue your flex schedule case and…win! I was in such a case once, and a fellow corporate sister at the time encouraged me to do the ask. I did, and it worked! So from me to you, here are a few steps you can take to ask to flex your schedule this summer:
Identify Your Schedule Priorities
Start by pinpointing your schedule priorities. What’s most important to you when it comes to your schedule? What schedule adjustments would make your life more stress-free and easier to manage?
Whether it’s fitting in some workout time, or even just saving some space in your schedule to get that side hustle off the ground, identifying your schedule priorities is key!
After my daughter was born in the summer a few years back, it was important for me to have Fridays as work-from-home days to spend more time with her. Besides, being able to do laundry while on conference calls also helps!
Find out and Understand What’s Appropriate to Ask for
After you’ve identified what your scheduling priorities are, now let’s consider your company culture. Understanding the various types of flexibility allowed by your workplace is paramount to making the right ask.
Start with your employee handbook in case there are some ground rules you need to know about. You can also ask around to other working moms (and dads) who may have used or are still using flextime in the summer. The point is to check what’s practicable and what’s not in your specific professional environment.
For me, it was a matter of asking around after my daughter was born. I got great feedback from the other working moms, which allowed me to present a better case for my own flex schedule. Which brings me to…
Present Your Case Smartly
The smarter you are about how you present your case when asking for flextime in the summer (or anytime really), the better! Remember that you must be able to demonstrate that a more flexible arrangement will not impede your productivity, and may even make you more productive…
So present your case in a way that shows the positives a flex schedule would have on your work first. You can cite reasons such as increased work-life balance, or the fact that you’d be available at any time of the workday….
Also consider offering a couple of flex schedule alternatives instead of just one. This way, you’re giving more choice to your employer while showing that you’re willing to be flexible. No pun intended…
Try It First
Set up a trial period with your employer to demonstrate that this new schedule will not reflect poorly on your performance. Set some goals with your manager, and work to reach them during this trial period.
The point is to demonstrate to your employer that you’re trustworthy, and are able to maintain your performance while on an adjusted schedule.
Don’t Drop the Communication
One of the most important aspects of striving on a flex schedule is maintaining the communication. After all, you’re not there in the office to communicate with your boss or team directly.
So make sure to keep your manager and team abreast of your progress. Also keep your involvement up via email and phone discussions. This is not a case of “far from the eyes, far from the mind”…
What’s your take on asking for flex time in the summer?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis
by Solange Lopes | May 17, 2017 | Working Mom & Woman Tips
Time to celebrate the working dads in our lives! Father’s Day is fast approaching, and if you’re looking for gift ideas for the dads in your life, we’re sharing our list of gift ideas for you!
While we’re all about giving working moms their props, the working dads in our lives deserve some praise too! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of practical, fun, and all around cool, gifts for dads! So let’s give the working men in our lives the gift of swag, smarts and fun:
Hover Camera Passport Drone
Give Dad the gift of becoming his own personal self-flying photographer with the Hover Camera Passport Drone! This flying camera captures breathtaking shots in 4K videos and 13MP photos, by following you mid-air. It’s portable, easy to fly and safe to maneuver. Simply tap the power button, release and voila!
Hover Camera Passport Drone – Photo credit: iTunes.com
Amazon Echo
Nothing like a hands-free speaker you can control with your voice to make Dad feel like a king! Amazon Echo can literally play music, make calls, provide information, send and receive messages, and so much more, just by speaking instructions to it…Kinda like his own personal assistant…
Amazon Echo – Photo credit: amazon.com
Yeti Cooler
Backyard barbecue or fishing trip? No problem. The Yeti cooler is perfect for the working dad who likes to get away on week-ends, or just chill in the backyard over the summer. It features up to 3 inches of permafrost insulation, and is virtually indestructible.
Yeti cooler – Photo credit: amazon.com
Wireless Stereo Headset
For the busy working dad on the go, this LG wireless stereo headset with bluetooth capacity is perfect! Whether to hit the gym, or just to take calls on quick errands, it guarantees outstanding audio quality while being super comfortable and practical for everyday use!
LG Wireless Headset – Photo credit: amazon.com
NBA Leather Sherpa Trucker Jacket
Combine a classic leather jacket with an NBA theme, and you’ve got the perfect Father’s Day gift. This leather sherpa trucker jacket is the result of a collaboration between the NBA and iconic brand Levi’s, and a nice compromise between sportswear and fashion.
NBA Leather Trucker Sherpa Jacket – Photo credit: elle.com
Nintendo Switch
Most men have a sweet spot for video games, and the dads in your lie may be no exception! One of the hottest items in the video gaming world right now is the portable Nintendo Switch. It’s super practical, has detachable Joy-Con controllers that allows for multiple players, or can be played individually as well.
Nintendo Switch – Photo credit: amazon.com
Pro Chef Knife
Get Dad a Chef’s gift this Father’s Day! The Wusthof classic 8-inch chef’s knife is a classic from a top brand used by the most famous chefs worldwide!
Wusthof Chef’s Knife – Photo credit: amazon.com
Skincare Kit
Who doesn’t love a man who takes care of his skin? This Father’s Day, spoil the dads in your life with the Clinique Daily Age Care for Men kit. He’ll thank you, and you’ll love it!
Clinique for Men kit – Photo credit: sephora.com
FreshBooks Software
Encourage dad to be more on top of his business finances with the Freshbooks software! This small business accounting software makes billing so much easier and painless!
Freshbooks software – Photo credit: freshbooks.com
I hope this guide has something for the working dad in your life!
Cheers,
The Corporate Sis.
