One Secret to Success for a Working Mom, Expand Your Village (Jack and Jill of America)

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Jack and Jill of America member and her daughter Recently, I have become keenly aware that good kids are created by accident. They become good because someone made a concerted effort to pour positive things into them--things like, honor, discipline and respect for others. These qualities are taught through lessons and by observation. For that reason, I have been actively considering how to give my children more examples of people who embody those qualities.  Indeed, raising my children to become good people is my most important job.
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Five Hacks To Survive This Heatwave

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Headed to work on a summer day

Succeeding as a working mom requires planning, preparation and execution. And then, just when you think you have it all together, something changes. A recent change is the heat wave that has been sweeping the country. It has been intense!

Let me be clear, the summer is my favorite time of year. I love the sunshine, longer days, and relief from homework. I am also a huge beach person. I'd have a beach house in a minute if I could afford it. It may because I'm a Scorpio, which is a water sign. It may be because I grew up on Lake Ontario. It may just be who I am. Regardless, I love summer. Still, since I have become a professional, and one who lacks air conditioning in her home, my love of summer has become complicated. 

Although I am an attorney, I don't go to court. So, I have more flexibility with my wardrobe. Still, I do have to look professional and need relief from the heat. So, I have had to adjust in this heatwave. 

Five Hacks To Survive This Heatwave

  1. Skip Hosiery: The first thing that  I got rid of was hosiery. There's no way I am EVER donning hosiery when the heat index is over 90. Truth be told, I generally go without if the temperature is over 65. Doing that was liberating!
  2. Wear Dresses: The second thing I did was buy a ton of dresses, sheaths. Being able to get full dressed in one step is a blessing. Also, having my arms and legs free makes loading and unloading children much easier.
    3. Baby and me, poolside
  3. Place Hair Appliances in a Drawer Till Fall: The third thing I got rid of recently was my hair routine. In this heat, I simply refuse to force my hair to do things it is not inclined to do.  We don't have air conditioning. So, I am not inclined to heat up a blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron. That just makes the bathroom hotter! (For more about my heatwave hair, click here.)
    4. Girl enjoying a summer night
  4. Pool Visits: When your home lacks air conditioning, you are very aware of the change in temperatures. Those with air conditioning view the seasons the same because regardless of what happens they are comfortable. Those of us who are living 1970's style have a different view. Outside, we're hot. Inside we're hot. For that reason, we seek ways to relieve our suffering. The pool is my answer. Fortunately, for me my parents have one. So, when it gets "too hot in the kitchen", I seek solace in that cool blue water and it soothes my soul and gives the kids something to do! Win/Win!
5. Take More Walks: There is about an hour when the heat breaks outside, but inside has yet to cool. It tends to be between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. We tend to go out exploring our neighborhood then. The kids are always up for it. There are two playgrounds within walking distance of our home. We generally wind up there during our walks and that makes them happy. The walks themselves are also therapeutic. Feeling the setting sun and the night breeze has a way of soothing the spirit. 
Little boy enjoying a summer night
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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