Being a working mom can be both rewarding and challenging. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and a professional career requires a delicate balance, and sometimes, a little help along the way. Fortunately, the digital age has brought forth a plethora of online resources designed specifically to support and empower working moms. In this article, we will explore some of the best online resources for working moms available today, covering a wide range of topics from career development and parenting advice to self-care and work-life balance.
Comprehensive Resources for Working Moms
Working Mother (www.workingmother.com) is an excellent resource that offers a wealth of information and support for working moms. The website covers a broad range of topics, including career development, family finances, parenting tips, and work-life balance. It also provides inspiring success stories of working moms who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable professional growth. Working Mother also publishes an annual list of the “100 Best Companies” for working moms, showcasing organizations that prioritize family-friendly policies and support systems.
Flexible Work Opportunities
FlexJobs (www.flexjobs.com) is a popular job search platform that focuses on remote and flexible work opportunities. This resource is particularly valuable for working moms who seek flexibility in their careers to better manage their family commitments. FlexJobs offers a curated selection of remote, part-time, freelance, and flexible jobs across various industries, providing a convenient and time-efficient way for moms to find suitable work arrangements that align with their needs.
Parenting and Career Resources for Working Moms
Mom365 (www.mom365.com) is an all-in-one online resource for new and expecting mothers. It provides a wealth of information on pregnancy, childbirth, baby care, and early childhood development. For working moms, Mom365 offers insightful articles and tips on balancing work and motherhood, as well as resources for breastfeeding, pumping, and returning to work after maternity leave. The website also features an active community forum where moms can connect, share experiences, and seek support from fellow working moms.
Advocacy and Policy Resources for Working Moms
MomsRising (www.momsrising.org) is a grassroots organization that advocates for policies supporting working families. Their website provides a platform for working moms to raise their voices on important issues such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and workplace flexibility. MomsRising offers resources to help moms take action, including letter templates to contact elected officials, information on current campaigns, and opportunities to share personal stories. By engaging with MomsRising, working moms can join a collective effort to bring about positive change in policies affecting families.
Professional Development Resources
LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) is the world’s largest professional networking platform and offers numerous resources for working moms. From industry-specific groups and forums to skill-building courses and job search functionalities, LinkedIn provides a valuable space for working moms to enhance their professional network, access career development resources, and stay updated on industry trends. It also offers a supportive community of like-minded professionals who can provide guidance and mentorship.
Childcare Resources for Working Moms
Care.com (www.care.com) is a comprehensive online platform that connects families with caregivers, including nannies, babysitters, and daycare centers. For working moms, Care.com is a go-to resource for finding reliable childcare options that suit their specific needs. The platform allows moms to search for caregivers based on criteria such as experience, availability, and location. Additionally, Care.com offers resources and articles on topics like choosing the right caregiver, interviewing techniques, and managing childcare costs.
Community and Support Resources for Working Moms
Scary Mommy (www.scarymommy.com) is a popular parenting community that addresses the joys and challenges of motherhood with a dose of humor and authenticity. While not exclusively focused on working moms, Scary Mommy offers relatable articles and stories from a diverse range of mothers, allowing working moms to find solace and a sense of camaraderie in shared experiences. The website covers a broad spectrum of topics, including career, family, relationships, and self-care.
Emotional and Practical Resources
Working Moms Against Guilt (www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com) is a popular blog and online community dedicated to supporting working moms and helping them overcome guilt and insecurities often associated with balancing career and motherhood. The website offers insightful articles, personal stories, and practical tips on topics such as time management, self-care, and finding fulfillment in both professional and personal spheres. Working Moms Against Guilt provides a safe space for moms to connect, share experiences, and gain support from a community of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges they face.
You can also read our article on mental health for working parents which is a great resource!
Audio Resources
The Working Motherhood Podcast (www.workingmotherhood.com) is a podcast hosted by Dr. Portia Jackson, a clinical psychologist and working mom. Each episode features interviews with successful working moms from various fields, providing insights, strategies, and inspiration for balancing career and motherhood. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including time management, career advancement, self-care, and maintaining healthy relationships. With its informative and relatable content, the Working Motherhood Podcast offers a convenient way for busy working moms to access valuable advice and perspectives on the go.
Advocacy Resources for Working Moms
The National Association of Working Women (NAWW) (www.naww.org) is an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and advancement of working women. While not exclusive to mothers, NAWW offers valuable resources and support for working moms. Their website provides access to articles, webinars, and events covering various topics such as career development, work-life balance, and professional networking. NAWW strives to create a supportive community where working moms can find empowerment and guidance to excel in their careers while managing their family responsibilities.
Networking and Community Resources for Working Moms
Moms Meetup (www.momsmeetup.com) is an online platform that connects moms in local communities. This resource allows working moms to find and join local mom groups and participate in various activities, playdates, and networking events. Moms Meetup provides an opportunity for working moms to meet and connect with other mothers who understand the unique challenges of balancing work and family life. It offers a supportive environment where moms can share experiences, exchange advice, and build a strong network of like-minded individuals.
Holistic Resources for Working Moms
The Motherhood (www.themotherhood.com) is an online community and resource hub for modern moms, including working moms. The website offers a wealth of articles, expert advice, and tips on topics ranging from career development and work-life balance to parenting and self-care. The Motherhood also hosts live events, webinars, and workshops, providing opportunities for working moms to gain valuable insights and connect with experts and other mothers in a supportive and informative environment.
Breastfeeding Resources
The Office on Women’s Health (www.womenshealth.gov/supporting-nursing-moms-work/resources) is a valuable resource for working moms who are nursing. The office provides information, tools, and resources to help employers create supportive environments for breastfeeding employees. For working moms, the website offers guidance on managing breastfeeding and pumping at work, understanding legal rights, and accessing resources to facilitate a smooth transition back to work while continuing to provide breast milk for their babies.
Read our articles on top breast pumps, nursing bras, what lactation consultants do, and benefits of breastfeeding for working moms.
Practical Resources
The Working Mom Survival Guide (www.workingmomsurvivalguide.com) is an online resource specifically designed to support working moms in navigating the challenges of balancing work and family life. The website offers practical tips, time-saving strategies, and expert advice on topics such as time management, self-care, career advancement, and guilt management. The Working Mom Survival Guide aims to empower working moms with the tools and resources needed to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
Legal and Advocacy Resources for Working Moms
The National Women’s Law Center (www.nwlc.org) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the rights and opportunities of women, including working moms. Their website offers resources and advocacy tools that address various issues faced by working moms, such as equal pay, workplace discrimination, and family-friendly policies. The National Women’s Law Center provides legal resources, policy briefs, and reports to help working moms stay informed, understand their rights, and advocate for positive change.
Career Development Resources for Working Moms
The Balance Careers (www.thebalancecareers.com) is an online resource that provides comprehensive career advice and guidance. While not exclusive to working moms, the website offers valuable content tailored to help working moms navigate their professional journeys. The Balance Careers covers topics such as career development, job searching, resume writing, interview tips, and work-life balance strategies. Working moms can find articles specifically addressing their unique challenges and gain insights to excel in their careers while maintaining a fulfilling family life.
Please keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other resources available. It is important to do your own research and find resources that best fit your needs and preferences.
The demands of being a working mom are unique and multifaceted, requiring access to resources that cater specifically to their needs. The online resources mentioned in this article provide a valuable toolkit for working moms, empowering them to navigate the intricacies of balancing career and family life. Whether it’s career development advice, parenting support, or tips for self-care, these resources offer a wealth of information and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. By leveraging these online resources, working moms can find inspiration, guidance, and practical solutions to thrive both personally and professionally.