Working moms take on multiple roles every day, including that of teacher, professional, camp director, and human. It can feel overwhelming. But a little help can go a long way.
Teacher
Parents: Trying to tutor your child while on deadline is no easy feat. Did you know kids and learners of all ages can get free one-on-one homework help and tutoring from 12 – 10 pm every day on Brainfuse through the LA County Library?
Mine what’s on the internet—great learning opportunities are available on many websites. Check out:
- Khan Academy – Free personalized learning for students ages 2 – 18 and support for parents and teachers
- Storyline Online – SAG-AFTRA’s award-winning literacy website
- National Geographic Kids – Homework help toolkit, facts, crafts and more
- Explore – Live cams across the world
- Bedtime Math – Fun games to encourage a love of math
- Funbrain – Games, worksheets and more
- Audible Stories – Instantly stream books for all ages
- Exploratorium – Learning Toolbox provides science support for your virtual classroom
- We Are Teachers – Links to 17 international art museums offering virtual tours
- Tate Kids – Museum-based art activities, games and videos for kids
- California State Capitol Museum – Kids’ Zone and virtual tours to explore the State Capitol from home
- Girls Who Code – Free lessons taught by women in tech
- Kids for Animals – A virtual program for ages 7 to 12 hosted by the Pasenda Humane Society
Friends & Family: Are you a math wiz? Did you ace your English essays? Offer 30 minutes of virtual tutoring for a child who might need some extra help with schoolwork.
Professional
Moms: Start your day with a stroll and imagine you are walking to work/school. It’s a great way to mentally signify the beginning of your professional day.
Having trouble setting down your stylus to make lunch for a screaming crowd? Working moms can find community and support through virtual coaching from WRK/360 or by joining a working parents Facebook Group such as Animation Parents of LA.
The kids are in bed, the deadline is met, and you’re still itching to create? Expand your skill set and follow your bliss with free online classes from Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning.
Supervisors: Kids are going to interrupt virtual meetings. Let working parents know that it’s okay.
Trust that your mom employees are getting their work done – offer flexible schedules, minimal check-ins, and don’t schedule meetings (even virtual) after 5 p.m.
Check out One Kind Word: Flexibility in the Time of COVID, a research paper from the Families and Work Institute.
Read how embracing flexibility now may benefit your company later.
Learn more about employer best practices.
Camp Director
Even as restrictions ease, childcare will continue to be in short supply and summer camps cancelled, putting pressure on families to organize fun activities for their children.
Parents: Need fresh ideas to entertain your young campers? Daily texts from Ready Rosie or Vroom can help you create fun activities without spending hours online.
Cut to the chase with Lists of Things To Do While You’re Stuck At Home. Ready, set, play!
Create a weekly activity schedule ahead of time and ask your kids to help. It will encourage your children to work independently if they have a say in planning their time.
Friends & Neighbors: Draw a chalk obstacle course on neighborhood sidewalks for kids (and grown-ups) of all ages. Download a printable course map from Playtivities.
Employers: Consider using your abundant resources to help moms and families. Host a virtual Bring Your Kids To Work Day. Consider creating activity packets or offering virtual art classes to keep your employees’ kids engaged while they’re stuck at home. Find creative ideas for outreach from Great Place to Work and Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work.
Want to hear how other companies are supporting their employees and their families? Check out these articles by CNBC, Ad Age, and Ad Exchanger.
Human
Moms: Take time for yourself: get outside, meditate, read a book, plan a cocktail hour. It’s all about you.
Book a virtual sitter and connect with a friend. Ask a family member to step in or hire a professional from Care.com.
Get outside and enjoy the great weather. Get fitness inspiration from apps like ParticipACTION or Fit4Mom.
Mental wellness is important when you are feeling pulled apart in different directions. Whether you need immediate assistance, are looking for consistent therapy, or just need a small break for a 5 minute meditation, take advantage of the resources available to you. Download an app like Headspace (free for LA County residents) to center yourself throughout the day with their 2 to 3 minute meditations. For more wellness apps, click here.
Connect with a therapist who knows what you’re going through with the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder.
For 24/7 help with domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Partners: Offer to watch the kids so your partner can enjoy a break.
Friends & family: Schedule a virtual dinner, game night, or group chat to stay connected. Offer to virtually babysit, so mom can have a moment just for herself. Virtual game night app ideas from Thrillist and Good Housekeeping can help make your hangout a success.
Download and share our infographic on How to Support Working Moms During COVID