ParentMap, August 2007 Issue

In our August issue we look at how modern moms are finding the balance between home and work, self and family. You'll meet local women who are finding new ways to make it work. Their stories may inspire you! We round up Internet safety issues at every Age & Stage (even toddler!), and sing the praises of taking kids to opera. Got a reluctant reader under your roof? Take a look at our fresh tips from a children's librarian. And we show you where to splash about these last few weeks of summer at outdoor water spots.  Feature: The Mamapreneur Movement

About this issue

Dear Reader:

I played a word game with my 21-year-old tonight. “I say the first
word, Arielle, and you respond with your immediate association.”

It went like this:

Love:  “Maya” (Ari’s 6-yr-old sister)

Food:  “Wholesome Pita” (her favorite LA falafel)

Work:  “PR” (her job; hey, she chatted with Justin Timberlake at a recent event)

Mamapreneur: “You, Mom” (at least I got an honorable mention!)

I am quite a bit older than the women profiled in this month’s feature,
but wise for figuring out in less time than it took to get my law
school degree that the profession would not be a supportive environment
for work/life integration. (Balance — what would that look like?) When
Arielle was born, I quit law, unpredictably allowing entrée to a
coveted 21-year career in publishing. My school loans however, got paid
off the month Ari left for college.

Call that fiscal insanity? I called it heaven!

Feature writer Linda Morgan states “…most women have yet to land a seat
at the boys’ table…that offers the kind of access to the money, status
and power that makes the planet spin.” What women in her right mind
really wants a seat at a table with no universal paid leave, inflexible
work environments, and less pay than her male counterpart?
Spin right off, I say, as many have with innovative business pursuits.
This part of the planet has never offered women the support, corporate
or governmental, to help moms stay on the power track (if that is what
they want). We in Washington are still reeling with the delight of
being the second state in the union to pass paid parental leave
legislation.

ParentMap’s key to success is the savvy, intelligent group of
22 over-qualified women (99% moms) who all work virtually for a social
business venture, with competitive pay, complete flexibility and, as I
like to say, no unnecessary face time (sorry, no job openings as we go
to press!). There is a direct correlation here: The greater flexibility
you offer, the more qualified superwoman will want to work in your
business.

What else does 24/7 connectivity mean for our families?
Besides social networking, the “cultural tsunami of MySpace that now
rivals cruising Main Street,” we have no opportunity to overhear kids
in a good old-fashioned phone conversation.

—Alayne Sulkin, Publisher/Editor