My very pregnant second cousin Julie recently asked me for a quote for an article she was writing on working Moms.  Although my kids are grown and have moved away from our family home, I know from experience some of the challenges working Moms face…especially Moms with a home-based business.

Here’s my official quote which appeared in the article today:

If you can swing it, try having a career at home

“I have been a work at home mom since my kids were babies.  It does require discipline and focus, especially with little ones to care for. However, it has provided me with the opportunity to both have a career and be at home for their needs. Yes, sometimes you have to hang up because the baby is crying or the kids come home from school, but the joys of being home for every important event is worth all the challenges.”

- Jody Heckenlively, Branch Manager, United First Financial

I believe every word of it!  Being able to help in our children’s classroom, attend their sporting events and be there when they come home from school are experiences  I cherish.  Our kids grew up so fast and it was truly an honor to be a full time participant in their early years.

Once they became teenagers, although they didn’t like me being home quite as much - I knew it was more important than ever to keep a watchful eye on their comings and goings.

Although I missed out on water cooler conversations at the workplace, I would make the same choice again. These days I help other working Moms learn how to work at home successfully!