My son and I just came back from a conference about education and home business.  In the next couple weeks, I will be blogging about what we’ve learned from the conference.

After several years of research, Harvard psychologist and educator Howard Gardner, discovered that one possesses at least eight distinct areas of intelligences when one acquires knowledge, processes information, learns and understands.

The question is NOT “How smart am I?”  It’s rather “HOW am I smart?

Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences.  We each have eight kinds of smart inside us.  By examining what your child’s eight intelligences are, it will help him or her determine what kind of career he or she would enjoy. [Read more...]

LaTara from Mom Unplugged really put my mind at ease after reading her answers to my questions about finding balance. She had some great tips on time management and finding balance that I’m currently trying to implement in my life.

She also responded with a few tough questions for me:

In your transition from SAHM to WAHM, what has been your biggest struggle? What can you apply to your life to help you combat this struggle?

I’ve been struggling with time management as shown by my previous questions, as well as dealing with change (which has never been my strong suit), but my biggest struggle has been maintaining confidence in myself. [Read more...]

Martha Stewart is having her 3rd annual “Dreamers into Doers” contest for moms who’ve turned their passion into a business or philanthropic venture.  Two lucky women will win $10,ooo and  a chance to be on the “Martha Stewart Show”.

All you have to do is tell your story in 250 words or less. 

Here are some tips to improve your chances of winning:

• Include details.  Be sure to tell the what, how, and why of your story.
• Be succinct but let your passion show.
• Add visuals.  They allow 3 pictures and a video with each entry.
• Check spelling and grammar.
• Find out about previous winners such as Amy Barzach and Patricia Fragen.

So if you’ve made your dreams a reality you should enter here.  You must enter by 11:59:59 pm ET on Monday, July 6, 2009. 

Good luck! 

photo credit: Art Comments

There is a current discussion at Twitter Moms about finding the balance between working at home and taking care of your family. This question has been one of my favorite things to ask on our Buzz-A-Mom projects. Successful work at home moms say pretty much the same thing. Find the “big rocks”, the important stuff and understand that you just can’t do everything.

The past nine weeks as a Moms Talk Network have really been a learning experience in more ways than one. In order to accommodate the ten hour a week commitment, other things had to slide. I kept up with homeschooling my kids, got some exercise and my power naps in (I do have my priorities!) I’ve also been sick three times and suffered through a five night bout of insomnia. My husband announced his plan to go solo with his business. I’ve been using the pressure cooker a lot for dinner. The house is a little messier than before. I haven’t watched LOST since the internship started and I don’t spend much time on Facebook.

Unfortunately my time with dh has slipped and so have my quiet times. These are big rocks and I do need to make time for them. How do you  find the balance? I’d love for the other interns to comment!
photo credit: tibchris

If you’ve ever considered taking classes on-line,  it pays to do your homework first.  Since moms may not have time to take classes at a community college or participate in night school at a university, on-line courses offer flexible hours and the ability to study from home (or maybe even out in the yard).   While on-line degrees were frowned upon when they first appeared, there are now dozens of  reputable schools offering courses, certificates, degrees and upgraded skill set programs.   With the economy in upheaval, some moms might be considering brushing up on old skills or learning a new profession altogether. 

Before you enroll in a course, however, make sure that the institution is accredited and reputable.  You can check to see the school’s accreditation status by looking at the Education Department’s website.    

Also, see what kind of guidance the school provides to ensure that whatever course you are taking is meaningful and relevant.  Can you learn all the facets of web design well enough to get a job once you’ve  completed the coursework?  Will the school let you contact graduates of the program to see how they are faring in the job market?  Will this course or degree prepare you for skills required in today’s transitioning market?  Reputable on-line schools should readily provide this information, as well as provide tips on how to manage your time, plan for success as a student, and set out the steps needed to acquire a degree or earn a certificate.  Also, check whether the school participates in federal financial aid programs, an important consideration for moms.  If you do want to update those accounting skills or go after a new degree and become an Eco Consultant, taking classes on-line might be the way to go.

photo credit: creatingkoan