How She Strategizes

Every mom is a career mom. Some moms have another career on top of their mom gig, but it doesn't diminish the fact that this is a long-term, strategic career. It's a challenging career, but the perks put health plans and 401Ks to shame—the first smiles and giggles, that indescribable feeling of having your baby fall asleep in your arms. And that newborn smell…. Then there's the first joke they tell that is actually funny, that adorable dance recital, the late-night heart-to-hearts. It's the most rewarding career. In this post, we're going to talk about several different moms, and how they strategize in their own motherhood careers. Specifically, we'll talk about how they create deliberate family cultures, often complete with a family mission statement, how they set goals, and how they include their families in their big-picture planning. Here are links to more in-depth articles about the moms featured in this episode, as well as podcast episodes and books I mention. Profiles How Josie Strategizes: The Lauducci family lives a life of simplicity, togetherness, and global awareness—on a 40-foot sailboat. Family blog: afamilyafloat.com; Instagram: @afamilyafloat.com How Kelli Cultivates Curiosity: Kelli's kids ask a lot of questions—which is precisely what she was hoping for. Instagram: @raisingcuriousminds How Andrea Strategizes: Andrea loves to think big and make ambitious goals for her future. Her husband—not so much. Here's how they've built a family culture that works for the whole family. Website:betterscreentime.com How Leisle Strategizes: Leisle and her husband Vinh dedicate a weekend each year to plan out their life and family goals. By sticking to their vision, they have created a value-driven, generous family culture. How Jessica Strategizes: This year, Jessica decided to schedule monthly family fun days, each with a different purpose. Instagram: @flyingwithfour How Sarah Strategizes: Sarah Nielsen chooses one word as her personal theme each year, and then paints the word into a beautiful piece of art to hang on her wall as a reminder. Website: sarahnielsonart.com How Jen Plans Meals: (This post is not what I talked to Jen about on this podcast, but if you liked her ideas here, you'll also like what she had to say about family meal planning.) Jodi Chaffee: Our Modern Heritage Podcast Jillian Johnsrud: montanamoneyadventures.com Podcasts Family Looking Up Podcast Episode 47: Doing Less to Have More, with Jillian Johnsrud Books The Parenting Breakthrough by Merrilee Boyack