I recently purchased a variety of children’s music on iTunes and discovered that even though I am a degreed professional - I am an underperforming student when it comes to nursery rhymes.

I have spent countless moments Googling the lyrics to songs when my three year old comes home from school and have started making up our own versions as we go along. I have now come to the conclusion that being a mom with flexibilities around how and where I work does not necessarily make me a better mother.

It was back in 2008 that I found myself, at the age of 47—a published writer, former spokesperson for TV and radio, once well-known in my field—mopping up splattered spaghetti sauce from the kitchen floor and catching watermelon pop-ups,  while two small children took their best shot at killing each other from across the kitchen table.

As far as the business world was concerned, I’d hopped a flying egg-beater to Outer Mongolia and was forgotten with crushing ease and rapidity.

What had happened to my life?

I clearly remember holding my daughter in my arms for the first time 5 and half years ago. I know it is one memory that will be with me forever.

Being a mom is one of the greatest joys we experience. It’s life changing. We experience a Passion Shift the moment we hold our child in our arms. Everything changes.

However what I have come to realize on my journey into motherhood is that there is NOTHING that can prepare you for the profound shift that happens in your life when you become a mom. 

Back In The Fight by Sergeant First Class Joseph Kapacziewski, his wife Kimberly, and Charles W. Sasser is an incredible story of perseverance and determination. Through Kimberly’s eyes the reader is able to gain insight to her job not only as a wife and mother, but also as Joe’s motivator as he faces the new challenge of his wounds and recovery.

Let's be honest, there is no exact science in preparing your child for college. Concerned parents have diligently made recommendations on how to plan for college funding: Save early, plan ahead, reduce the burden of college loans when possible. Non-profit organizations have organized tips for high school student success: Get good grades, participate in activities, show commitment and diversity.

This morning, I surrendered the notion that my seven-year-old daughter Lexi is a “mama’s girl.” It’s been a great seven year run that involved her exhibiting my mannerisms, phrases and siding with me on minor disputes with my husband.

It really does take a village. Balancing roles of mom, wife, home manager and worker bee can push even the most energetic woman over the edge. In order to get it all done (or at least make a good attempt) sometimes you need to ask for help, a favor or for advice…or all three!

Reluctance to ask for someone’s help can be rooted in a misconception that needing help is a weakness. Wrong. Asking for a favor or for advice is a sign of maturity and self confidence. You are saying to the world:

Would you describe yourself as an “Opt-Out” mom if you decided to leave the workforce to stay at home with your children?

A recent article in the New York Times highlighted the stories of a number of women who made the choice to leave their high paying careers to stay at home when they became moms.

They have been giving the title the “Opt-Out Generation.”

Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, the start of a new school year signified opportunity, a fresh start, and a chance to do things differently.

I’ve been searching the web trying to figure out who first said, “Done is better than perfect.”  Long before it became synonymously attached to “Lean In” author Sheryl Sandberg, it was a phrase that perfectionists and endless tweakers used to break them of crippling, obsessive behavior.