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What is a Career Coach and How Can They Help.

Parenthood and Career

Learning How to Prioritize

Top Ten Ways to have a Good Relationship with your Child's Caretaker

by Lynn Berger

Welcome to Parenthood and Careers - a monthly column that will help you to balance your work, home, family and any other personal concerns and Interests you may encounter and feel good about yourself at the same time.

Parenthood often makes us question our lives, Parenthood and Careers is a specifically written for parents who work and sometimes wonder:

This month's column will focus on how to communicate and most effectively deal with your children if you are layed off or downsized.

1. Be honest with your child(ren). Lying could cause bigger problems.

2. Do not bring your frustrations home. Children may incorrectly feel that your anger or negative feelings are aimed at them.

3. Use this opportunity to spend more time with your children. Don't worry you will eventually find a job. How often will you have a free afternoon to spend time with your child(ren)?

4. Do not share every detail with your child(ren). If you were fired perhaps your child(ren) may feel that you are to blame when it is possible that you lost your job to forces out of you control.

5. Let you child(ren) know that you will not stay unemployed forever.

6. Use this time to gain perspective on your life.If you have been working 60 hour weeks or doing extensive traveling maybe this transition period will allow you to reacquaint yourself with your spouse and child(ren).

7. If applicable, allow your child(ren) to become part of your job search. If you child is old enough perhaps they can "role play" and conduct mock interviews with you.

8. Consider your child(ren)'s special needs. This is especially relevant for jobs that require a relocation. Many children do not like the inconvenience of having to make new friends or changing schools.

9. Do not send inconsistent messages to your child(ren). It is important not to contradict the orders given by other partners who share your parenting responsiblities. After all, these people may be the only adults who share your burden.

10. Try a little bit of humor. Children love to laugh and hearing them amused will make everyone feel better.
w much time should I be devoting to my career and my family?

I would like to assist you to balance your various roles and responsibilities, manage your time better, feel more fulfilled and understand more fully the choices you make. To introduce professional coaching I offer a free half-hour of coaching. If you have a potential goal, vision or desire you would like to discuss, call me and we can begin to work together. I can be contacted at 212-289-5917, LBCoach@prodigy.net and/or Visit my web site at www.lynnberger.com, I would love to hear from YOU.

Lynn Berger is a Career & Personal coach who counsels people throughout North America. She specializes in helping individuals during transitional points to make the most of their lives and to feel fulfilled. She is the mother of a five year old son.

Suggestions? Feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

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