Moments of Musing

How to Prepare Children When Returning to the Office

Filed Under: working mom, working motherhood //

Whether it’s returning to the office after maternity leave or after working from home, or starting school for the first time, change can be challenging for kids. Separation from parents can exacerbate kids’ fears and sadness about a change in routine. It can also be challenging to navigate for parents, too. It can help both parents and children to prepare children when returning to the office.

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Recently, I had the chance to interview my former law school colleague and friend, children’s author Christy Limbach. Christy wrote the children’s book, Asher the Dino: Mommy Goes to Work, after her son experienced separation anxiety when she returned to her office following working from home during the pandemic.

A mom of three, she hopes that Asher’s story can help other parents and their little ones during these stressful times. Asher the Dino is available on Amazon as a free e-book download, and for purchase in paperback and hardcover. Christy shares her experience and ways to prepare children when returning to the office:

MOM: Was it challenging to return to the office after working from home?

Christy: It was both challenging and energizing.  I was working from home for a little over a year before I returned to work. During that time I also had our third child (I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks after the world shut down!)- so there was a lot going on! Having a life outside the home was invigorating in a lot of ways – I enjoyed going back to my favorite lunch spots near my office and hanging out again with my favorite coworkers.  But it was also challenging.  The mental load of meals, laundry, and activity-planning is significantly harder when you’re not at home. Add a commute into the mix, and you have to master your time-management skills.

MOM: Would you say it was more difficult for you or the kids?

Christy: It was more difficult for the kids, which I did not expect! I was excited when things started opening back up again, but it was a big transition for my kids.  These pandemic kiddos have been through so much, and sometimes we forget how scary transitions can be for them. My three-year-old had a particularly tough time with the transition.  After all, as far as he could remember, I was always home. Mommy going to work was a big change!

MOM: How did you prepare the kids and deal with their emotions? 

Christy: I find that role-playing with stuffed animals and reading picture books is the best way to prepare my kids and help them process new concepts.  It was when I was looking for a picture book on the topic of separation anxiety and Mom working, that I couldn’t find a thoughtful and engaging book to help my son. That’s when I started telling him the story that would become my book, Asher the Dino: Mommy Goes to Work.  

MOM: How did this experience compare to returning to the office after maternity leave? 

Christy: I think it was tougher than the return to office after maternity leave because it happened around the same time that my son was starting pre-school. I think any time that a young child is starting pre-school, or has a parent that is leaving the home for work, there will be separation anxiety issues to work through.

MOM: What is the biggest piece of advice you have for another mom returning to the office after spending a long period at home with kids? 

Christy: Preparation is your friend! Prepare your child for the transition by reading picture books and  by role-playing what will happen with stuffed animals or dolls.  And then prepare ahead for yourself.  Take care of all the logistics you can ahead of time to decrease the mental load — meal plan on weekends, pack lunches and lay out clothes at night, etc.  It’s a struggle getting back into the grind, so do whatever you can in advance.  And finally, give yourself some grace.  Even if there are piles of laundry and dinner is pizza (again), your kids will see a strong role model who loves and provides for them. 

return to office, working parents, working mom, working from home, tips for returning to office

Business Tips for Writers, Influencers & Creators During COVID-19

Filed Under: career, working mom //

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This year was going to be the year ⁣⁣⁣of expanding my brand⁣⁣⁣, of traveling to Europe⁣⁣⁣, of paying off debt⁣⁣⁣, and of launching a new business⁣⁣. But then COVID-19 arrived in the Unites States, and all of my goals were halted.


As a blogger, writer and digital creator in the New York City area, which is the hardest hit area in the U.S., I have had projects paused or canceled, resulting in income loss. Back in late March and early April, I was really nervous and anxious as I realized my income would not be what it was just a month ago.

I decided to shift my focus from my goals and look at the bigger picture, the important things such as my and my family’s safety and wellbeing. Eventually, I did start getting more projects, and I am now hopeful our family’s lifestyle will not be as affected as I feared. I know that is not the case for everyone, though, and my hearts go out to those individuals and their families.

I am sharing tips on how other writers, influencers, and creators can continue doing business and staying afloat, mentally and financially, during a time of crisis, such as this COVID-19 pandemic.

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Continue applying to campaigns and reaching out to business partners and clients

Though it might seem like work is unavailable, apply to the campaigns that are currently open. Also, it can help to reach out to clients/brands and agencies you have worked with before or with which you had projects lined up. For example, you can email asking for an update on a project or ask that they keep you in mind for upcoming opportunities. By doing so, you can find out about existing work or projects; what the current business situation is for your clients and agencies; and maintain a business relationship. 

Continue pitching stories

While other work might have decreased, there are still many stories to be told, perhaps even more now than ever due to the crisis. It could be helpful to continue pitching stories to editors; and to email editors to find out about any current writing assignments. It could be helpful to pitch both crisis-related and everyday lifestyle stories to increase your chances of your pitch being accepted. This will help you continue a relationship with editors you currently work with or want to work with in the future.


Share your story

Regardless of whether any of your pitches are accepted, consider sharing your own personal story and how your life and/or business has been impacted by the current events. Post to social media and/or a blog. Your story might resonate with others. This could allow you to reach new and existing customers and clients, as well as to expand your audience and your business. Writing can also be therapeutic, and could also help you cope with your situation.

Relax with a stress-relieving activity

It is likely you are very stressed due to losing business and income. It is important to take care of your mental wellbeing to stay healthy, and to be able to get back to business when you are able. To help you remain calm during the stressful times, consider adopting a stress-relieving activity i.e. meditation, yoga, or exercise.

Think positively

Tough times do not last, and this will pass. It is important to remind yourself that this situation is temporary, and that things will get better. A positive mindset can help relieve tension and stress, as well as help you think more clearly.

I am thinking of everyone who has been impacted by sickness, death of loved ones, or financial loss during this time. We will get through this.

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Working From Home: 3-Month Recap

Filed Under: career, career and motherhood, motherhood, working from home, working mom //

It has been a little over three months working from home. Our routines have changed a bit, but for the most part things are going smoothly. Today, I’m spilling on what it has been like — what has worked, what hasn’t and how we’re all doing with this new change:

We have some new routines but I’m still figuring out my routine…

The very beginning was trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I was doing work at 2AM because I hadn’t carved out time during the day to do so. A couple days in, I did not know how I was going to do it — take care of the boys, the house, and myself while working in the middle of the night. It seemed impossible.

I soon realized I simply needed to make a new routine. I now try to wake up, check emails, serve the boys their breakfasts, feed them, and get back to work while they eat and play. I take little work breaks throughout the day to catch up on work so I am done by bed time. 
And though I hate to admit it, there are some days when I still do my work at 2AM …or 5AM or other odd hours. There are still times, I work in bed at night. I think this is okay though.  On days when I’m flying solo with the boys or they’re sick or extra needy for whatever reason, work waits until the late hours or bedtime or even weekends. 

All that being said, I think I work more odd hours now but also more efficiently. Motherhood has certainly helped teach me how to do so.

It can be overwhelming.

A big part of working from home can feel like stay-at-home motherhood plus the added work. I miss adult interaction. I do not get much time in my home office to get work done on my own. Instead the kitchen island has become my desk. 
It can be especially stressful when the boys are fighting or throwing tantrums or just want me to give them my time and attention. Focusing on work during those moments is nearly impossible so I just have to prioritize their needs above my work — being able to do so is the best part of working from home. 
Thankfully, I do not have to be by a computer for a set number of hours or during set times. I just have to be available somehow (cell is fine, usually); arrange in advance for video meetings or phone calls; and do my work in a timely manner. I have also had to discuss my capabilities, and what I need help with around the house with my husband, who is now mostly home, too.

I can’t do it all.

The biggest thing I have learned in this process is that as much as I want to do it “all,” I simply can’t. It’s impossible. I started out thinking I could work from home, take care of the house, care for the boys, and teach my older son preschool. I quickly realized I could not teach him the way he deserved to be taught and that he was missing out on socialization with other kids. 

So, we enrolled S in preschool. It gives us some time to spend with R, get things done around the house and possibly get some work done if R naps. S absolutely loves school and I know it was a great decision. I also realized that I need help with house work and taking care of the boys. I’ve had to ask my husband to help out more but I think we have a good groove now. 

It has been the best decision of my career thus far.

From what I’ve learned, the early years of motherhood are very busy chaotic. Some Many days, motherhood trumps all and takes most of my time and attention. This happens more often than not, in a ll honestly. Working from home enables me to shift my work priorities to prioritize my most important role – being their mom. My position also still challenges me,  fosters interaction with co-workers, and one of the best parts is that I do not have a resume or income gap. 
I am forever grateful that I have achieved as close to a balance as it gets in my career, and I can only hope it will continue this way while still being able to grow professionally. 

How I Do it “All”

Filed Under: motherhood, preschool, working mom //

Here’s the thing about doing it “all”: I can’t.

I’ve realized it’s impossible. So when you ask me how I do it,  it’s really because I’m getting help behind-the-scenes and my house isn’t the tidiest all the time.

Recently, my older son brought up wanting friends. I also realized I could not devote the time that is needed to teach him. With a younger child, a full-time career, my Moments of Musing business, and house work, I am stretched pretty thin.

 So, today I enrolled my older son in preschool and he begins in a couple days!

It’s hard letting go of my baby and of the idea I had in my head for homeschooling him for pre school. At the same time, he is excited, and I am excited for him, to get 1-on-1 time with my younger son and to maybe have some downtime to get work done.

This has all been a lesson to me that it’s okay to change and realign plans, and that you simply can’t do it “all” … no matter how great of a mom, wife & employee, etc. you are.

It’s OK to Step Away from your Career Path

Filed Under: career and motherhood, motherhood, working mom, working motherhood //

It’s been almost two weeks since I began working from home full time. It was a career decision three years in the making. Today, I am writing to speak to all of you moms who might be feeling a pull in a similar direction. 



Motherhood is such a monumental and transformative journey. Adapting your career to fit your vision of motherhood can be okay.. and important.

At some points, I was feeling too down on myself. My expensive, three-hour commute (roundtrip) was wearing on me. Spending so much time away from my home made for messy, unorganized spaces. Grocery runs had to be done very early in the morning during the week, if at all. I was exhausted and stretched thin at times. And who is that good for? It’s not. It isn’t good for anyone– clients, bosses, and especially my family or me.

I knew I needed a change and when an opportunity presented itself, I took steps to negotiate the details. I wanted to make it happen. I needed to make it happen for my happiness and for my family’s lifestyle.

And the key to it all is that I did not need anyone else’s permission to do it. (I did, however, have to speak it over with my husband to make sure it was a good family decision.)

I realized the only person who needed to give me permission was myself. 

Permission to step away from my linear career path.

Permission to be gracious to myself during the transition.

Permission to have different career goals and plans than I had pre-motherhood.

Permission to follow my heart.

Everyone else understood. But I needed to be on board myself now to feel completely confident in my decision.

If you, too, are struggling with motherhood and your career, lean in to what you want to do and do what you can to make whatever that is happen. It might take years to come to fruition but keep at it.

You’re a go getter and a goal getter — you’ll get there, mama.