Author: Kathy Marshack

The term “mompreneur” has been popping up everywhere. What does it mean? Entrepreneur.com defines “mompreneur” as, “a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.” According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, in 2008 “10.1 million firms are owned by women, employing more than 13 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales.” No wonder mompreneur has become a popular term – they are everywhere.

Being a mother and a business owner is no easy task. But when done right, both areas can be a success. Here are a few things to help keep a mompreneur in balance:

1. Stick to a schedule. Scheduling will help you stay focused on the most important tasks without getting distracted with nonessentials

2. Get the family on board. A supportive spouse is key to running a successful business. Also, involve the kids when appropriate. They can help you with things around the house or even get involved with some of the business aspects.

3. Take time for self-care. If you don’t take care of yourself first, you can’t take care of your family or your business. Take a few moments everyday to relax whether that means exercising, reading, or chatting with a friend on the phone.

I have written many articles about women business owners over the years as part of my Families In Business column. I invite you to learn more about how to be a successful business woman leader.

The
Autism Society Canada has proudly announced that April 2nd, 2010 will be
designated as the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in Canada. Their goal is to
spread awareness about autism and lend assistance to those living with ASD. It
has been estimated that 1 in 150 Canadians have some form of ASD. Since Canada
is without national surveillance, those numbers can only be viewed as an estimate.

Michael Lewis, President of the Autism Society Canada is hoping for a change in
how autism is monitored in Canada. He said, “All autism stakeholder
organizations agree that Canada must establish accurate surveillance and
reporting on ASDs. This information will help us to determine the prevalence of
autism to help develop policies needed regarding treatments and services for
all Canadians living with an ASD.”

For more information about the Autism Society of Canada and WAAD, visit their website or join their
Facebook page.
Let us all continue to work towards more awareness of ASD in whatever country
we live in!

Recent studies show that optimism can have a powerful impact on your health. It
seems that those who have a positive view of their health often fare better. It
has not be proven “how” this works in the body, but studies show
interesting results. For a more detailed look at a recent study, read Skip
the Vitamins, Use Optimism to Lift Immune System.

If you are not a naturally optimistic person, don’t be discouraged. Here are a
few tips to help you adjust your thinking to a more positive perspective:

1. Start off each day with a positive thought. It will help you set the
tone for how you will choose to think for the day.

2. Smile, smile, smile. Smiling will draw others toward you creating a
positive exchange and will guarantee to lift your mood.

3. Live one day at a time. Stop worrying about the past and the future.
Focus on the present and make that day the best it can be.

4. Find a good support system. Pick associates that are going to
encourage positive thinking and will help you work through your negative
feelings.

If optimistic thinking still feels difficult, seek professional help. A mental
health care professional will be able to help you uncover the cause of your
negative thinking and provide working tools to guide you through the change.

Statistics show that 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce and it is
considered one of the most stressful events in life. Emotional and physical
side effects of divorce are becoming more and more common. For instance,
depression and anxiety can easily set in and even more serious health problems
like cancer and heart disease become a greater risk. The question then becomes,
what can help you cope with a divorce?

1. Find a hobby

A hobby can become a pleasant distraction from your thoughts. Choose something
that makes you happy and that you can easily turn to when you find yourself
going down a negative train of thought.

2. Reorganize
Clean out your home and get rid (or put away) items that will bring up
painful reminders of your ex. Instead of “our stuff” replace it with
“your stuff.” This can sometimes be a slow process, but a healthy one.
It can also help you to remember the good, but put away the bad.

3. Make new plans
Planning is a great tool to keep yourself busy and productive. Planning
helps you to set goals and reach them which will help promote self-worth and
success.

Coping with a divorce is a process and one that cannot be rushed. If you are
feeling depressed
or anxious,
please visit my website for additional coping techniques. I also have
information on how to cope with high
conflict divorce.

The Autism Society of Washington is hosting the Best in the Northwest
Conference – Bridge to Adulthood: Promoting Competence through Comprehensive
Transition Planning for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders. This is
a one-day workshop in my hometown, Vancouver, Washington and it will be held on
April 16, 2010.

The workshop will be directed by Dr. Peter Gerhardt, President of the
Organization for Autism Research. With over 25 years of experience of working
with autism related disorders, Dr. Gerhardt will be focusing on the transition
process beyond classroom academics and promoting life competence for ones with
ASD.

I have signed up to attend this workshop. Click here
for more information or to register. Maybe I’ll see you there!

NBC has developed a new sitcom called “Parenthood”. It is
based around the challenges of raising children and starting life over. What I
found interesting about this new show is that one of the main characters, Adam
Braverman, has a young son with Asperger Syndrome. Yes, it looks like
Hollywood’s interest in Asperger’s continues to grow.

Jason Katmin’s, Parenthood’s writer and executive producer, has a 13 year old
son with Asperger Syndrome and wanted to use this opportunity to raise public
awareness about the disorder and reduce the stigma around it. Wednesday morning
after the second episode aired, “Asperger Syndrome” was one of the
top Google searches. It looks like Jason Katmin’s hope is becoming a reality.

If you would like more information on Asperger Syndrome, please visit Asperger Syndrome
Frequently Asked Questions on my website.