Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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FM 100's Jill Atwood ReportingNot many will argue that being a mom is the toughest job there is, after all, there is no one way to raise a child. That's why a West Valley Mom decided there was more knowledge in numbers. In today's Smart Woman, Jill Atwood, from our sister station FM100, introduces us to the founder of Successful Mothering.
Each action, each word, each decision shapes a young mind. It's a lot of pressure and it seems no one is an expert.
Reagan Barnes Founder, Successful Mothering: "I think it grew out of a sense of inadequacy. It came from, 'Whoa here I am having to raise children and somehow mold them to become useful citizens. How am I going to do that?'"
Reagan Barnes is a stay at home mom. She was bursting with ideas on how to make motherhood easier, but she was also full of questions. That's when Reagan decided to treat motherhood like a career.
Reagan decided to approach motherhood like a executive approaches business. The concept started small, but just a few months later she already has a large network of moms. She even has her own website. Successful Mothering encourages sharing of ideas and opinions when it comes to raising kids.
"Cloth versus disposable, pacifiers or no, breast feeding or formula."
Laurieanne Thorpe, Successful Mothering: "I loved the idea of giving them something to validate their performance so far, and to give them the tools to keep succeeding. "I think motherhood can be so universal because, hey if you have a baby, you're a mom. But it can also be so unique cuz each mom is in a different situation."
Working moms, single moms, stay at home moms, even step moms -- each can learn from each other. There are newsletters on the Successful Mothering website if you would like to read more on the group. Also, next year they will hold a "Successful Mothering" convention. This year's was a huge success.
