parenting skills for resume

• 15 New Skills You’ve Honed as a Mom You Can Add to a Resume

Once you have a child, it is your choice to either stay at home or return to work. However, many women don’t return to their jobs after childbirth because of lack of flexible work to accommodate family life, pay gap between men and women, and high childcare fees.

Another overlooked issue that makes many women not get back to work after maternity leave is lack of confidence. But did you know that there are so many valuable stay at home mom transferable skills you have gained from being a parent that you can leverage in your career? And you can use these skills to compensate for the employment gap in your resume when you look for a new job.

Here are fifteen new skills for resume you have gained by being a mum that probably didn’t know you had:

1. Time Management Skills

According to a recent study, 41% of US adults say they lack adequate time to do all they want to. However, as a mother, you definitely have superb time management skills gained from balancing several tasks in little time. For example, you have to feed your kids, get their clothes ready, drop, and pick them off from childcare or school daily. You can transfer these time management skills to work as well. You can adjust to working under pressure and make sure project deadlines are met.

2. Planning Skills

As a mother, you will gain great planning abilities. For instance, you will need to work out meals for your children in advance, taking into account what each child likes or doesn’t like. You will also be planning what they will wear and carry for lunch the following day of school. These are great transferrable skills to add to resume when you do decide to return to work.

3. Prioritization Abilities

In most days as a mum, you will have numerous activities that need to be done. Therefore, you will need to figure out what needs to be done right away and what can be pushed to later or another day. These soft skills are also important in a high-pressure work setting.

4. Crisis Management Skills

From nursing a sick child, treating wounds from playing, and so many other situations, you eventually learn to be calm and resourceful in times of crisis. You quickly become adapted to dealing with unplanned challenges and emergencies. These mom skills are valuable to employers too. Put them in your resume when job seeking after maternity leave .

5. Problem Solving Skills

Children come with a long list of problems that need to be solved. As they grow, you will be juggling fixing broken toys, potty training, sleep training, explaining new things, mediating arguments between them and their friends, etc. These challenges are not so different from issues you will find in the workplace. So, you can apply problem-solving skills to mediate disagreements within your team, fix complications that arise in daily operations, etc.

6. Communication Skills

According to a 2018 survey, 80% of company executives agree that excellent oral communication is vital. Believe it or not, you gain great communication skills from being a mum. From telling your children what you need them to do to having talks with your child’s teacher, you will be doing a lot of communication. As a result, you learn to speak clearly, communicate in understandable language, and be sympathetic to others feelings- all essential skills at work.

7. Being Persuasive Influencer

As a parent, you will often need to persuade your kids to go to be on time, eat their vegetables, prepare themselves for school, etc. This ability to influence is one of those relevant skills that you shouldn’t leave out when updating your resume to get back the job market.

8. Negotiation Skills

Whenever your power of influence fails you, you can always rely on your excellent negotiation skills. All mothers have undoubtedly honed their convincing skills by offering care to little kids, who are known to be naughty, stubborn, and often unreasonable. As such, the next time you write a CV, be sure to include this skill. You sure can manage to reason with anyone just because you are a mother.

9. Project Management Skills

You might not know it, but your project management skills are what have seen you pull off those successful family holidays and trips. These skills have enabled you to prepare for these occasions adequately. All the time, you have managed to ensure that each child’s specific food and drinks are packed, there were adequate supplies to last the duration of the vacation, and so forth.

So, no matter what you had thought previously, you sure have the right project management abilities to handle company duties. Make sure that you include them in your CV this time.

10. Event Management and Planning Skills

Your event management skills are showcased whenever you plan those children parties. Most of the time, you will have to find the perfect location, create and manage a list of visitors, plan the entertainment, get the right food, and so forth.

All this can only be pulled off if you have excellent pre-planning skills. But apart from that, your actual event management abilities are tested by how well you manage the occasion itself.

11. People Management Skills

No matter what you might have heard, no workmate can manage to be as impulsive and uncooperative as a toddler who is having an outburst. So, as a mom, handling a group of adults will prove to be as straightforward as it gets. All the while, you have managed to negotiate with difficult children, settle conflicts, and guide your kids in the right way. With all these management skills, there are no employees you cannot work with.

12. Responsibility and Team Management Skills

The next time you create your stay at home mom resume, be sure to list responsibility and team management among your skills. The fact that you managed to take care of a newborn around the clock, ensure that your children are well fed throughout, offer guidance whenever they are lost, and so forth shows that you are responsible and can manage any workers.

13. Financial Management Abilities

Excellent management of finances is one of the most common mother skills. Once you become a mom, you will be forced to manage the budget of your household, especially since you might be on maternity leave, thus with tight finances.

Apart from that, as a mother, you need to show your kids the value for money, how to stretch a dollar and negotiate their pocket money to reasonable amounts.

14. Creative Skills

Creativity is yet one of the skills to list on resume as a mom. Some of the things that make you a creative person include the ability to think about and tell bedtime tales on the spot, come up with innovative games for the afternoon or car trip, and so forth.

15. Mentoring Skills

Mentoring has long been a typical stay at home mom skills for resume. As a mother, you will have to tutor and nurture your kids in a host of things that you are not even familiar with. You will have to teach them essential things such as confidence and independence to ensure that they turn out to be useful members of society. As you do this, you sharpen your mentoring abilities; and note, this skill can help you get promoted at work fast .

To conclude, if you were pondering on skills for resume, be sure to include these capabilities. You have undoubtedly picked up on several of them just by being an amazing mom. They can either be your key or additional skills on resume. And to boost your chances of getting hired, always write a powerful start for your resume .

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How To Put Stay-At-Home Mom Or Dad On Your Resume (With Examples)

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Summary. To put your time as a stay-at-home parent on your resume , identify the soft and hard skills you developed during that time and highlight them in your work experience section. Skills you use as a parent such as organization, time management, and financial planning are valuable to employers.

Any parent knows taking care of children can easily be a demanding full-time job. And with daycare expenses skyrocketing, it can actually be cheaper for one parent to stay home with the kids than to work and use a daycare service.

A stay-at-home parent wears many different hats such as full-time teacher, coach , social organizer, and leader that can be added to your resume

In this article we will go over how to add these to your resume and provide examples of what it should look like.

Key Takeaways:

Emphasize job skills you became proficient in as a stay-at home parent.

Frame your resume to showcase your achievements rather than detail your domestic duties.

Take time to consider what your deliverables were as a stay-at-home parent. Think of how you can present those deliverables in the context of the job you are applying for.

How to Put Stay-At-Home Mom or Dad on Your Resume

Where to put stay-at-home parent on your resume, stay-at-home parent resume example, tips for stay-at-home parent resume, returning to work stay-at-home mom resume faq, final thoughts.

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When writing your resume summary , it is probably better that you do not mention specifically that you are a stay-at-home parent. Instead, think about the roles you played as a parent and the skills you mastered that complement your previous work experience.

Add Education. You will want to include any degrees you’ve earned and which institution they are from. If you graduated more than three years ago, you do not need need to put your graduation date.

You can also any courses or workshops that you took during your time as a stay at home parent. You will want to add where those courses were completed at.

Homeschool parent. If you homeschooled your kids, you’re in luck. You added yet another experience that is extremely valuable: coaching, organizing, and teaching.

If you homeschooled your kids, you have skills researching curriculum, organizing lesson plans and extracurricular activities, mentoring children, all while learning how to be flexible, a good communicator , and most importantly (to the kids), fun.

For example: If you were a teacher for five years before homeschooling your children for three years, you could write something like this:

Sample Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Summary A skilled educator with eight years of teaching experience. Ability to teach in diverse settings with ease, create engaging lesson plans, and present material to children in varying learning environments.

Then, you can detail both your homeschooling experience and previous work experience in the work history section of your resume.

Translating parenting skills to workforce skills . You may even think that there is no way you can have transferable skills from your parenting experience to the industry you are applying for, but just wait; we bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Staying at home as a parent is a complex role: you must wear many hats daily. You aren’t just a mom or a dad. You are the family’s ultimate manager . And those skills can definitely be transferable to most jobs.

Use Specific keywords such as:

Financial planning skills

Multitasking

Time management

organization

Utilize these keywords when describing your experience as a stay-at-home parent and it will help your resume be picked up by resume software .

Here is another example for a stay-at-home mom or dad:

Stay-At-Home Parent Resume Summary Example A skilled job seeker with six years of management experience in public and private settings. Possesses strong communication and delegation skills to work effectively in diverse teams.

Then, you can describe your management and leadership experience as a stay-at-home parent.

Highlight what you have done versus focus on a gap in employment. Some employers may think that staying at home to parent is a lapse in job experience , but if framed correctly, they will see what you see: staying at home to parent is a valuable, full-time job experience.

So to prevent recruiters and potential employers from picturing you sweeping up cookie crumbs, try and avoid using “domestic” words unless you are applying for a childcare, teaching, or cleaning position.

Here are some examples of how you can frame your experience as a parent to highlight skills recruiters are desperately looking for:

Stay-At-Home Mom Resume Skills Example Helped my children get to dance and soccer practice → Coached children to develop complex skill sets. Planned playdates with other moms at the park → Regularly organized large events at public centers for 20+ children. Taught my three children until college → Managed multiple children’s education, resulting in a 100% college acceptance rate and $100,000 dollars in scholarship money. Helped my children with volunteer projects → Organized volunteer projects for students, resulting in 100+ hours of community service over 10 projects.

By now, you are probably thinking, “Yes, I have all of these skills.”

Now you just have to translate them into resume-speak so that potential employers will also know how awesome you are at them.

You can describe your time as a stay-at-home parent in two places on a resume: under your resume summary statement and/or under your work experience .

Now let’s take a look at a full stay-at-home mom or dad resume:

Lisa Cage | [email protected] | www.linkedin.in/lisa-cage Dedicated writer and organizer with 5+ years of experience. Successfully wrote 5,000+ words of professional copy each week while managing the finances, schedule, and relationships within the household. Regularly coached children’s sports teams and participated in volunteering opportunities to serve the local community. Engaging professionals with top-tier communication and conflict resolution skills. WORK EXPERIENCE Household Manager – Cage Household. 08/2012-Present Managed two college funds, resulting in $45,000 in savings to date Coached soccer and basketball 2 nights a week each season, managing teams of 20+ children Leveraged leadership skills to educate, mentor , and resolve conflicts between two children Freelance Writer. 02/2016=Present Herway. 06/2018-Present Wrote an average of 2 articles a week for the marketing segment of a beauty solutions blog Achieved a cumulative view count of over 30,000 to date Collaborated with 5 writers to develop new content ideas Dogcare. 02/2016-08/2018 Delivered one blog post each week for a series on pet care Drafted image concepts for design team Awarded top blog post of March 2017 Office Assistant. 09/2010-07/2012 Responded to 50+ phone calls and 100+ emails a day regarding business inquiries and internal memos Developed and maintained office schedule using Excel Greeted clients who entered the office and facilitated meetings by arranging conference room space Marketing Intern. 01/2009-08/2009 Worked with a marketing team of 15 to plan, develop, and launch marketing campaigns with budgets of $50,000+ Handled administrative tasks, input data, and created visual displays of key metrics Wrote 50 blurbs a week for website and app use VOLUNTEERING Big Sister Program 05/2017-03/2019 Mentored 3 children between the ages of 7-11 over a two-year period Organized 10 fun trips each year, educating and engaging children through interactive activities Planned and organized 2 fundraising events, leading to over $8,000 raised in total EDUCATION Western Illinois University | Macomb, Illinois Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, May 2009 GPA of 3.7 Dean’s List Worked at the writing center to help students with written assignments SKILLS Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite WordPress Basic HTML Financial Planning Written and Verbal Communication Organization

Include previous experience. Even if it’s been a long time since you were in the formal workforce, be sure to include prior professional experience.

Depending on the industry and role you’re applying for, think of skills that translate well from your former experience. Don’t feel pressured to lie or exaggerate here, but do look for keywords that you can use honestly.

Use volunteer experience. Whether you volunteered in events related to your children or not, volunteering experience is always attractive on a resume.

It shows that you want to use your time productively and are a functional member of the community in more ways than one. Plus, your volunteer experience probably involved a lot of skills and responsibilities that are necessary for a number of jobs.

Include contract work. If you’ve been a stay-at-home parent that earns money on the side through odd jobs , freelance work , or anything else, definitely include that on your resume. Listing contract work on your resume may have scared employers in the past, but the gig economy is thriving and hiring managers are getting more comfortable seeing this type of experience on your resume.

Not to mention that it beefs up your credentials and shows you’ve worked on projects recently.

Include education . If you went to college or achieved a post-graduate degree, definitely include that on your resume. Impressive academic achievements will help offset your work experience section.

Don’t forget your cover letter. Your resume isn’t the only place you have to talk about your stay-at-home parenting experience.

Your cover letter is where your personality can really shine, so highlight how your parenting and household management skills have readied you for the job you’re applying for.

How do you say stay-at-home mom on a resume?

You can say stay-at-home mom on your resume by saying, “Household Manager,” “Caregiver,” or “ Homemaker .” Some people prefer the title, “Chief Home Officer,” but that may come across as trying too hard for some hiring managers.

Keep the title simple and focus on pointing out the numerous valuable skills you used during that time.

Should I put stay-at-home parent on my resume?

Yes, you should put stay-at-home parent on your resume. Just because you weren’t someone’s employee during this time doesn’t mean you weren’t gaining valuable work experience and skills, so show them off to hiring managers.

Is stay-at-home parent an occupation?

Yes, stay-at-home parent is an occupation. Even though you aren’t earning a paycheck from your work, it is what you spend the majority of your time doing, and people depend on you to do it.

Applying for a job after a period of time out of the working world can seem daunting, but don’t think that staying at home to be with your kids will automatically hurt your job chances.

Staying at home to parent full-time can be a very rewarding experience. It not only allows you to connect with your children more, but it also gives you a very diverse skill set. You know how to deal with small kids and you know how to interact with parents from every background.

You know how to get someone to do work effectively (remember doing those most-hated chores as a kid?) and you know how to provide feedback to workers (remember those good parental praises?).

You’ve got what it takes to land your dream job — you just have to think about what the experience of parenting means in terms of the industry you want to break into.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Stay-At-Home Mothers Through the Years

Pew Research Center – Stay-At-Home Moms and Dads Account for About One-in-Five U.S. Parents

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Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.

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The Stay-At-Home Parent Resume: Transferable Skills & Getting Your Career Back on Track

In This Guide:

How to write your stay-at-home parent resume, stay-at-home-parent resume summary, stay-at-home-parent resume experience, stay-at-home-parent resume skills, stay-at-home-parent resume education and courses, stay-at-home-parent resume other sections, key takeaways.

Over the past year-and-a-half, you've gone from a professional superstar to stay-at-home parent.

And, in spite of what anyone may think, your new role is quite demanding, requiring:

• time management and commitment;
• patience and resilience;
• multitasking and delegation.

It's not a 9-to-5 that you can quit.

After a few years have gone by, there comes a time when you want to get back on track with your career.

Yet, stay-at-home parents have many obstacles to face.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

An Indeed survey found that "73% of women re-entering the workforce reported encountering hiring process biases due to their status as stay-at-home moms."

But this is nothing a well-curated stay-at-home parent resume can't handle, as your experience gap has taught you many valuable skills.

Our guide will help you to do so by translating your experience for hiring managers.

We know you have a great story to tell, and your resume is the perfect opportunity to do so!

What you’ll learn:

• Ensuring your stay-at-home parent experience is bold and enticing to recruiters
• How to showcase your unique value through your stay-at-home parent resume
• Best practices to put the spotlight on the skills you’ve learned while managing your household
• Where on your resume could you mention that you’re a stay-at-home parent
• The employment gap - how could you explain it with various resume sections

Align your resume to the role

The resume is your quick summary, tailored to the organization or role.

When applying for a job, pay attention to advert keywords and analyze the requirements. Consider how your previous roles (and stay-at-home parent) responsibilities could be relevant.

Highlight your unique value

What skills have the past few years of managing your home taught you? They are one of the unique values you'd bring about as a candidate.

Select an appropriate resume format

Your resume format should be based on whether you’d want to highlight your experience, skills, or both.

• Reverse chronological format - a timeline of your roles, starting with the latest. Select if your experience gap isn't for a very long time, and you want to highlight previous roles.
• Functional /Skills-based format - shifts recruiters' focus towards your skills and achievements. It's a very good format for professionals with less experience .
• Hybrid format - a combination of both formats. Highlights the skills you've gained, while showcasing traditional roles.

Use active language

Describe your skills and experience, achievements, and the overall lasting impact you made with action verbs . If possible, include numbers to quantify your results.

Don't sell yourself short - your stay-at-home parent resume experience can be both bold and enticing.

And it all starts with your resume summary - one of the most important instruments to ensure recruiters are interested.

The resume summary is two-to-three sentences long and aligns your previous experience to the role with:

• notable career achievements that are industry-specific;
• relevant skills that'd contribute further to the organization;
• additional specializations or courses that help you stand out.

You could also add a career objective to your summary. Think about what kind of job you hope to find and how it'd match your overall professional goals.

Don't be distracted by your employment gap. Structure your biggest and most relevant achievements of the past few years and take it from there.

Mentioning that you’re a stay-at-home parent in your resume summary isn't obligatory.

Instead of kicking off with the whole, "I'm a stay-at-home dad looking for a role in operational management", leave this information for other resume sections.

Or, you could hint at it as part of your experience and achievements:

Is the experience section of your resume the place to talk about your stay-at-home "job"?

This completely depends on the role, company, and industry you're applying for.

• Some recruiters and employers will appreciate your honesty. While employment gaps are never ideal, building a family is a perfectly valid reason.
• Your resume will most likely be scanned by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) : the software that assigns points based on job criteria. If you have employment gaps, the ATS could give you a lower score.
• On the other hand, there are recruiters out there, who'd see listing your stay-at-home experience as "unprofessional" and "childish".

Still, confused about what you should do?

It's your professional narrative - own up to your experience.

If including your stay-at-home work makes sense to you (and the job) - include it as part of your history.

Start off by selecting a catchy, like "House CEO/ COO", "Chief Home Officer", or "Career Sabbatical to Take Care of Children".

Within your experience bullets, don't just copy-paste your chores list. Instead, focus on relevant transferrable skills and results.

Emphasize just how productive you were with key skills and experience:

• What software helped you to stay on track with at-home tasks?
• If there were conflicts at home, how did you resolve them?
• Did you get to practice your Excel formulas with your household budget?

A recruiter looking over your experience section should understand how this has helped you grow as a professional.

What else should be a part of your stay-at-home parent experience section?

While managing your household, did you complete any temp , contract , or freelance work?

Or, perhaps, you volunteered ?

If it's relevant to the role and shows how you've put your skills into practice, definitely include these types of experiences in this resume section.

Don't forget to list the jobs you had, before you became a parent. Use them to highlight your achievements, advert keywords , and just how valuable you were to past employers.

How to write the experience bullets of your stay-at-home parent resume:

• • Developed and managed a comprehensive household budget with Excel, tracking expenses and ensuring adherence to financial goals, resulting in effective spending management and increased financial stability for the family
• • Designed and implemented a custom financial model that projected future expenses, leading to a 65% improvement in family liquidity
• • Provided expert financial guidance to 6 moms, offering strategic advice on family budgeting during the cost-of-living crisis
• • Assisted 10 families in implementing budgeting techniques and making smarter financial choices, resulting in improved financial well-being and increased savings for their households

Supplement your stay-at-home-parent experience with a cover letter

Your stay-at-home parent resume may need a couple more details and explanations. The cover letter is precisely that instrument to complete your experience and fill in the blanks.

By aiming to make a more personalized connection with the recruiter, the cover letter should ultimately answer why you're the perfect candidate and highlight:

• your skillset;
• the reason you’re applying;
• your career objectives.

Your cover letter should be clear and concise, tailored to the job and company you’re applying for.

It may come as a shock, but a lot of the skills you use in your day-to-day (to take care of your family) are incredibly transferrable to the workplace.

But how do you market that, over the past few years, 20:30 bedtime has become the sole creed at your house?

Skills can make your experience gap seem less glaring and, ultimately, show why you are a great candidate.

So, first, review the job description for three-to-seven must-have skills that align with your experience.

From there, you could build a skills section to include soft skills (or people skills) and hard skills (or technology and software proficiencies).

Demonstrate how you've mastered your skills in the past with the Accomplishments, Strengths, and/or Dedicated Technical Skills Sections.

15 Popular stay-at-home parent transferrable skills:

Use your academic background to show you have the relevant know-how for the role.

The education section should include all higher education degrees you have, the institutions that awarded them, and your start-graduation dates. If you're in the process of getting your diploma, list it with the expected graduation date .

Prioritize the education section, if you've pursued a degree during your work “sabbatical”. This way, you'd explain that during your stay-at-home parenting experience, you've been busy.

The same goes for courses, workshops, and certifications . They show your commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends.

Fill in the gap of your stay-at-home parent experience with additional resume sections.

Always select the most relevant ones to the job and to your professional narrative.

• Volunteer - showcase how you have supported the community (e.g. fundraisers, charity drives). When talking about your volunteer experience, always note the outcomes.
• Projects - include self-projects you've done to learn a new skill (e.g. graphic design or debugging). Also, make sure to paste a link to them in the resume header .
• Interests and hobbies - select ones that are impressive and tie back to the job you're applying for. You could curate those via the My Time section or, if you're an ardent book reader, include your top literary picks.

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Article • 8 min read

Putting Your Parenting Skills to Work

Unlocking your transferable skills.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Ken's interviewing for a new salesperson. As he reads through Casey's list of skills, he's dazzled: time management, conflict resolution, leadership, resilience, and patience, to name a few. "Wow, that is a very impressive résumé, Casey. Where did you pick up all of these skills?"

"Oh, I'm a mom!" replies Casey proudly.

As Casey's résumé demonstrates, parents have a lot of valuable skills to bring to work. But parents often downplay them and, sadly, employers can fail to appreciate them . [1]

Yet research shows that these "hidden" abilities can enrich your résumé, and help you to get ahead at work when they are recognized by good employers. [2]

In this article, we'll help you to identify and "sell" your transferable parenting skills, whether you're already working or preparing for a return to work.

10 Parenting Skills You Can Bring to Work

What skills have you developed through parenting?

They might not be immediately obvious; they're just "what you do" as a mom or dad. So, here are 10 ideas to get you started.

This list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to add to it, or swap out our suggestions for other skills that you've developed as a parent.

1. Resilience

Parents have to deal with ever-changing and sometimes very challenging situations. But they have to keep going, no matter what.

This resilience , along with the ability to stay calm, to problem-solve, and to "roll with the punches" at home, is essential at work, too. Being comfortable dealing with turbulence and change is a vital skill in fast-moving workplaces.

2. Patience

Patience is about taking a step back to assess a situation properly, even when you're under pressure. Whether the kids are learning to ride a bike, or deciding what they want for dessert, parents know that some things just can't be rushed!

Patience is invaluable in the workplace. For example, you need it when co-workers are learning something new, or when you're gathering information to make an important decision. Patience helps to ensure that things are done right, rather than fast.

3. Clear Communication

When your child is about to run across a busy road, or needs a confidence boost two minutes before a test, you can't let words go to waste.

Your well-honed communication skills will go a long way at work. When you're able to express clearly what you want and need, as well as really listen to others, it will likely result in far fewer misunderstandings. This helps to ensure that things are done right first time.

4. Persuasion

Think about how you encourage your kids to put on their shoes, do their homework, or go to bed. It's all about persuasion and negotiation.

These are skills that most people use every day at work. And your ability to be clear about what you want, how long it will take, and the benefits of doing it, will help to win over co-workers and clients alike.

5. Time Management

When you've got just 10 minutes to pack a lunch for your kids, get them out the door, and drive to work, you become very efficient!

Your ability to schedule, prioritize, and manage your time effectively will translate directly to your work. You know what needs to happen and when, and you can efficiently plan your time to get things done – all things that bosses love!

Conduct a time audit to take stock of the time management skills you didn't know you had.

6. Leadership

Your kids look to you for leadership and guidance – even if they don't always admit it. You're their main role model: you motivate and inspire them, and provide them with a pathway to success. This all takes determination, passion, and commitment, which are valuable leadership skills.

Your team members are often motivated by the same things as your kids: recognition, praise and belonging. Draw inspiration from your leadership and decision making skills at home, to support and nurture those people at work who would benefit from your knowledge and experience.

7. Crisis Management

What's the biggest crisis you've faced as a parent? Perhaps it was the time you had to rush your child to the emergency room after an injury. Or when they got in serious trouble at school. When dealing with this crisis you did what you had to do, all while trying to keep a lid on your own rising sense of panic and fear.

The experiences that have tested you most as a parent have likely also equipped you to deal with workplace crises . Your ability to stay calm as you assess a situation, identify your resources, and decide a course of action, will be a huge advantage to you and your organization when challenges arise.

8. Creativity

Imaginative parents understand that empty cereal boxes can be transformed into spaceships, and bed sheets into pirate dens. It's all about looking at things differently.

This fresh, imaginative take on pressing problems might yield new solutions in your work. Your innovative thinking could help your products or services to evolve from the ordinary to the extraordinary!

9. Project Management

Whether it's organizing a child's birthday party, or designing and building a treehouse, project management is a key parenting skill.

It's also a crucial workplace skill, of course. Your ability to complete projects on schedule and within budget, and to juggle multiple people, deadlines, tasks, and responsibilities, can be an enormous asset to any team or organization.

10. Accountability

The buck stops with you when you're caring for your kids. Ultimately, you take full responsibility for their health and their well-being.

As a parent, you know how important it is to take responsibility. Being accountable for your time, your work, your team, your decisions, and countless other aspects of your working life, will be second nature to you already.

How to Sell Your Parenting Skills to Employers

Be proud of your parenting skills!

"Toot your own horn" when discussing your parenting skills with potential employers. Identify concrete examples of when you've used these skills, and how they relate to the role that you're applying for.

Also, don't forget to highlight any voluntary activities that you've taken part in. For example, school fundraisers that you organized, parent newsletters that you edited, or kids' clubs that you got involved with. And include the skills that you learned or used during these projects.

Remember, while you might see yourself as "just a mom or dad," in reality, you're a leader, peacemaker, homemaker, chef, nurse, project manager, judge, and jury! Managing a team is likely a piece of cake compared to being a parent!

Many of the skills that you learn as a parent are hugely valuable in the workplace. Don't allow these "hidden" skills to be overlooked by employers as you progress in your career.

Your transferable parenting skills could include:

• Resilience.
• Clear Communication.
• Persuasion.
• Time Management.
• Leadership.
• Crisis Management.
• Creativity.
• Project Management.
• Accountability.

But there are also many more, so take some time to really reflect on what you've learned as a parent. Highlight these skills on your résumé, with relevant examples, to really "sell" them.

[1] Weisshaar, K. (2018). 'Stay-at-Home Moms Are Half as Likely to Get a Job Interview as Moms Who Got Laid Off,' Harvard Business Review [online]. Available here .

[2] Erkut, S. (2006). Leadership: What's Motherhood Got to Do With It? Working Paper Series [online]. Wellesley Centers for Women. Available here . [Accessed October 3, 2018.]

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12 parenting skills to improve

8 ways to improve parenting skills, be the best parent you can be.

Parenting is a whirlwind.

No matter what kind of parent you are, raising kids is just as challenging as it is rewarding. Bringing up a child who’s kind, confident, and strong enough to face the world takes work — and much of that work comes from you. 

As a parent, you’re your child’s first role model. Kids observe everything and learn their first lessons about the world and how they should behave from you. Many parents recognize this and strive to use a parenting style that teaches their children without disrespecting them.

Investing in your parenting skills helps you and your children grow together. Here are a few qualities you can model to help your kids become the emotionally intelligent , well-rounded people you want them to be. 

Learning how to be a better parent is a top priority for moms, dads, and caregivers worldwide. But resources are lacking. Research from ZERO TO THREE, a non-profit studying early childhood, shows that 54% of parents want more information about raising kids . 

There’s also a growing push among parents to approach the process differently from their upbringing. According to a report from the Pew Research Center, nearly half of parents say they aim to raise their kids differently than their parents did . And the movement toward gentle or mindful parenting in recent years asks parents to notice how they interact with their children and always respond with respect and positivity. 

Needless to say, parenting is complex. But whether you’re a gentle parent or follow a different leadership style, you can work to become a better parent by honing the following skills. 

1. Communication

Being a parent involves constant communication. In the toddler days, that communication might look like, “Don’t touch that!” or “Don’t eat that!” And when your kids get older, those common phrases might become, “Be home by 9!” and “Make good choices!”

Regardless of how old your kids are, developing strong communication skills early on will make the parenthood road easier and more effective. Use age-appropriate language that approaches instruction with fairness and an open mind. It’s not always easy to respond to behavior with calm , clear language, but a positive relationship starts with communication.

2. Active listening

Many children love to talk. They want to tell you about their toys, the bug they saw at the park, and a million other thoughts that enter their growing minds. 

As a parent, these early years are a perfect time to practice active listening and show your kids you care about what they have to say. And the more you practice this skill, you’ll teach your kids they can come to you with anything — which is especially important as they get older and have bigger problems. 

As an adult, it’s easy to forget the challenges of being a child. And when they don’t listen to your instruction or start throwing a tantrum, frustration grows. 

But children’s brains continue to develop until their mid-to-late 20s , so they don’t always have the ability to do what you ask. Additionally, they don’t finish forming the part of their brain responsible for emotional regulation until they’re eight or nine . Approaching children with empathy and compassion allows their minds to develop without extra pressure or confusion. 

4. Education

As a parent, you’re likely your child’s first teacher. You teach them to eat, walk, and talk long before they enter formal education. And even when kids start school, you still teach them by helping with homework and encouraging positive behaviors . 

Studying different education and coaching skills can help you find the best method for teaching your kids and helping them start their academic careers. It’s also a good practice to research learning styles and discover which one suits your child. That way, you can give them the specific tools they need to succeed.

5. Giving praise

Research shows that parental praise builds resilience and self-esteem . In fact, vague praise like a thumbs-up is actually more beneficial than specific praise because it doesn’t link a child’s good work to a trait like intelligence. Ambiguous praise brings less pressure and gives kids more space to improve. 

As a parent, you should strive to be your child’s cheerleader, showering them with compliments and helping them develop self-love . But it’s also important to do so thoughtfully and intentionally so they have room to grow and don’t feel pressure to perform.

6. Conflict resolution

A child’s world has more conflict than you might think, from parental rules to playground spats. If you want your kid to navigate childhood — and adulthood — successfully, they should understand the basics of conflict resolution . 

Teach them this vital skill by talking them through disagreements with others, like you or their siblings, and by modeling effective conflict resolution in your own life. Kids are sponges, and showing them how to behave is often more effective than telling them.

Learning how to be a good parent usually starts with keeping your little one safe. You babyproof the house, learn how to hold them properly, and watch them like a hawk to make sure they’re doing well and out of harm’s way. This is a critical part of good parenting, but how can you be sure your child will stay safe when you’re not around? 

Brushing up on your safety basics and teaching them to your child can go a long way toward putting your mind at ease, especially if you’re a working parent . Show them how to communicate when they’re hurt and find a trusted adult in any situation. It’s difficult to think of worst-case scenarios, but prepping your child helps prevent them. 

8. Autonomy and independence

Effective parenting isn’t just about your role in your family’s happiness and health. Your children should also learn how to be independent and strong so they know how to navigate the “real world” when they become adults. 

Start by giving them responsibilities within your family. Young children can do simple tasks like picking up their toys or feeding family pets. And as you explore the world together, like taking the subway or going to the movies, explain the actions you’re taking so they understand what to do when they’re independent. 

9. Cooperation

Teamwork is a vital life skill that everyone needs to learn — especially if you want your child to work well with others at school and even in an office. One of the best ways for kids to learn teamwork skills is to start practicing them with you. 

Work together to complete household projects, schoolwork, and more to teach them what healthy collaboration and cooperation looks like. Couple your efforts with positive reinforcement, and you’ll watch your kids become expert team players in no time. 

10. Stress management

Children’s mental health has worsened since 2020, so much so that the American Academy of Pediatrics has deemed it a national crisis . With this in mind, some of the most important advice for parents is to teach kids how to healthily manage stress and communicate their feelings . 

Social media , bullying, and more significantly strain today’s children. They can handle it effectively, and become stronger, if they have some great stress management techniques in their emotional toolkits. And it sets the tone for their future emotional regulation skills.

11. Life skills

No list of tips on parenting would is complete without the obvious: teach your kids practical life skills . They’ll eventually leave home and live on their own, and when they do, they’ll need to know how to do their laundry, cook their meals, and do all the other tasks that are part of daily living.

It’s also essential to help your kids develop problem-solving strategies and other soft skills they’ll need for success in the adult world.

12. Patience

It’s nearly impossible to overstate the importance of patience in life . People need patience to get through everything from waiting at their local coffee shop to getting a test result from the doctor. Teach your children to be patient when they’re young, and show patience when you interact with them. It’s a skill that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

The skills above can help your kids live happy, healthy, and successful lives — but the learning has to start with you. By managing your emotions and behavior with conscious parenting , you’ll model healthy skill development and encourage your kids to be their best selves . 

Here’s some parental advice to help you (and your kids) gain these valuable skills:

1. Boost self-esteem 

Invest time in building your child’s self-esteem. Kids today have plenty of voices ready to tear them down, from societal beauty standards to bullies online. Make sure your children know that you’re their biggest fan and their constant supporter — and that, most importantly, they should stop comparing themselves to others . 

Model great self-esteem by boosting your own and avoiding negative self-talk . Before long, everyone in your home will feel better about themselves.

2. Recognize the good in your kids

Every kid misbehaves sometimes, but that doesn’t mean they intend to. Remember, a child’s brain doesn’t develop all at once. Emotional regulation takes time, as does understanding right and wrong. 

Giving your kids a time-out when they shout, hit, or throw toys might help change the child’s behavior at the moment, but take a moment to reflect and understand why they made that choice. In most cases, your child tries their best to be good.

3. Set limits

It’s natural to give kids limits to keep them safe. Parental guidelines keep them away from electrical outlets, foods they’re allergic to, and much more. But setting boundaries with your child doesn’t have to stop with telling them what not to do. 

Setting boundaries for yourself is also good practice. In fact, learning how to say no to your kids when you’re busy or tired teaches them patience and how to advocate for their needs.

4. Spend quality time with your kids

Spending quality time with your family with a game night, a weekend excursion, or a walk around the neighborhood helps kids practice social skills and build healthy relationships with their parents, siblings, and other relatives. If you and the rest of your family are tired, a quiet movie night does the trick too.

5. Communicate openly

Good parenting skills start with good communication. The more you talk to your children, the more likely they will be to talk to you. 

Keep an open dialogue with your kids about family dynamics, responsibilities, and their place in the world. When they ask questions , give them eye contact and answer as best you can, keeping their developmental level and your availability in mind. It sets the tone for communication in all parts of their lives.

6. Be flexible and open-minded

There’s one thing you can predict about raising kids: it’s unpredictable. Kids might get sick, feel overtired, or tell you they need help with a huge science project the night before it’s due. 

As a parent, your job is to remain flexible and ready to help your kids manage the situation as best they can. Sometimes, this means skipping a playdate to take a nap.

Other times, it means helping them learn effective project management and the consequences of procrastination . But as long as you approach the situation with a growth mindset and a willingness to help your child grow, you can handle anything.

7. Regulate your emotions

It’s important to teach your kids life skills, but it’s equally important to be a good role model and practice these skills in your life, too. Children watch everything, and if your parenting philosophy is “Do as I say, not as I do,” they will notice. 

Children mimic their parents from a young age , so show them how to behave. Practice using self-control and techniques like deep breathing or meditation to manage your emotions healthily, and your children will be more inclined to do the same. 

8. Offer unconditional love

Your child needs food, entertainment, and more on a day-to-day basis. But one thing your child needs most of all is your love. That’s why the most important parenting tip is to ensure your child knows that you love them all the time: bad or good behavior, happy or sad, winner or loser. If you’re a constant source of love and support, your kids will walk through the world a little bit bolder. 

Learning parenting skills isn’t easy, and there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. But trying is the best place to start. If you put in the effort to learn how to better yourself — through journaling, parent coaching , or any other technique — your whole family will see benefits that last for generations.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

What’s positive parenting? 10 tips for navigating parenthood

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48 Valuable Mom Skills for Your Resume

Inside: Mom skills to include on your resume as you return to work outside of the home or make a career change. Download your free transferable skills list.

♫ Time management, multitasking, prioritization. These are a few of my mom transferable skills. ♫

(If you didn’t sing that in “ My Favorite Things ” tune from The Sound of Music please go back and try it again.)

Let’s Hear It For the Moms

I’m a mom, and you know that already because I talk about it ALL the time.

I talk about it all of the time because I’m a mom all of the time and it’s a central part of who I am. It’s even listed on my LinkedIn profile!

While some people might look at my LinkedIn header and think that “Mom” is a weird thing to put in a professional bio, I don’t think it’s weird at all. In fact, I think it’s the most important title on the list.

That’s not just because my kids are my everything, because they are (and I know yours are too), but because the skills I have gained since becoming a mom relate directly to my professional life.

My mom transferable skills are a perk of motherhood I never expected. I know I would figure out how to change a diaper , or choose an appropriate soccer team snack , or make a Halloween craft out of a potato . But I didn’t expect that my career would take off in a new and amazing direction after my kids started teaching me all kinds of critical lessons .

What Are Transferable Skills?

Before we get into the specific list of working mom and stay-at-home mom transferable skills, you might be wondering what transferable skills are. I mean you know you’ve got mad skillz, but which of those skills are transferrable to different types of work and why?

A transferable skill is a skill you have acquired that can be used in a different job not directly related to your current role. While customer service and teaching are different jobs, being a good listener is an important skill for both roles. Another example, a marketing manager and a painter. On the surface the roles are different, but creativity is going to serve you well in both positions.

Transferable skills come into play when you’re on the job, but also in how you pitch yourself in your resume, cover letter, networking conversations, and interviews. You talk about not just what you’ve done, but why you’re good at it and how those skills would serve your next employer.

Working Mom and Stay-at-Home Mom Transferable Skills List

Motherhood looks different to everyone, and your career path might not look a thing like mine. But I’m still going to encourage you to look at this list of mom transferrable skills and think about which ones ring true to your life.

Then you can download the transferable skills list to help you further flesh out which skills are related to your goals and experience. There are so many skills (skills on skills on skills) and I’m willing to bet you’re going to leave this article feeling pretty darn good about everything you bring to the professional world.

Time Management

Before having kids I watched an insane amount of television. I didn’t recognize it as such at the time, but looking back at it now I had multiple shows I would want to watch each night, and a full DVR.

After the kids were born, I quickly realized that TV time was going to dwindle. Soon I didn’t miss the hours spent lounging on the couch and found that I was more productive with my time. On the weekends I was on the move so much with the kids that I wanted to stay on the move. A body in motion stays in motion! That’s how I was able to find the time to start my business as a side hustle, I kept on moving and used my time efficiently.

Think about how you have learned to manage your time as a parent. Think about how much you manage to accomplish in a day! That type of efficiency is crazy valuable in the workplace, in any type of role. While I feel kind of gross saying this, time is money.

Multitasking

As I type this sentence there is a load of laundry in the wash, I’m standing at the counter instead of sitting for health purposes, and the Instacart shopper is texting me about brown eggs or white eggs.

I’m a big fan of time blocking to get things done, but as a mom I also know how and when to multitask. Throw a bunch of different projects at me at one time and I’m going to juggle them all. That’s what I do at home, so that’s what I do at the office.

The word “multitask” can have a negative connotation because it can imply lack of focus. But the skill itself is valuable. So I’d recommend wording this one as “ability to effectively handle multiple projects.” This skill is particularly valuable for small businesses, event planning, and childcare, to name just a few.

Prioritization

Closely related to multitasking is the ability to prioritize.

On any given day as a mom, I have to decide which of the many things that need to be done is the most important. Do I do the dishes right now or play Hungry, Hungry, Hippos? It’s not always the dishes, and it’s not always the hippos. It is dependent on the day and the needs of my family, and my own sanity.

In the office, if you are good at prioritization then you will be able to make progress towards your goals and the company’s goals. You know how to evaluate a situation while also keeping in mind the bigger picture, or mission of the organization.

I will always want someone who knows how to prioritize effectively on my team because I know they will do the most important work first, and pivot when it becomes clear the most important work has changed. Think about how important this is in any business setting, but particularly a small company or nonprofit with a lot of goals and limited resources.

Last night my three-year-old lost her ever-loving mind because she had to go to bed before finishing reading a book. She was jumping around instead of listening to the story, and we gave her several chances to pull it together and chill out before bed. She didn’t, so she lost the privilege.

In my mind, this is just life. She’ll read more of the book tomorrow, clearly, she needed some sleep, and there are consequences to your actions. However, to her, it was like I had sucked all the joy, happiness, and fruit snacks out of her life forever.

But I had a choice. I could yell, or I could hug her and empathize. I chose the latter, and she was able to calm down.

If you can empathize with people, then they will trust you, feel supported by you, and want to work with you to try to solve the problem. This mom transferable skill comes in handy, nay it’s critical, in any service-based role but becomes particularly relevant in management, medicine, nonprofit work, and education.

My five-year-old had a bad dream the other night and crawled into bed with us. I asked him the next morning what his bad dream was about and he said he didn’t want to talk about it.

I could have let it go, but I know my kid. He’s a talker. So I explained that sometimes it helps to talk about our feelings, and if he feels uncomfortable he can draw them. (Quite honestly, I got that tidbit from walking too much Law & Order SVU in college.)

He started to draw, and then he began to explain his drawing and tell me about his dream. Turns out he had overheard something Glen and I were talking about from the news and it had him concerned. So I listened intently to his words and his nonverbals, and we worked through it together.

Becoming a parent has taught me to listen in a whole new way. More intently, listening between the words, with a new sense of focus. Deep listening is an important skill in so many fields including coaching, medicine, education, and sales.

Communication

I’ve been a writer in some capacity my whole life. I wrote poems and stories as a kid, crafted essay upon essay in high school and college, and have always loved creating the perfect picture caption. But I didn’t dive deeply into writing until after my kids were born.

My kids sparked new levels of creativity in me, gave me a treasure trove of topics to think about, and helped me learn how to tell a good story. Read a few hundred children’s books and you’ll pick up a thing or two.

My kids have helped me hone my communication skills by making me more imaginative and clear. They’ve pushed me to explore this craft because I want to model following your dreams. I’m getting a touch emotional right now because this skill is a mom transferable skill with a capital MOM.

Communication skills are critical for writers, marketers, business owners, educators, and managers across sectors. I bet your kids have helped you build your skills in this area as well, in your own way!

Problem Solving

Remember the story about how I had problem-solved my way out of a tricky potty training situation at a minor league ballpark ?

That required quick thinking, logic, strength, negotiation skills, and determination. I problem solved that bad boy like WOAH. I won’t retell the whole story right now, but you can find it here . Plus there is a link to Chariots of Fire on that post because it requires a soundtrack. Enjoy!

Think about the number of problems you solve on a daily basis. From figuring out how to get your kids to eat their dinner, to resolving sibling arguments, to managing your work time/sick kid at home time/grocery shopping time. You figure it out, individually and with teammates.

Problem solvers make the world go round. In operations, event planning, healthcare, manufacturing, management, real estate, childcare, education, hospitality, consulting, finance, etc, etc, etc. The world needs problem solvers, and you’re a problem solver.

I’ve held a lot of leadership roles in my life, but none quite like being a mother. As a Class President, nothing was going to fall to pieces if I didn’t execute the Student-Faculty Basketball game to perfection. As a manager, if I made a mistake and hired the wrong person, the world would go on.

But as a mother, if I screw up this leadership position, well we’re going to be in trouble. My kids need me to lead by example, to motivate them, to support them, and to help them become the best versions of themselves. Talk about pressure, right?

Your leadership capacity has grown tenfold since becoming a mother, I’m quite sure of that. This mom transferable skill that you bring from the playground to the boardroom is one that will take you as far as you want to go in your career. You have developed the ability to truly understand people (small people you may have birthed), and what makes them tick. From that, you’ve honed in how to help them grow.

That’s leadership. You know who needs leaders? Everybody.

In my post on creativity , I talked about how my kids like when Glen and I make up stories for them. They love a good Dr. Seuss rhyme, but what they love even more is a story that is uniquely theirs from our brains.

They have pushed me to think creatively about storylines, they have pushed me to be open to possibilities, they have pushed me to ask more questions and be crazy curious. These little ones have made me more creative than I could ever have imagined possible!

I know sometimes you feel like your brain is fried as a mom; me too. But if you take a minute to reflect on the activities you engage in with your kids, I think you’ll find that you are pretty darn creative! Take that creativity with you to help solve problems, come up with new ideas, or be artistic. In any sort of design field, in entrepreneurship, in writing, in entertainment – that creativity will propel you forward.

My brother and sister-in-law gave me a shirt for my birthday last year that says Mama Bear. It’s a great shirt, both for the cozy material and the message that speaks directly to my heart.

I will go to bat for these kids, any day, every day, and twice on Sunday. I want them to learn to stick up for themselves too, and we talk a lot about using our words and making good choices, but at the end of the day, I’m still the Mama Bear.

There have been times I’ve called preschool to discuss issues or stood up to family members when their words or actions were impacting my children. I won’t hesitate to advocate for my kid and let my voice be heard while they are finding their own.

I know mothers who have kids with health concerns or learning differences that advocate for their kids every single day. Through IEP meetings and doctor’s office visits, with specialists and with other parents. They stand up for their kids backed by hours of late-night research and second opinions.

Advocating like that? That not only takes guts and determination, but it’s a well-earned mom transferable skill. Think about how you could translate that ability into the workforce, in the legal setting, working on behalf of victims, in government, in nonprofit, in education. The list goes on! The world needs you!

Your Mom Transferable Skills List

Have you identified the working mom and stay at home mom transferable skills that you bring to the table?

Take some time now and reflect on these skills, and the other ideas that come to mind based on your individual experience, and create your own list. I bet your skills list will fill up quite nicely, because well, you’re amazing!

Still a little stuck? Download the transferable mom skills list (including 48 different skills you may have gained through parenthood, education, and your career) to help you think through what skills you bring to the table.

Then it will be time to show off those skills! Keep on reading and learn more about writing a resume summary that incorporates your top skills.

And if all this resume talk has you thinking, “Gosh, I don’t know what I WANT to do next in my career!” I have you covered. Check out the free How to Land a Fulfilling Job You Love Without Giving Up the Flexibility You Need training.

Read More on Resumes:

Download Your Free Resume Template

The Resume Sections You Need to Take Your Resume from “Meh” to “We Need to Meet Her!”

How to Write a Killer Cover Letter

Becca Carnahan is a Career Coach, author, and mom of two. Her company, Next Chapter Careers, specializes in helping mid-career parents land fulfilling jobs they love without giving up the flexibility they need.

Becca trained as a career coach at Harvard Business School and has 16 years of experience in the career and professional development field. Find her sharing elder Millennial laughs and career advice on her podcast and in her book both named When Mommy Grows Up!

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21+ Tips For Stay-at-Home Parents Returning To Work

Returning to work after being a stay-at-home parent can be intimidating.

The concerns are multifaceted: from fears of that employment gap on your resume to worries about outdated skills or balancing career demands with familial commitments.

Being a parent feels like a full-time job, and these worries may even escalate and cause stay-at-home parents to question their readiness to join the workforce.

Well, what if we told you there’s no reason to worry about any of that?

This article provides a comprehensive guide with strategies for stay-at-home parents returning to work, including:

• 3 Things to Consider When Starting Your Job Hunt
• 7 Job-Search Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents
• 3 Job Interview Tips

10 Resume Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents

And more. Let’s dive in!

3 Things To Consider When Starting Your Job Hunt

You’ve spent years taking care of your family, and you’re finally ready to start climbing that career ladder again.

There’s only one problem - you’re not sure where to start.

Don’t fret, though.

This is a completely normal experience for many parents who are getting back on their working feet after spending time as caretakers.

Here are the most important things to consider when you start looking for a job:

#1. What is your availability?

Being a full-time parent and a full-time employee is tough. 

If you’re the only person taking care of the kids, you might want to consider other options. Depending on your exact availability, a part-time or freelance position might be a better fit.

On the other hand, you might want to skip the commute to the office entirely. Thankfully, there are plenty of remote jobs that are a great career fit for stay-at-home parents .

#2. What field do you want to work in?

Having a child is a life-changing experience, so it may happen that you change along with it.

It’s very common for parents to end up changing their career aspirations completely.

Maybe you were a talented web developer but now you’re inspired to pursue your passion for teaching . Thankfully, one of the best times for a career change is right after parental leave.

Your resume already has a gap, and you can take any extra time you need to gain skills and certifications for the industry you want.

If you’re not sure what you want to do for a living, taking a career aptitude test can help you find out.

#3. What are your career goals?

Think about your exact reason for wanting a job again.

Going back out into the workforce can be a necessity for most parents, so we understand the financial goal may come above all else. But there are still some underlining things to consider when starting the search for your next job.

Are you ready to start climbing up the corporate ladder and dedicate yourself to your career? Or would you rather have a less demanding but stable position?

If your goal isn’t financial, consider your motivations.

Do you want to pursue a passion or get back into a routine outside of the home?

Whatever your goals might be, it might be worth really thinking them through.

7 Job-Search Tips For Stay-at-Home Parents

Going on your first job hunt in years can feel harrowing. And as a stay-at-home parent, you might feel especially unprepared.

Thankfully, we’ve put together this list of tips to help you land your next gig!

#1. Plan ahead

Easing your way back into work isn’t all that easy.

Now that you’ve decided you’re going back out into the workforce, start by making a plan.

Ask yourself some of the following questions to get the ball rolling:

• Do I have the skills or qualifications for the career I want?
• What are the needs I can’t compromise on for a job?
• Can someone watch my kids while I go to interviews?
• How can I maintain a work-life balance?

Depending on your situation, your bounce back to work might require more time than anticipated. But the more detailed the plan you make, the easier it’ll be to transition back into the workplace.

#2. Gain new skills and experience

Being a parent opens you up to a world of skills and experiences you never could have imagined.

You’re now an experienced multitasker, household manager, and champion of endurance. However, not all of those skills should be at the forefront of your job search.

The career you have your sights set on might require important skills you don’t have yet. So why not go get them?

For example, if you’re a former florist and you’re interested in pursuing a job as a UX designer, you’ll need a few months to gain the necessary knowledge, and then build a portfolio.

Depending on the length of your unemployment and specific field, you might need to gain new professional credentials or certifications.

Start by checking out your local libraries and community centers, since they’re likely to offer free educational resources. If you need new qualifications, consider taking classes at your local community college or an online course.

Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable experience. In addition to being good for your health , your contribution to a cause or organization can be in line with your professional goals.

For example, if you want to volunteer at an animal shelter but you need experience as a UX designer, you can offer to revamp their website.

If need to start work as soon as possible, look into companies that offer returnships. Sometimes referred to as “adult internships”, these are paid roles catered to candidates returning to the workforce.

Returnships are often part of programs that can lead to full-time employment and are a great way to get back on your working feet.

#3. Refresh your social media profiles

Social media has integrated itself deeply into our lives, and it can affect your professional life just as it can your personal one.

It may come as no surprise to you that you can even get hired using social media . Just be sure to clean up your online presence, so that everything that comes up when your name is looked up is presentable.

Depending on your area of interest, you might want to focus on professional social media like LinkedIn. If you don’t have a profile there, sign up. This enables recruiters to reach out to you for positions that you’d be a good fit for.

If you’re part of a creative field, prepare a portfolio you can show when applying. A personal website is the best choice but if you already have a dedicated Instagram page, that could work just as well.

#4. Leverage your network

Your networking skills can help in your job hunt.

Connect with other stay-at-home parents returning to work so you have a support group and a source of inspiration for those days you feel overwhelmed by your task.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the field you’re interested in, and reach out to any contacts who might be able to help you. Before you start aiming for specific positions, get to know people in the industry.

Consider attending local networking events and asking questions. This way, once you start your job search in earnest, you might even get a referral.

If your network is too limited, now is the time to expand. Seek out groups related to your professional interests on social media and join them to connect with like-minded professionals.

For example, if you’re an interior designer looking to get back into the game, you can seek out online communities related to interior design, furniture, home renovation, and architecture. You can bring yourself up to speed on how the field has been while you were away, and what tools are in vogue.

#5. Stay patient and positive

There’s no quick fix to finding a job after being a stay-at-home parent.

Your career journey might take weeks or months. Finding the right position that fits your family’s needs and your career goals can take time.

Whether you get a callback or an interview, keep looking for opportunities and submitting your application for positions.

Don’t measure your worth based on how long your job hunt takes. One small way you can encourage yourself is to change the way you talk about your career.

For example, instead of saying “I’m trying to be a graphic designer”, say “I am a graphic designer”.

This change of mindset can boost your confidence and make navigating the job market a little easier.

#6. Practice your schedule

After spending years outside the workforce, it’s safe to safe your routine has changed.

As a stay-at-home parent, your schedule was likely based on the needs of your family. This is why it can be challenging when you try and transition back into the workplace and follow a different routine.

To help structure your time more efficiently, try adjusting your life as a stay-at-home parent to a work schedule.

For example, try getting up at the time you would for work. Set aside a specific time of day for job-searching, networking, and other career-related activities.

By regulating activities to certain hours, you improve your time management skills , learn to accomplish more in less time, and make the eventual change to a workplace that much easier.

#7. Find a balance

At the beginning of your return to the workplace, you might feel overwhelmed.

With so much going on at once, you might not be sure if you can handle it. Now is the time to rely on external support.

Leverage the help of family, friends, and community resources you have access to. Ask your partner to help with more chores or arrange a carpool so your friend takes the kids to school.

Parenting groups, after-school programs, and other local organizations can offer you other forms of support, such as guidance or other childcare solutions.

For each person, finding a work-life balance is unique and no one has a universal solution. You need to establish priorities, set boundaries, and manage expectations for everyone in your family to see what works for you.

The first step on your job hunt is knowing how to make a resume .

Here’s an example of a stay-at-home mom resume, created with our very own resume builder:

Before getting started with your job search, check out our detailed guide on how to update your resume after being a stay-at-home parent .

Or if you’re looking for the cliff notes, keep reading!

#1. Choose the best resume format

The most common resume format is the reverse-chronological resume format .

It makes it easy to follow achievements and career progression.

However, if you don’t have relevant experience for the job you’re aiming for, you might want to try the functional resume format . Also called the skills-based resume format, it focuses on your abilities rather than your employment history, so it’s ideal for parents trying to bring attention away from their employment gaps.

#2. Update your contact information

Make sure your contact information is updated and accurate. 

After all, how good your resume is won’t matter if the recruiter can’t call you because there’s a typo in your contact details.

The contact information on your resume should include:

• Full name - You can update this if you’ve changed your last name since the last time you were working.
• Title - Use the job title for the position you’re applying for, word for word.
• Phone number - Add a number that’s easiest to reach you on and double-check it’s correct. 
• Email address - Make sure the email address you provide on your resume is professional. ([email protected], not [email protected])
• Location - Your city and state or country are enough unless specified otherwise.

#3. Write a captivating resume summary or objective

Your resume’s header needs to catch the hiring manager’s attention and convince them to read the rest of your resume.

So how do you make it happen? By writing a great statement at the top of your resume.

Both a resume summary and resume objective are two-to-four-sentence-long paragraphs nested in your header, near your contact information. 

But that’s where their similarities end.

A resume summary is meant to recap your most notable professional achievements and it’s the best choice for someone reentering an industry they have professional experience in.

However, a resume objective might be more appropriate if you have large gaps in your employment or you’re going for a career change. 

The resume objective describes what you want to achieve and why you’re the right person for the position you’re applying for.

Learn more about resume objectives here .

#4. Describe your work experience

The work experience section does most of the legwork on your resume. So you want to make sure it’s spotless before sending in your application.

When describing your employment history, focus on achievements over responsibilities.

Provide the following information related to your work experience:

• Position name
• Company name
• Dates employed
• Responsibilities and achievements

#5. Explain the employment gap

Whatever you do, don’t ignore the employment gap on your resume.

Your employer will want to know what you’ve been doing up until your application and an unexplained employment gap in your resume is a major red flag.

To remedy this, treat your time as a stay-at-home parent like you would any other job description.

Focus on any acquired skills and achievements during your time as a stay-at-home parent and emphasize skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, during your time as a stay-at-home parent, maybe you volunteered at a local community center, charity, or even at your kids’ school. Any time spent organizing activities, fundraising, or tutoring local children can count towards your work experience.

However, don’t list your parenting-related duties, such as feeding, bathing, or otherwise taking care of your children.

While parenting is a full-time job, that specific set of skills is best left out of your resume, unless you’re applying for a position that requires it. For example, a kindergarten teacher or babysitter might need to highlight those skills, but a data analyst or a fitness instructor wouldn’t.

#6. Use action verbs

You need to make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Don’t blend in with the other candidates by saying you were “responsible for” this or that you’re a  “team player”.

These phrases are too generic and you’re not doing yourself any favors.

Instead, use powerful action words to make your achievements and responsibilities pop.

Try using verbs like:

• Orchestrated
• Implemented

#7. Mention your education

Your education section might play a key role if your work experience is lacking.

You should always use a reverse-chronological structure when listing education on your resume . Describe your most recent degree first, and go further back.

You should only list your high school degree if you don’t have a higher education, otherwise, it’s irrelevant.

In any case, you want to list the following:

• Qualification type , including the degree level and full name of the program
• Institution name , and optionally the location, if it’s not well-known.
• Years studied , though can also use a month/year formula if you prefer.
• Optional information , such as GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you think is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

If you’re currently enrolled in a university, you can follow the same formula. Just specify your education is ongoing when adding the years.

#8. Highlight your skills

Parents have skills that can help them just as well outside of the home.

And no, we don’t mean getting your kids to eat their vegetables, though that’s also admirable.

When filling in the skills section on your resume, make sure to analyze the description of the job ad that caught your attention. You should always tailor your resume to the specific job and look for keywords you can use.

Then, compare your experiences and abilities to the ones listed in the job. By doing this right, you’ll show the recruiter you’re the exact candidate they’re looking for.

Here are some of the top soft skills that most parents need both at home and in the workplace:

• Interpersonal skills
• Conflict resolution
• Time management
• Teamwork skills
• Endurance (being able to work long hours)

If you’re applying for an industry you’ve never worked in before, focus on transferable skills.

For example, if you’re looking to work as a receptionist but you only have experience as a cashier, there are plenty of skills that crossover between the two jobs. Focus on your communication skills and cash register know-how.

#9. Add optional sections

Once you’re done filling in the essential sections, your resume might have some room left over.

Instead of leaving that as empty white space, consider adding optional sections.

Here are some suggestions:

• Languages. Whether you’re applying to a local retailer or a large corporation, knowing a foreign language is impressive and can always improve your chances of getting an interview. Just make sure you’re honest about your proficiency.
• Awards and certifications. If you’ve received any professional awards or taken courses or seminars that are relevant to the job, make sure to add them.
• Hobbies and interests. How you spend your free time can give the recruiter insight into who you are. Your hobbies and interests can show them you’re the right cultural fit for the company, so it’s worth considering adding this section to your resume.

#10. Attach a cover letter

Knowing how to write a cover letter is still an essential part of the job search in 2024.

Writing a convincing cover letter lets you expand on your skills and experiences, and it makes you a more memorable candidate to the recruiter.

Your cover letter should include:

• Your personal contact information.
• The hiring manager and/or company’s contact information.
• An opening paragraph referencing the exact position you’re applying for.
• The body of your cover letter, which lets you elaborate on your skills, achievements, and motivation to join this specific company.
• A closing paragraph that concludes the key points and a call to action.
• And a formal closing statement, such as “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”.

Feeling overwhelmed? Have no fear- you can use a professional resume template to create your resume and cover letter in under 5 minutes with tips and advice in real-time.

3 Interview Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents

One of the final steps in your job hunt is the interview process and as a stay-at-home parent looking to get back into the workforce, you may face some unique challenges.

The gap in your employment already puts you at a disadvantage, so once you get a job interview, you have to do some more heavy lifting to land the position.

Here are some tips to help you along the way:

#1. Prepare for job interviews

Job interviews can be nerve-racking even for the most seasoned professionals.

Preparation is crucial to ensure you present yourself well, and to help manage your nerves both before and during the interview.

By anticipating and practicing responses to the most common questions and answers , you give yourself an advantage in any interview.

During job interviews, employers will ask behavioral questions to determine how efficiently you can manage your time, resolve conflicts and handle multiple responsibilities at once.

As a parent, you have these skills in abundance. You need to articulate them clearly and in a way that shows they’re valuable in the workplace. Consider what your strengths and weaknesses are, and be prepared to discuss them.

Give yourself an advantage during the interview by researching the company you’re applying to beforehand. This way you can structure your answers around their core values and company culture.

The interview is also a great time to address your employment gap and explain in detail what you’ve learned during your time away from the workforce.

Don’t treat that period of your life as a hiccup in your career. Instead, be very clear and upfront about it, and use it to highlight your motivation for the job and why you want to work there .

• During my time as a stay-at-home mother, I realized how passionate I am about functional interior design.

Then, after the interview, be sure to a send follow-up message.

Hiring managers love a polite thank-you email . While it shows you’re a well-mannered candidate, it also gives them a reminder of why you’re suited to the job and reiterates your interest in it.

#2. Beware of uncomfortable questions

Unfortunately, stay-at-home parents are sometimes faced with bias in the workplace. Your devotion to your family or career may be put into question.

It’s not all too uncommon for interviewers to ask personal questions, such as:

• Are you sure you can handle the hours?
• Do you really have to work or are you just sick of being at home?
• Who takes care of your children?
• How can you let someone else raise your kids?

There are several ways to deal with these questions but the first and most crucial step is to remain calm.

You can always choose to answer the question directly.

• Yes, I am. We hired a babysitter and everything’s already planned out.

In any case, questions of this sort are unprofessional and you don’t have to answer them unless you want to.

You can ask the interviewer how the question relates to your job duties, and redirect them back to the discussion at hand.

• How do you find time to cook or clean?
• I don’t see how that’s related to the position of a financial analyst.

Whether an interview includes these types of questions or not will give you valuable insight into the company’s culture and the treatment of its employees. Learning this from the interview could spare you from quitting the job down the line.

#3. Learn to negotiate

You’ve been away from the job market for years.

You’re worried your skills might be rusty, and you just finished your first interview. The company extended a job offer to you, and you’re not sure if the next job interview will be so successful.

The only problem? The salary is too low.

Now is not the time to sell yourself short.

You’ve taken your time preparing to jump back into work, so take the extra step and learn how to negotiate your salary .

So long as you do so respectfully, there’s no harm in aiming for a better deal for yourself.

And if they don’t budge, you can decline the job offer and move on to your next interview.

Key Takeaways

And those are our tips for stay-at-home parents returning to work!

Hopefully, now you feel confident taking your first steps back into the workforce.

But before you apply the tips we gave you, let’s summarize the key points:

• Going back into the workplace after being a stay-at-home parent can take time but with the right approach and patience, it’s achievable.
• Look into the best job to suit your needs according to your availability, career goals, and your family’s needs.
• With careful planning and a thoughtful approach, you can get back into a routine that lets you find that delicate work-life balance.
• And if you ever feel overwhelmed, be sure to rely on the support of your loved ones or your local community.

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8 Parental Skills To Add To Your Resume

On any given day you can find me scrambling to meet the ridiculously high standards of my toddler, who works me like a show pony. He wants me to make him breakfast, swaddle his stuffed animal, pick him up, and serve him juice, all at the same time. But before I can even process his whiney demands, he spews out another five. So you know what I do? Miraculously execute them all. Such competence was developed on the job and at this point, my juggling skills could put world renowned circus acts to shame. And they should…but no one knows they exist.

This lack of disclosure is practically a crime against parents everywhere. Mastery should be celebrated! Or in the very least, briefly accounted for on one’s resume along with all their other qualifications…

• Search and Rescue Operations: 99% success rate in recovering lost items, with focus on small toy cars.

• Anger Management Specialist with the ability to derail meltdowns through distraction, negotiation, and various counseling techniques.

• Certified M.O.M. (Master of Multitasking): Innate talent for identifying workload priorities to maximize overall productivity (and peace).

• Professional demeanor with the ability to maintain position of authority in the face of a hilarious and unapologetic colleague.

• Conflict Resolution Whizz: Vast experience in shutting shit down facilitating diplomatic conclusions to often nonsensical conflicts.

• Effective communicator; with emphasis on deciphering incoherent speech and body language translation.

• Enthusiastic Team Player: Possess round-the-clock fervor, even during mundane and repetitive tasks such as reading the same book and/or sitting through the same movie 12 times back to back.

• Possess high tolerance for unruly and often unforeseeable drama without taking misappropriated actions personal.

Though there’s a multitude of additional talents that have not been included in the aforementioned skills, I should note that I’ve intentionally left out a big one: the ability to withstand exposure to bodily fluids and excrements. I mean, a show pony can only put up with so much shit.

Related post: Three Year Olds Are The Same as Asshole Bosses

This article was originally published on Feb. 17, 2011

Does Parenthood Belong on Your Resume?

by Lori Mihalich-Levin | Dec 10, 2022 | Working Dad , Working Mom | 2 comments

I’m thrilled to have Michelle Travis as a guest on the Mindful Return blog today, to weigh in on these issues. Michelle is the author of both My Mom Has Two Jobs (a delightful children’s book) and Dads for Daughters: How Fathers Can Support Girls for a Successful, Happy, Feminist Future (this one’s for grown-ups).  As you’ll see, her unequivocal answer to these questions is “yes!”

************************************

It’s time for employers to recognize that parenting is work . Parenting is a labor of love, of course. But it’s also still work. In fact, parenting builds skills that transfer directly into the paid workforce. Yet many parents are understandably hesitant to put “Mom” or “Dad” on their professional resumes. Empowering them to do so—and understanding why this move is good for business—is crucial for advancing gender equity in the corporate world.

Why Moms Don’t “Out Themselves” at Work

Most employers still view an applicant’s period of exclusive parenting—particularly by women—as a problematic career gap that tarnishes a resume. A recent survey found that one in five hiring managers automatically rejects any candidate with a break from the paid labor force.

In a classic lose-lose scenario, parenting while also engaged in paid employment is often viewed even more negatively than a period of family leave.  Particularly for women.   Employers often assume that working moms are less committed to their paid jobs.  And also that they somehow become less competent and less intelligent after they reproduce.

These motherhood biases lead to real economic consequences.  And these economic consequences are what’s called “ the motherhood penalty .” When women become mothers, they tend to receive less pay, smaller raises, and fewer promotions than other employees. As a result, the gender wage gap for mothers is significantly larger than the gap for other women. A full-time working mom earns about 74 cents for every dollar paid to a full-time working dad.

So it’s not surprising that women engage in “ secret parenting .” How?  By concealing evidence of their motherhood status from their bosses, coworkers, and prospective employers. As a law professor, I often have female graduate students ask me about the negative consequences of “outing themselves” as parents during job interviews.  This is a question I rarely field from men.

Given this reality, why should women risk triggering damaging perceptions by actually highlighting their motherhood status on their resumes?

It’s because parenting is work .

It’s because employers’ perceptions of motherhood are inaccurate.

And it’s because these perceptions won’t be disrupted, if we don’t start attacking them head-on.

The Motherhood Skillset

In reality, motherhood hones critical skills that are in high demand in today’s workforce. Raising kids and running a family build exceptional project management, problem-solving, multi-tasking, crisis control, event planning, budgeting, and networking skills. Contrary to popular belief, being a mom makes an employee more strategic, organized, and efficient with her time.  Not less.

Motherhood is also a phenomenal leadership training ground. Being a mom requires expertise in people management. Conflict resolution. Negotiation. Collaboration. Communication. And teambuilding. Motherhood demands keen observation, active listening, and the ability to give effective feedback and mentoring. Two of the most important skills for today’s corporate leaders are empathy and adaptability .  These are the hallmarks of a successful mom .

Employers may not start making these connections, however, until women start putting “Mom” on their resumes.  That is, until resumes explicitly identify the relevant skills that motherhood hones. The HeyMama organization is spearheading this effort with its Motherhood On The Resume (MOTR) campaign.  The campaign recognizes the importance of valuing the skills that moms bring to their professional lives, “not in spite of being parents, but because of it.”

The more women who join this movement, the sooner we will disrupt the maternal biases that create barriers to women’s leadership advancement. Destigmatizing family leave and valuing parenting skills in the workplace will also ease the mental toll that comes from secret parenting. And it will foster more engaged employees, who are less prone to both actual and “ quiet ” quitting.

Empowering Moms on LinkedIn

LinkedIn recently took a step in (almost) the right direction. How? By adding a menu option for users when filling in the experience section of their online profiles. When adding an entry, users may now select “ career break ” instead of selecting only from a list of “positions.” The “career break” option enables a drop-down menu from which users may select various descriptions of how they used their time.  One of these options is “full-time parenting.”

While this new option should help normalize the non-linear progression of many women’s professional careers, it falls one step short. By categorizing a period of full-time parenting not as a “position,” but rather as a “career break ,” LinkedIn is inadvertently reinforcing the erroneous assumption that parenting is not work that builds transferable skills. Sixty-eight percent of women in a recent LinkedIn survey indicated a desire not just to identify periods that they’ve spent outside of the workforce, but to do so in a way that “highlight[s] skills learned.”

LinkedIn also doesn’t allow users to easily highlight parenting skill-building experience that takes place at the same time that one holds a paid position. A user can highlight their working-parent credential by including “Mom” in their LinkedIn headline. Yet that option depicts parenting more as a status description. Rather than a skilled endeavor that adds to one’s professional portfolio. A better option would be to enable the selection of “Mom” as a position to include in the experience section.  And to permit a time-period that may overlap with paid positions.

Why Dads Need to “Out Themselves” Too!

Despite the long-term benefits of regularly seeing “Mom” on professional resumes, taking this step will not be cost-free for many women in the short-run. For now, maternal discrimination is real. As a tenured professor who writes about gender equity, taking this step is far less risky for me. The same is true for women who are already in corporate leadership positions. So we need to lead by example. Putting “Mom” on our LinkedIn headlines and resumes will reduce the risk for other women, while also helping combat the secret parenting plague.

An even better way to reduce the risks for women who will be doing the heavy lifting to disrupt maternal bias is for men to start putting “Dad” on their resumes as well. Normalizing men as caregivers is an essential step toward valuing parenting skills. Men in positions of corporate leadership are uniquely well-positioned to disrupt our gender role norms, by becoming “ dadfluencers .”  That is, men who proudly display their caregiving credentials in their professional lives.

Many corporate male leaders have expressed a desire to become stronger allies for gender equity . But they often don’t know how to translate allyship into action. As long as women continue to shoulder the bulk of caregiving at home, they will always be viewed as second-class employees. So putting “Dad” on your resume—and leaning into co-equal parenting at home—is a powerful form of gender equity advocacy.

Regularly seeing “Dad” on professional resumes will not only support women in the workplace. It will also help men who want a healthier work/family balance. Many men report wanting to be more engaged fathers. They feel a lack of expertise , though. Just as normalizing “Mom” on resumes will help employers recognize that motherhood skills transfer to professional careers, normalizing “Dad” on resumes will help men recognize that their professional skills transfer to their parenting role.

As Stewart Friedman and Alyssa Westring explain in their guidebook, Parents Who Lead , raising kids “is a leadership challenge.” It turns out that workplace leadership skills—like strategic planning, flexibility, and innovation—are the same skills that empower fathers to become co-equal partners at home.

Launching a “Dad on the Resume” campaign should also reduce men’s legitimate fears about negative career stigma from visibly prioritizing their family lives. When male corporate leaders start “outing themselves” as committed dads, it will validate men’s caregiving roles.  It will also provide powerful support for workplace flexibility and family leave.

Now is the Time

In our post-pandemic workforce, where women are still digging themselves out of the first “ she-cession ” in history, highlighting “Mom” and “Dad” on professional resumes is more important than ever. By embracing the reality that parenting is work , women will receive recognition for the skills they bring as mothers into their professional roles. Men will be empowered to become more engaged fathers and co-equal parents. And employers will reap the economic gains from more gender equitable workplaces.

Want more practical tips on working parenthood?  Check out my book,   Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave

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Thanks this was a great read! Any chance you have an example resume line showing the mom position? I’d especially be interested in seeing how to add it to my resume as a position in conjunction with my full time job.

Thank you for your comment, Sarah, and I’m glad you found it helpful! I checked in with Michelle, and here’s what she wrote: My favorite resource is this video from HeyMama, which has concrete examples of translating motherhood into skills to include on a resume, to discuss in interviews and promotion conversations, and more generally to become a stronger ally for parents in your workplace. The key info starts at the 43:30 mark. Check it out!

https://heymama-co.zoom.us/rec/play/CnjOwiNPwxb6jGQfu2kBPQa1f0zAxVcV_8_W7PZweBNDfc4TB_QNXZhS7TwofIZC-LIYAdKOIwck61yJ.7gIYN2vgp_PZHDSX

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10 Essential Skills for Every Parent to Master

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Becoming a parent is a reward that comes with significant responsibility.

As your child grows, you will quickly learn new skills that will be beneficial once you master them. Since parenting is a 24/7 job, these skills will always be essential to help you keep your child safe.

Let’s look at 10 skills that every parent should master.

Reading is a skill beyond seeing words in a book and saying them out loud to your child. Learn to create a more interesting experience by reading as a character. This skill helps to engage an infant during reading time so that they don’t doze off or look at the ceiling. By taking on a persona while reading, your child will pay attention to important parts, and this will aid their intellectual development. It takes time to get good at this, but the bonding results are incredibly valuable.

2. Prepare for Brand Overload

An essential parental skill is knowing which brands to avoid as some companies don’t meet the safety threshold to make an excellent infant product. This is where research skills come in handy as you will need to parse multiple reviews of a brand to determine its effectiveness. And in extreme cases, an entire news story could have been published that explains why you should avoid a specific brand. The truth is always in the positive reviews at places like Baby Kid Care .

There are many ways to burp a child, but none can claim to be the only way. Every infant is different, so your mastery of burping will come down to trying and blending multiple techniques. Bend them over a small pillow, stand them on your leg or even walk around the house while burping. There is no bad technique, so feel free to experiment for the best results. Once you get burping down, gas buildup after feeding won’t be a significant parenting issue.

4. Calmness

It’s easy to enter freakout mode when you’re a new parent, and this can happen whether you’re a first-time parent or having your third kid. There are a lot of unknowns that come with caring for infants . If your baby cries to the point they lose their voice, it can be a frightening experience. If they throw milk through their mouth and nose, the next few seconds will take your breath away. Being calm is a skill that allows you to understand the situation rather than freaking out like it is the end of the world. Take care of your mind so your emergency decision-making will be quick and efficient.

5. Keep Your Contacts Updated

When you have a baby is not the best time to start looking for a pediatrician or daycare. Some daycare centers can have a six-month waiting list, and your insurance may not cover specific pediatricians. Contact updating is a parenting skill that starts long before the baby is born. You want to have options to choose from instead of having to settle for what’s available. Keeping your infant-related contacts up to date so far out from the birth can be a hassle, but the time investment will pay for itself when you have multiple options instead of just a handful of last-minute choices.

You need to develop skills to feed a baby . It seems absurd, doesn’t it? Breastfeeding isn't a viable option if a baby doesn’t want to latch, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go straight to the formula. Breast pumping gives you the option of storing in bottles for the same effect. Or formula may be the best way to keep a fussy baby fed during the transition from colostrum to breastmilk. There is still a window to move them to actual breastfeeding but, like all things on this list, it takes persistence. Feeding will be one of your most valuable parenting skills and will often lead to creative solutions for a stubborn problem.

7. Scheduling

Time management is a skill that every person should have. As a parent, it takes on an entirely different form since parental duties often bust up your carefully made plans. This is where flexible time management becomes a growing skill. You learn to have beginning and ending time windows for every important goal or appointment. Your baby doesn’t have a wait timer, so you must create your own that fits their schedule. To be effective at scheduling, an AI assistant like Alexa, Siri, Cortana, or Google will do wonders in your parenting life.

8. Sleeping Habits

Bad sleeping habits will keep everyone in the house awake. It isn’t uncommon for the parents and pets to have insomnia while the baby sleeps peacefully. It may take a few days but getting nighttime sleeping habits right is the best skill to develop as a parent. Everyone is better off with a good night of sleep, and when done correctly, your infant will only wake up a few times at night. Develop a sleeping routine that includes a bath and reading, and you’ll always have a peaceful night of rest.

9. Cleaning

Regular cleaning is not the same as the skills needed for cleaning with an infant in the house. There are certain chemicals that cause more harm than good due to an infant's sensitive and growing system. Baby-friendly cleaning products as a must for any new parent. You also must be mindful of where you clean and how frequently. Dust build-up is one of the biggest concerns for long-term breathing conditions in a home.

10. Changing a Diaper

Becoming a diaper maestro will prevent extra stress during a sensitive changing period. A screaming infant is hard to change, so practice calming techniques to keep them laughing or smiling. This will also prevent them from discharging in your general direction during a change. A happy baby is a calm baby, and the parent stays clean – sometimes.

It Takes Time

Some mistakes will be made, but that is okay! Learning to master parenting is all about growing with your child.

There are no shortcuts, so enjoy the experience as it unfolds.

About the Author

Laurie Dipali is a full-time mom to four children and enjoys sharing her parenting experience with others.

Continue to: Parenting Survival Skills - Top Ten Tips Understanding Toddlers and Young Children

See also: Understanding Microtia: A Parent's Guide Newborn Health: A Guide for First-Time Parents 7 Life Skills Parents Should Prioritize to Raise Money-Savvy Kids

Top 17 Parent Educator Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 21, 2023 13 min read

A resume objective for a parent educator position is an important part of the job application process. It is a short statement that summarizes your qualifications and how you can contribute to the role. A strong resume objective should showcase your skills, experience, and knowledge that are relevant to the position. When writing your resume objective, focus on the specific needs of the organization and highlight your expertise in teaching parents about child development and helping them develop parenting skills. Examples of parent educator resume objectives include: "Seeking a parent educator role at ABC Company where I can use my experience in early childhood education to help parents understand their children's development" or "Dedicated professional with 10 years' experience in child development looking to leverage my expertise as a parent educator at ABC Company." By following these tips, you can create an effective resume objective that will help you stand out from other applicants.

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Top 17 Parent Educator Resume Objective Samples

• To use my extensive experience in Early Childhood Education to help families and children reach their full potential as a Parent Educator.
• To provide guidance and support to parents of young children, helping them become more confident and effective caregivers.
• To utilize my knowledge in child development, education, and family dynamics to create positive learning experiences for families.
• To educate parents on the importance of early childhood education and its impact on their child’s future success.
• To foster an environment of collaboration with parents, teachers, and other professionals in order to ensure the best outcomes for the child.
• To build strong relationships with parents by providing resources that will enhance their parenting skills.
• To create meaningful activities that will engage both parent and child while providing educational opportunities.
• To develop innovative strategies that will promote healthy development among children and families.
• To guide parents through difficult times while providing support and understanding as they navigate through parenthood.
• To provide resources that will help empower parents to be successful in their roles as primary caregivers for their children.
• To collaborate with community organizations in order to identify needs within the community related to parenting education programs.
• To design age-appropriate activities that are engaging for both parent and child while fostering a safe learning environment.
• To serve as an advocate for families by connecting them with available resources within the community related to parenting education programs.
• To mentor new parent educators by sharing best practices and offering support throughout their journey towards becoming successful educators themselves.
• To use data-driven approaches when assessing family dynamics in order to better understand how parenting education can be tailored to each family’s specific needs.
• To develop meaningful partnerships with local schools, businesses, organizations, and other stakeholders who are invested in promoting positive parenting practices within the community.
• To create a supportive atmosphere where parents can feel comfortable discussing any issues or concerns they may have about raising their children effectively

How to Write a Parent Educator Resume Objective

A parent educator resume objective is a concise statement that outlines the skills and experience of a parent educator. It is usually included at the top of your resume, and is an important tool for showcasing why you are the best candidate for the job. Crafting an effective parent educator resume objective can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of success.

When writing your parent educator resume objective, it is important to keep it focused and direct. Begin by introducing yourself with your name and profession, such as “Experienced Parent Educator seeking a position within the field”. This will give hiring managers an immediate introduction to who you are, and what you are looking for.

Next, highlight your key qualifications which demonstrate why you would be a great fit for the role. Some examples include: “Extensive knowledge in child development theory,” “Excellent communication skills with both parents and children,” or “Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously”. These qualifications should be tailored to match the requirements of the position you are applying for so employers can easily identify that you have what they need in their team.

Finally, close off your objective statement by summarizing why you want this particular role and how it will benefit both yourself and the organization. For example: “Eager to use my expertise to help parents foster positive relationships with their children while contributing to the growth of [organization name]”. This ties together all of your qualifications into one powerful statement that emphasizes why employers should hire you over other candidates.

By following these tips on how to write an effective parent educator resume objective, you can successfully showcase your skillset while demonstrating that you have what it takes to excel in this role. With an impressive statement like this at the top of your resume, employers will be sure to take notice!

Related : What does a Parent Educator do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Parent Educator Resume Objective

In the competitive world of parent education, your resume stands as a testament to your abilities and expertise. One crucial part of your resume is the objective, which gives potential employers a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. This section should not only convey your career goals but also highlight key skills that make you an ideal candidate for the role. In this section, we will discuss some of the most important skills to emphasize in your Parent Educator Resume Objective to increase your chances of securing that coveted position.

1. Active Listening

A Parent Educator often works with parents, providing them with guidance and support in raising their children. Active listening is a crucial skill for this role as it allows the educator to fully understand the concerns, challenges, and goals of the parents. This understanding enables them to provide appropriate advice and strategies tailored to each parent's unique situation. Furthermore, active listening builds trust and rapport, making parents feel valued and respected, which can lead to more effective communication and cooperation.

A Parent Educator often works with parents who may be struggling with various issues related to child-rearing. Empathy is an essential skill for this role as it allows the educator to understand and share the feelings of these individuals. This understanding can help in providing appropriate guidance and support, fostering a trusting relationship, and creating a conducive learning environment. Furthermore, empathy can aid in tailoring the education process to suit the specific needs and circumstances of each parent, thereby enhancing its effectiveness.

3. Conflict Resolution

A Parent Educator often works with families who may be experiencing various challenges and conflicts. The ability to effectively resolve conflicts is essential in this role as it allows the professional to mediate disagreements, facilitate communication, and provide solutions that benefit all parties involved. This skill can help create a more harmonious and productive environment for both parents and children. Including conflict resolution in a resume objective demonstrates an ability to handle difficult situations calmly and effectively, which is crucial in a Parent Educator's work.

4. Time Management

A Parent Educator often needs to juggle multiple responsibilities such as conducting workshops, counseling parents, preparing educational materials, and coordinating with other professionals. Therefore, effective time management skills are crucial to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner. This skill also demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload effectively which is critical in this role. Including this skill in a resume objective can highlight an individual's capability to handle multiple duties simultaneously without compromising the quality of work.

5. Motivational Interviewing

A Parent Educator often works with parents who may be struggling with various aspects of parenting. Motivational interviewing is a skill that can help these professionals effectively communicate with parents, encouraging them to make positive changes and adopt new strategies for the benefit of their children. This skill is crucial for a resume objective as it showcases the candidate's ability to inspire and motivate clients, which is key in achieving successful outcomes in this role.

6. Behavior Modification

A Parent Educator often works with parents who may be struggling with managing their children's behavior. The skill of behavior modification is essential as it allows the educator to teach parents effective strategies and techniques to alter or improve their child's behavior. This can contribute to a healthier and more harmonious family environment. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate has the necessary expertise to guide parents in handling behavioral issues, which is a key aspect of the job role.

7. Stress Management

A Parent Educator often deals with parents who may be stressed or overwhelmed due to various parenting challenges. The ability to manage stress effectively is crucial in this role as it allows the educator to remain calm, composed, and focused during their interactions with parents. This skill also helps them provide better guidance and support to parents, enabling them to cope with their own stressors more effectively. Including this skill in a resume objective can demonstrate the candidate's capability to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining a supportive and productive environment for learning and growth.

8. Cultural Competence

A Parent Educator often works with diverse families from various cultural backgrounds. Cultural competence is needed to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures. It helps in respecting and acknowledging the differences and similarities within various groups. This skill is crucial for a resume objective as it showcases the ability of the candidate to adapt their teaching methods and communication style to cater to different cultural norms, values, beliefs, and parenting practices. It also highlights their capability to provide culturally appropriate resources and support, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

9. Child Development Knowledge

A Parent Educator's primary role is to provide guidance and education to parents about child development and parenting strategies. Having a strong knowledge of child development allows the educator to offer accurate, relevant information and advice. This skill is essential in helping parents understand their children's needs, behaviors, and developmental stages. It enables the Parent Educator to develop effective parenting programs and strategies that promote healthy parent-child relationships and children's overall well-being. Therefore, highlighting this skill in a resume objective can demonstrate one's expertise and commitment to supporting families in fostering their children's growth and development.

10. Positive Discipline

A Parent Educator often works with parents who may be struggling with managing their children's behavior. The skill of Positive Discipline is crucial as it equips the educator with the knowledge and techniques to teach parents how to guide their children's behavior in a positive, constructive, and respectful way. This skill is essential for a resume objective as it shows potential employers that the candidate can effectively help parents build healthier relationships with their children, reduce conflicts, and promote a more harmonious family environment.

In conclusion, the objective section of your Parent Educator resume is a crucial space to highlight your key skills. This area should be strategically utilized to showcase your abilities and competencies that make you an ideal candidate for the role. It's essential to align these skills with the job requirements and demonstrate how they can contribute to the organization's goals. Remember, this section serves as your first impression; therefore, it must be compelling enough to engage potential employers' interest and encourage them to read further into your resume.

Related : Parent Educator Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Parent Educator Resume Objective

A parent educator resume objective is an important statement that summarizes the skills, knowledge, and experience of a potential candidate for a job in the field of education. Unfortunately, many candidates make common mistakes when writing their parent educator resume objectives that can cost them the job opportunity.

The first mistake is not tailoring the resume objective to a specific job or school district. A generic and overly broad objective statement fails to capture the attention of employers, as it does not demonstrate how your unique qualifications could benefit the position or organization. To stand out from other applicants, focus on what makes you special and emphasize how you can contribute to the role.

Another common mistake is including too much detail in the objective statement. While it’s important to explain your qualifications and experience, keep your language concise and focused on one or two key points that will make you an asset to the team. Employers want to see that you’re qualified for the job without having to read through paragraphs of irrelevant information.

Finally, many applicants fail to proofread their resume objectives before submitting them. This may seem like a minor issue but it can be detrimental to your application if employers notice careless errors such as typos or grammar mistakes. Take time to review your statement for accuracy and clarity before submitting it so that employers can get an accurate picture of your abilities for this role.

In conclusion, taking time to craft a well-written parent educator resume objective is essential for any applicant looking for success in this field. Avoiding these common mistakes will give you an edge over other candidates and help increase your chances of getting called in for an interview!

Related : Parent Educator Resume Examples

A right resume objective for a parent educator should be focused on demonstrating the candidate's experience, skills and knowledge to provide educational support to parents, while a wrong resume objective might be focused on personal objectives such as career advancement or salary increase.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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Tax tips for college students and their parents

Tax Season College FILE - Students cross the campus of Dartmouth College, March 5, 2024, in Hanover, N.H. While tax pros say it's great for college students to start filing their own forms, parents and students should double-check everything carefully before anyone pushes the "submit" button. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File) (Robert F. Bukaty/AP)

NEW YORK — (AP) — There are lots of things college students and their parents should keep in mind before filing their taxes, and while tax pros say it’s great for college students to start filing their own forms, parents and students should double check everything carefully before anyone pushes the “submit” button.

For dependent students filing taxes for the first time, it’s easy to overlook checking the “dependent” box, and they cannot then be claimed on their parents’ tax forms without the long and arduous task of amending the return merely for failure to check a box.

“College students need to be very careful that they understand whether or not their parents are eligible to claim them as a dependent,” says Tom O’Saben, director of tax content and government relations at the American Association of Tax Professionals. Merely not claiming a dependent does not make that taxpayer independent, he says.

There are two kinds of education tax credits. The American opportunity credit is for up to $2,500 a year (based on at least $4,000 spent on tuition, books and fees) for the first four years toward an undergraduate degree.

The second, a lifetime learning credit, can be used toward an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree and is for up to $2,000 (based on 20% of qualified education expenses.) A parent cannot claim both for the same dependent child (or a student can claim it) on a return for the same year, but if there are multiple dependents on the return they could be using either of the credits (but not both at the same time) for each student.

While most tax-related forms arrive dependably in the mail, college students tend to work multiple jobs each year, and some college tax forms may need to be printed out from the college portal and are not mailed at all. So before filing, make sure your dependent student has confirmed that all tax forms are in for all jobs worked, and they’ve checked with the college for any additional tax forms.

If a student is paying at least half of their own costs and is planning on claiming in-state tuition at their college in a state other than the one in which their parents live, they might want to check with the college financial aid office about residency requirements, O’Saben says.

In some cases, claiming your child as a dependent might not be the best move once the entire financial picture is taken into account.

“Just providing an address in the state your child’s college is in may not be enough to claim in-state tuition,” O’Saben says.

Sometimes college students are still required to file their own return even if their parents claim them. Students and parents should check the rules for dependent filing and determine if the student is required to file their own return based on their gross income, says Kathy Pickering, chief tax officer at H&R Block.

Qualifying distributions from a 529 account are tax-free and are not included in the child’s income, Pickering said. And while only eligible tuition, fees and books are included in the tax credit calculations, for 529 accounts, room and board are also included as eligible for withdrawals.

Find more of AP's tax season coverage here: https://apnews.com/hub/personal-finance

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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