Our industry is filled with talented people and this carries over to those we share our lives with, our equally-talented spouses. May’s newsletter is written by Janis Gioia, whose husband is an STA member and former Ohio affiliate president. Several months ago we approached Janis, an award-winning author and special education teacher, to write an article for Wall Street’s moms that would offer some tips on how to make the most of the time we have with our children. We believe you’ll enjoy what Janis has penned for our readership. On behalf of the STA Women in Finance Committee, we sincerely thank Janis for this thoughtful article, and wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day weekend!

Jodie Mrotek, Geneva Capital Management

 

Making compassionate connections with your children

by Janis D. Gioia, MAEd.

Jennifer Morgan rushes in the door at 6:30 pm on an early night, hoping the new nanny remembered to start dinner. She hasn’t stopped for twelve hours, but the Starbucks Venti in her left hand will propel her through this second shift, the best part of her day.

Three little bodies scamper down the hall and wrap around her legs. In a unison chorus they proclaim, “Mommy’s home!”

After setting her briefcase and coffee on the hall table Jennifer gathers her children into a warm, giggly and rather sticky group hug.

Somebody just had a jelly sandwich.

Less than two hours later the house is quiet again. Jennifer picks up a research report then pauses.

Between the morning rush, a hurried meal, dishes, baths and a quick bedtime story, did she even connect with her kids?

Sound familiar?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor there are 25.1 million working women with children under the age of 18 in the U.S. workforce. While this number has increased, so has the proportion of working women who are the sole or primary breadwinner in their family.

Whether you’re in a C-Suite on Wall Street, or somewhere in between, maintaining a work-life balance is like walking a tightrope day after day.

For Jennifer, and working moms everywhere, there is good news. Borrowing ideas from special education teachers and occupational therapists (multisensory engagement, embedding and immersion in nature) allows you to turn everyday moments into compassionate connections.

Read full article and STA WIF’s May newsletter here