The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything

[Bradi Nathan]

Would it shock you to learn that American companies haven't kept up with the changes in today's workforce or with their families? We think not. On October 16th, this little known fact became official as the Center for American Progress and Maria Shriver released “The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything.” This release reveals that, "For the first time in our nation’s history, one-half of all U.S. workers are women, and mothers are the primary breadwinners or co-breadwinners in two-thirds of American families, also for the first time." You know what this tells us? The Butterfly community is relevant and needed now more than ever... especially since this shift appears to be permanent. The recession, no doubt, led to this rapid change as 82% of the jobs lost came from males. Moreover, it appears that one of the biggest concerns that came from the families in this report is the worry parents have over their children not having one stay-at-home parent which makes perfect sense in our eyes, those of two working moms. Also, as extensive [and necessary] as this report is, we believe there seemed to be a lack of focus around the needs in our society for the ‘return-to-the-work’ mother. Yes, we’ve reached out to Maria with the hopes of hearing from her soon. Now for our favorite part of the report: "Women are running more than 10 million businesses with combined annual sales of $1.1 trillion. Women are responsible for making 80% of consumer buying decisions. Women have more power than ever before." Kum bay ya!
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The question remains, what will companies and policy makers do with this information and how will they create change so that it reflects a changing society? This report has put us one step closer to making government and institutions aware that issues like better childcare and healthcare options need to be put into effect to meet the needs of a modern day culture.

Until that time, we've provided you with the following tips in response to what you've told us in our National Moms Survey; the number one obstacle in returning to work is now “child care.” Here are eight child care solutions/suggestions to help you on your way:

1. Sitter City - a national baby sitting service
2. Mom's Helper - a trustworthy nanny agency in the tri-state area
3. Friends and family, especially grandparents
4. Local YMCA's or churches offer preschool programs
5. Licensed local day care facilities- go for reputable names you trust, tour the facilities, meet the directors, owners, teachers and always get references
6. Nanny share with a friend- like a job share
7. After school care- many schools offer on-site after school care
8. Local in-home care- a cost effective alternative

I am about to introduce you to an incredible young women who, no doubt, my own kids would love as a babysitter if only she were available. Meet MoZella, the wonderfully talented young singer who seamlessly blends pop, soul and jazz. Bust open a bottle of your favorite bubbly and pull up a seat to listen to her new hit single, “Freezing.” Then, enter the http://www.myworkbutterfly.com/page/contest-listen-up-and-win" target="_blank">LISTEN UP! Blogging Contest to win a copy of MoZella's autographed CD, a signed guitar or even a "live chat" with MoZella herself! Simply listen, blog or post your review to Twitter, Facebook, your personal blog, and copy the link to the landing page to enter. Enjoy your bubbly all the while. Oh, and by the way, "MoZella toured the U.S. with the Dave Matthews Band, Lifehouse, Five For Fighting, Daniel Powter, Michelle Branch, and Colbie Caillat. About this time, MoZella’s single “Amnesia” charted on Hot AC across the country, and she performed on radio stations throughout the U.S. Her songs have been featured in several television series including One Tree Hill, Las Vegas, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Wildfire, Lipstick Jungle, as well as many others. In addition, she wrote and recorded the song “Amazed,” which was used in a national Mercedes-Benz television commercial."

We are women, hear us roar, or sing.

Bradi
Co-founder
Mother, Wife and Worker
MyWorkButterfly.com
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