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Holiday Survival Tips for Working Mothers: Get Organized, Be Realistic and Relax, Says Mother of Four and KPMG Partner |
SourceKPMG Peat Marwick ForumsRaising our KidsInformation and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content.
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Working mothers are always challenged to balance a successful career and a fulfilling home life, particularly during the holiday season. Shopping, children's activities, year-end reports and career goals can chase away the holiday spirit unless you take control, says Kathy McKinless, mother of four and one of the first women to become partner at worldwide professional services firm KPMG while working a flexible schedule. According to McKinless, taking advantage of employers' family-friendly policies will be a key factor in enjoying holiday festivities. "Working extra hours each day allows me to take off a day mid-week to shop and catch the school play," she says. McKinless, who built a successful career at the firm while raising four children, knows how working mothers can stay sane while enjoying family and kids during the holiday season: At work ... -- Check deadlines: Assess pre-holiday deadlines and determine if they're realistic. Reports may not get looked at until January, and supervisors and clients may extend deadlines until after the holidays. -- Ask About a Temporary Flexible Schedule: If your employer allows flexible scheduling, use it! Work a couple of long days, and take off at week's end for holiday preparations. -- Personal Day/Marathon Shopping: Take a day to consolidate shopping into one marathon trip. Midweek is best, when stores are least busy. At home... -- Shop by Catalogue or Internet: In less time than it takes to park at the mall, order gifts through easy, time-saving methods. -- Christmas Labels by Computer: Handwriting Christmas card envelopes can be time-consuming. Make computer-generated address labels that can be re-used every year. -- Delegate Holiday-Related Responsibilities: Use kids to the fullest extent -- they enjoy the responsibility. Kids can decorate the house and tree, wrap presents, etc. -- Marathon Bake Session: Rather than coming up with small gifts for teachers, babysitters and work colleagues, why not give them each a box of fudge? -- Organize Holiday Get-Togethers with a Purpose: Invite friends and family to help decorate the house and tree, etc. CONTACT: Jill Oestreicher or Lisa King, 212-251-0880, for KPMG Peat Marwick WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 1997 |