Heading back into the workforce after maternity leave or years as a stay-at-home mom is scary and exciting. Leaving your new baby for the first time in the care of another is overwhelming, but sometimes necessary for your family.

Here are nine tips moms need to know before reentering the workforce:

1. Update professional résumé

Going back to work with a hole in your résumé is intimidating. While the time you spent in mom mode should be noted, Jen Lawrence cautions against referring to that timeframe with any cutesy labels like "Family CEO" or "Domestic Engineer."

Don't waste résumé space attempting to market motherhood skills. Employers are often doing the same thing in their own home, and they won't be impressed. If it's been a long time since you've been in the job field, your professional skills may need updating. Renew any expired certification or training.

2. Use networking contacts

Though employers will request your résumé or scan your LinkedIn page when vetting your skills, they're likely to hear about you through networking contacts.

If you need to start from square one again, don't be discouraged. Professional networking events and job fairs are great places to start. Also, take advice from former interns who landed full-time jobs to help you network.

3. Hire help

Whether you need a house cleaner, meal preparer, nanny or all the above, mothers shouldn't feel ashamed to ask for help.

If your job keeps you longer than your children are in school or your children are still young, a nanny will be a critical family partner. To hire a great nanny, follow these tips:

Ask for recommendations

Poll friends, neighbors and even your pediatrician. Even if they don't have someone available, they can help get the word out.

Use a nanny job site

Many excellent fee-based nanny job listing sites can help you find nannies that meet your qualifications.

Rely on a face-to-face interview

Personally meet your nanny before hiring them and prepare a list of interview questions. Bring your children with you to gauge how they interact with their potential nanny.

Plan lots of time

It will take you weeks to find and interview the perfect care provider. Start the process at least a month or two before you start your job.

4. Communicate with your kids

Let your children know from the start that you are entering the workforce. Explain who will be taking care of them when you're gone, and listen to any fears they may have.

After you start working, check in with the kids during your breaks. Prepare to answer any emergency phone calls or texts from your nanny throughout the workday as well.

5. Talk to management

After you've landed the job, talk to your boss and HR about your needs as a working parent. Discussion points should include workload, responsibilities and mothering necessities (like a private space to pump if you're breastfeeding).

Set up an internal meeting with your boss a few weeks after starting to let them know how you're doing. Give your boss confidence that you're dedicated to your job.

6. Maintain organization

It will be harder to run your household when your time is stretched between work and home. Use schedules, as babies and children truly thrive off consistency. Keep the same routine for mealtime and naps to help your kids adjust.

7. Make a practice run

Make sure your nanny has everything they need keep your kids safe and happy. A few days before you start work, schedule a practice run where you leave your kids at home with the nanny for a few hours. Here are a few things you'll need to prepare:

Daily schedule

Plan your children's daily schedule and either text it to the nanny or write it down.

Money

Decide how much money to leave the nanny if they need to run errands for you or make an emergency grocery store trip.

Stocked car

Make sure the car has enough gas and install the correct car seats based on your kids' age, weight and height.

8. Create a backup plan

Choose trustworthy family members, friends and neighbors you can call at a moment's notice to help in an emergency. Discuss with your employers last-minute options to work from home on days your nanny or children are sick.

9. Minimize stress

Balancing work and home life is stressful for parents. Incorporate some critical "me time" into your schedule. Your own mental health is just as important as anything else.

For more inspiration before you start working again, check out this advice from parents who have been there. While it's difficult to leave your kids, don't let mom guilt take over. The transition to work gets easier every day.

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Even if you're a confident woman, you may feel unsafe at times-expecially when traveling by yourself to an unfamiliar location. You can feel more protected and at ease wherever you are by understanding potential threats and adopting these habits:

Conference and work event safety tips

1. Avoid meeting with new clients or associates alone after dark or at an unfamiliar location. Don't be afraid to request a coworker's company or to schedule the meeting at your office.

2. Prioritize water, soda or coffee over cocktails. You'll remain more alert and professional, and better able to keep yourself safe.

3. Don't tell strangers that you're traveling for work alone. If anyone asks, say you're meeting someone for a conference or that you're here with a coworker who's just left to use the restroom.

Social media safety tips

1. Disable location sharing services on your phone so you don't accidentally check in on Facebook, Foursquare or another social media platform. This helps prevent anyone from digitally stalking you and knowing your current location.

2. Don't announce on social media when you'll be away from your home or where you'll be visiting. You don't want a criminal learning your home is unoccupied or knowing when your hotel room will be empty. Wait until you get back from your trip to share the highlights.

Staying safe while traveling

1. Leave your expensive jewelry at home and choose clothing that ensures you don't stand out like a tourist. Research where you're visiting so you can respect the local culture and pack appropriate outfits.

2. Give a friend or family member your itinerary for your trip, including your flight and hotel information. Check in with them regularly while you travel so they know you're safe.

3. Give your hotel room a quick sweep when you arrive. Secure the windows and doors, make sure the locks work and don't open the door for anyone you don't know.

4. Know where you are and where you're going at all times. Determine your route before leaving your hotel room so you don't appear lost or confused. Instead of pulling out a map in public, discreetly use a GPS app on your phone.

Keeping your home safe

1. If you're traveling for more than a few days, hold your mail delivery or ask a friend to collect it. If your mail piles up, strangers may realize your home is unoccupied.

2. Invest in a home security system that pairs with an app so you can watch your home when you're not home. Via your phone, you'll receive real-time notifications so you can make sure your house is safe.

3. If you regularly return home late at night, install a smart lighting system. By connecting smart lightbulbs with a home automation hub, you can schedule your home's exterior and interior lights to turn on and off at specific times. This makes your home appear occupied even when it's not.

Whether you're traveling for work or pleasure, you can have fun and enjoy your trip while remaining safe. You don't need to assume that dangers lurk around every corner, but you can take these simple precautions to feel safer and more relaxed. The next time you're planning for or embarking on a trip, keep these tips in mind.

Have a friend who is traveling solo or attending a conference soon? Share this article and help your friends safe on their travels!

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Mainstream parenting tips don't always cover how to best help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specific behaviors-some mild and some more prominent-require a different type of attention or flexibility from parents and family members. In general, children with ASD will feature varying levels of the following two characteristics:

1. They struggle socially, possibly having difficulties communicating and interacting with others.

2. They repeat certain behaviors or show interest in limited subject matters and activities.

Some kids exhibit other symptoms, such as sleep and digestive (or elopement) problems, and sensitivity to light, sound, clothing or temperature.

But children with autism also have wonderful strengths. To start, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that roughly 44% of kids with ASD have "average to above average" intelligence. Children with autism love details and will remember them for months and months. They often excel in both the sciences and the arts, too.

If you're a parent raising a child with autism, the following twelve tips will help you do what's best for your child and understand their unique needs. The tips range from parenting best practices to home safety recommendations to keep your family happy and safe.

1. Focus on their strengths

An ASD diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but be sure to focus on your child and where they excel. Then, figure out how to help your kid overcome their weak points.

2. Pay attention to nonverbal cues

Your kid communicates all the time, often via nonverbal methods. Learn those cues and recognize when they alter. An abrupt change in behavior could indicate your child is worried about something, perhaps a change in a parent's schedule or a bully at school.

3. Set a schedule and stick to it

Because many kids with autism tend to focus on repetitive behaviors, they typically thrive with a regimented schedule. Plan on keeping consistent bedtimes and meals schedules, as well as having specific time for learning activities and playtime.

4. Model appropriate behavior

If you want to see good behavior, you have to model and reinforce it-the same as you would with any kid. Set an example with something simple, like holding hands and walking slowly in crowded stores, repeating the behavior regularly to establish a routine.

5. Remember to play

If your child will attend school, therapy and other autism-related activities, make sure they have time for free-form play. Also remember to play with your child, too, as playtime offers a chance to connect and build an emotional bond.

6. Ensure home safety

Your home contains all sorts of interesting items to active and curious children. Protect your child (and your peace of mind) by investing in keyless locks, alarms, motion sensors, organizational bins and outlet covers.

7. Purchase child safety accessories

Children with autism are prone to wandering, which could result in injuries, hypothermia and worse. Safeguard your child with a GPS tracker like the AngelSense (designed specifically for children with special needs) and an Alert Me Band. A GPS device will help you find your child if they wander off, and the Alert Me Band allows strangers to contact you to help get your child home safely.

8. Become their advocate

You know your kid better than anyone else, so become their advocate. Form a team of teachers, administrators, therapists and other individuals committed to helping your child so that your kid has the best chance at success.

9. Invest in therapy

Therapy not only helps your kid develop appropriate behaviors and overcome challenges, but it also helps you. Through therapy, you learn how to model, reinforce and discipline a child with special needs.

10. Find other parents of kids with autism

You can't care for a kid with autism alone. Seek out a community, both online and off. Share your knowledge, too. What you've learned through experience could help a parent who is just receiving the news that their child has ASD.

11. Accept financial assistance

Caring for a child with autism can get expensive. When parents or friends ask how they can help, be honest. Share that you could use some help paying for a therapy session, program or toy.

12. Consider respite care

The routine of caring for a child with special needs takes a toll. Take a break from the 24/7 caregiver role with respite care. Use it to enjoy a weekend with your partner, catch up with your other kids or retreat to a friend's house and binge-watch the final episodes of Gilmore Girls. Do something that refreshes and recharges your spirit.

Your child may have ASD, but it's far from being the of the world. They can lead vibrant lives - all it takes is some routine, some tools and a commitment to their intellectual, emotional and social growth.

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Each year, people go to extravagant lengths to make Christmas as wonderful and magical as possible. But apart from the parties, decorations and gifts, part of the splendor of this holiday is seeing the excitement on children's faces as they write to Santa and wonder if they've made the naughty or nice list. The month of December brings so much joy and magic in our lives, and hopefully last the whole year long. You can help by keeping the magic of Santa alive with these 5 ideas:

Create sleigh tracks in the snow

On Christmas Eve, children listen for the thump of hoofs on the rooftop, signaling the arrival of Santa in his sleigh. This Christmas Eve, after the kiddos have fallen asleep, drag a two-by-four (or other plank of wood) in parallel lines across the yard leaving "sleigh marks" in the snow. On Christmas morning, let your children see Santa's trail-living proof that he was there last night!

Sprinkle glitter on the ground

We all know that Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer leads Santa's sleigh of reindeer through the starry sky each Christmas Eve. Before the kids wake up on Christmas morning, sprinkle red glitter around the yard-making a clear trail where Rudolph and the other reindeer parked the sleigh before jumping to the next house to deliver more toys. You can also leave out a pile of carrots out for the reindeer that get "eaten" by Christmas morning.

Catch Santa on camera

After all, seeing is believing, right? Install an indoor camera near the Christmas tree so you can spy on Santa as he delivers presents this year. Simply catch a glimpse of his red suit and boots, or perhaps a video snippet of his gloved hand filling up the stockings. Kids will love watching the video feed that shows Santa in their own home.

Leave Santa a spare key

Perhaps you live in an apartment or a home without a chimney. Don't worry, Santa can still get in and leave presents for good boys and girls. Before you tuck the kids into bed on Christmas Eve, have them place a spare key under the front porch mat so Santa can let himself in. Then, on Christmas morning, have the kids check under the mat and they'll notice it's gone! Strategically place the key near the tree to convince the young ones he used the key to drop of gifts (after eating some cookies and milk, of course!).

Receive a letter signed by Mr. Claus

Each year, more than 1 million Americans send letters to Mr. Claus. This year, have Santa write a letter back to your kids clarifying a gift request or to let them know their letter was received. Kids will love opening a letter addressed to them and signed by Santa.

These added touches will help make this holiday more magical. Even more than all the presents, you'll love seeing the joy in your child's face when they wake up to discover that Santa really did visit this year.

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As fall fades and winter approaches, we are all are preparing for the holidays, ski season and the snowy months ahead. While winter provides fun opportunities, it also brings some risks that are important to prepare your home and family for. But what about your furriest family member?

Here are eight simple safety tips for keeping your pet secure, healthy and happy this winter:

1. Be mindful of what your pet eats

The holidays are a time for decadent meals and scrumptious treats, but while your dog may wag its tail in hopes of a scrap, keep in mind that many foods can be deadly to pets. If you want to stay safe, avoid giving your pet food from the table and stick to vet-approved treats.

2. Keep doors closed as much as possible

With guests coming and going, there will be lots of movement in your home. Watch your pets closely and make sure they don't escape through an open door. Let your guests know you have a pet in your home so they can help you keep tabs on where the cat is.

3. Get your pet a collar with a tag

It may seem like a no-brainer, but ensuring your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag is a simple yet effective way to keep your pet safe. A collar greatly increases the chances of a safe return if your pet gets lost. Even if your pet is primarily kept indoors, it's still smart for them to always wear a collar. You may even want to consider a smart collar with GPS tracking so you can see your pet's location and check their health with your smartphone or tablet.

4. Secure your home and your pet while traveling

Holidays are a great time for family travel, but also a prime time for break-ins. No matter how far or near you travel, you will be leaving your home unattended and open to burglars. Security systems help to deter thieves and protect your pet from the trauma of an intruder. There are plenty of options available that allow your pet to roam safely indoors without setting off the motion detector, so you can rest assured both your home and your pet are safe while you're visiting grandma.

5. Designate a room in the house for your pet

If your pet gets anxious around strangers, the bustle of the holiday season might be stressful for your furry friend. While hosting holiday parties, keep your pet in its own designated room. Create a safe haven specifically for your pet, complete with food, water and toys. This will ease your pet's anxiety and keep it feeling healthier and happier this winter.

6. Keep an eye on your pet when you're away from home

This season is a time when you're likely to be out of the house doing last-minute Christmas shopping, leaving your pet home alone for hours at a time. Consider installing a pet-camera to keep an eye on your dog or cat and see if they are misbehaving. This will also give you peace of mind and allow you to check on your pet's safety as well as the order of your home.

7. Keep hazardous chemicals stored out of reach

If you buy any hazardous chemicals to remove snow or ice this winter, keep them away from your pet! Antifreeze and road salt pose major health threats to animals; the sweet scent of antifreeze often draws pets in-but it can be deadly if ingested. Make sure you keep these hazardous products stored safely out of reach of your pet. These chemicals can also irritate your pet's skin, especially if you are walking your dog on salted roads and walkways. Routinely check their paws for signs of damage, such as rawness or bleeding. You should also wipe down your dog's paws after a walk to make sure they aren't licking the harmful salt off their paws after exercising.

8. Be wary of dropping temperatures

Cold winters pose dangerous threats to your pets. While some pets can tolerate the cold, pets are still susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Watch out for ice and pay attention to below-freezing temperatures while walking your dog or letting your cat outside. If your pet must stay outside, provide extra shelter like a blanket, water in pet-safe heated bowl and an igloo. And in the case of severe storms, remember your pet by keeping an emergency kit on hand that includes food, water and any medications they might need.

Hopefully these tips will make sure everyone in the family has a happy and safe winter.

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