The Digital Mom Handbook

September 1, 2011

McClelland and Padilla, who founded and edit the sites MomGenerations.com and ClassyMommy.com, respectively, share their experiences as "mompreneurs" working online while raising their kids. Their "how we did it" advice is supplemented by other success stories, and their focus on finding a passion and tribe will inspire readers with ideas but no clue where to begin. Strategies and tips are provided to seek balance between child rearing and having a creative/business outlet that one hopes provides income. Points of entry they encourage to the digital world include a blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and podcasting. This quick overview emphasizes taking the steps to realize one's goals without sacrificing family time. McClelland and Padilla also discuss questions of integrity when using your children within your business or dealing with large corporations that want your endorsements. VERDICT This handy guide will help stay-at-home parents turn their dreams into reality. Working parents looking for a broader guide to starting a business should consider Aliza Sherman and Danielle Smith's Mom, Incorporated (reviewed below).--Barb Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2011
Padilla and McClelland were both stay-at-home mothers when they started separately blogging about their day-to-day lives and interests. Their blogs, ClassyMommy.com and MomGenerations.com, respectively, eventually launched them into careers as social media consultants and product advocates with huge followings. In this very readable book, they offer advice on how to launch a blogging career; that is, find a passion, find a tribe with a similar passion, and create opportunities. They detail how to hang a digital shingle, with helpful advice on blogging, vlogging, tweeting, and using social media. Most importantly, they advise on managing whatever income or opportunities the enterprise generates so that it doesn't interfere with family life. They also frankly discuss the ethics of product reviewing and maintaining integrity with blog readers. Interviews with other women bloggers with diverse interests, from fashion to activism to environmentally friendly products; solid information on online advertising and promotions; the technicalities of blog design and mechanics; and scads of helpful sources add value to this engaging book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)