For many women, the question of whether to return to work or not after having a child or career break is a difficult one. Many decide to go back for financial reasons, or it may be because they want the intellectual stimulation and social contact that working can offer.

Spotting a gap in the marketplace Tara Dalrymple, Busy Lizzie Lifestyle Management and Sheelagh Holland, Icon Academy has created a six-week Back to Work! Seminar to give women the confidence to get back into the workplace.

The course covers: dress for success, time management, how to obtain a work:life balance, CV workshop, exercise, nutrition and personal grooming.

For those of you who are considering the move back to work Sheelagh and Tara recommend the following:

• Build up a support network, particularly if you are a lone parent. If you have a partner, organise how you will share the workload.
• Minimise time spent on anything you don't have to do or enjoy. Consider getting help in the house.
• Make a point of eating well. Go for high energy healthy foods like fruit, wholemeal bread, cheese, pasta or jacket potatoes to help you stay on your feet all day. Drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice.

The course is €280. Places for next spring are being booked now, so please contact us for further information, and reserve your place.

Balancing working life with family?

For those parents in Galway, www.mykidstime.ie is a website you won’t want to miss. Created by two parents of young children, log onto Mykidstime to:

• Look up information about activities, classes & clubs, events and services for children and families in the Galway area.
• Find a crèche or after school to help with the childcare
• Check out the Events listings for fun things to do with the children during your precious weekends with them
• Hook up with other parents on the MyChat forum
• Enjoy the features and articles and free e-newsletters, all written by parents
• Print off special offers for child-friendly venues and services

and much much more...