Consider the source

As I write this, we're still in election season, although the finish line is in sight. The amount of disinformation and actual lies out there may seem overwhelming at times to you; it certainly does to me. It got me thinking about how we gather information and who we trust. I was a history major in college and one of the lasting gifts of that work is this mantra: "consider the source." Is the person sharing information someone you trust (and why do you trust them), are they well-educated and experienced in the topic, and do they approach their work in a fact-finding way?

Moms receive a lot of advice and the internet has only compounded that. Whose advice should we trust? Here are three moms, smart women, well-educated, factually-based leaders I follow and trust.

Emily Oster, Parent Data

Professor of Economics at Brown University, Emily Oster is an author, common sense parent, and data-driven expert. She's smart and incisive, and writes about all kinds of topics. Recent articles include "Should I Make My Kid Hug Grandma?" to "Parenting Boys vs. Girls: Is There Really a Difference." From her website: "As a mom of two, Emily was inspired by her own pregnancy and the lack of clear information to guide her decisions. She decided to use her expertise in reviewing and analyzing data to help other parents navigate these topics."

Dr. Becky Kennedy,  Good Inside

Mom and clinical psychologist, Dr. Becky Kennedy is probably someone you know about already. She's often on TV, has 2.9 million followers on Instagram, and is frequently quoted and referenced by others. There's a reason for that success! She's smart and realistic, and doles out advice without shaming or blaming. Dr. Becky's thoughtful and kind approach, backed by best practice in medicine and psychology, won me over.  From her website: "We give millions of parents a better way to see and solve challenges in their homes."

Neha Ruch,  Mother Untitled

Neha Ruch is on a mission to change how we view moms who focus on family for a period, who are taking a break from paid work but not from ambition. From her website: "She became determined to create the world's first collective of ambitious women on career pauses - or downshifts - to reshape the narrative around stay-at-home motherhood and give visibility to the gray area within which many women find themselves during a pause from traditional work outside the home." Neha's book The Power Pause comes out in January, but you can follow her now on social media and join the community through the website.

I'd love to know who else you follow for career advice and for parenting guidance. Drop me an email at heather@cardiganassociates.com with any thoughts.