Lawsuits claiming "workplace discrimination because of family care-giving obligations" are on the rise, according to a New York Times Magazine piece. The article profiled several parents who lost their jobs when their responsibilities to their families – including caring for a sick child or spouse – came in conflict with their work, or when a woman took maternity leave and was replaced while she was on leave. more

Small companies that wish to offer on-site daycare without having to endure the hassle of becoming a fully-licensed commercial daycare facility recently got a boost from Texas lawmakers. A new law, which takes effect this fall, will allow firms with 50 or fewer employees to create an in-house child care operation without having to get a license, according to the Houston Chronicle. more

The Silicon Valley Moms Blog this week ran a long post, including several links to news articles, about an ongoing discussion they’ve been having about the virtues of a flexible workplace that allows parents to work and have time with their families. more

"Desperate Housewives" Marcia Cross, who gave birth to twins earlier this year, told People.com that, although she is able to bring her babies with her to work on some days, it’s difficult. "When they’re with me at work, that’s challenging, but when they’re not with me . . . I’m a new mother, that’s what it is, it’s all challenging," she said. (August 2007) more

The Washington Post recently profiled 10 Congresswomen who are not only serving their constituents on Capitol Hill, but are also parenting their young children long-distance. "They reside on a shaky high wire," wrote Post reporter Lyndsey Layton, "balancing motherhood with politicking, lawmaking, fundraising and the constant shuttle between Washington and their home states . . . more

A New York Times editor got a virtual earful when he sent several questions about women and work to the readers of the web site Mama Source, including whether women with small children should start a business and whether women have "intrinsic qualities that give them a competitive edge over men." Most of the women who responded to his questions said that women are excellent multi-taskers. more

The New York Post recently spotlighted a WorkPlace Media poll which found that 76 percent of respondents preferred a male boss. Why? more

The "mommy track" should be passé, according to Maxine H. Neuhauser. more

Noting the recent Pew Research Center study poll which found that most working moms would prefer to work part-time hours, Job Mom blogger Charlene Prince Birkeland offered this tip to make sure that part-time work doesn’t slowly become full-time, only without full-time pay or benefits: "On your ‘off’ days, own your time. Own it. Do not let your employer steal those hours from you. I know this sounds dramatic and harsh, but just trust me on this one. more

The folks over at CNN, who recently announced that they are hiring NBC’s Campbell Brown  apparently aren’t fazed by the fact that just weeks after Brown takes over the anchor chair for an 8 p.m. CNN program, she’ll be giving birth to her first child and then taking maternity leave. more