A new generation of Soccer Mom

The days of over-scheduled mothers who taxi their children around in minivans are officially a part of the distant past. Numbering more than 82 million in the United States alone (and controlling 85 percent of household spending, or $2.1 trillion USD), there's no denying that mothers are a significant force to be reckoned with, both economically and otherwise. Here are four business ideas that have popped up to cater to a new generation of the soccer mom.


CityMommy: CityMommy is one of the more comprehensive online communities out there for plugged-in parents. For mothers who want to be part of a network of moms but don't have the time or energy to create an in-depth social networking profile or blog. Many have said it's one of the best ways to meet other moms in the city, as well as seek out advice or suggestions on any number of topics, ranging from baby products to books to personal fitness.


Mummy PA: Launched by UK based Consider It Done, Mummy PA offers an extra pair of hands for desperate moms, as well as the occasional dad. Offering help with tasks such as buying gifts, ordering flowers or organizing travel plans, Mummy PA works remotely to stay out of clients’ hair and give them as much free time as possible. Working mothers are on the team, equipping staff with insight into clients’ needs and challenges. Two pricing plans are on offer: the ‘Lifeline Subscription’, providing eight hours of service per month for GBP 295 and extra hours available for GBP 35 each. The second is the ‘Now and Again’ package, offering eight hours of service for GBP 325, which can be used as and when the customer needs it. Both plans incur a one off joining fee of GBP 125.


hand-me-downs: The current financial crisis has everyone worried, and we're seeing a lot of moms looking for new ways to save on the clothes, toys, and strollers that their children quickly outgrow, lose interest in, or just can't use any more. With this innovative new site from mompreneur Norah Weinstein, mothers now have an easy way to buy, sell, give away for free or donate their gently used items.


EcoMom Alliance: This initiative hopes to inspire mothers around the globe to make lifestyle changes that will reduce their carbon footprints. Picking up on the Australian Conservation Foundation's "Cool the Globe" initiative, the group's One Night Off campaign encourages mothers to choose one night a week to turn off all lights, TVs, washers, dryers and other appliances. The EcoMom Alliance is a nonprofit organization with about 9,000 members around the globe, including the United States, Australia, Hungary, England, France and Brazil.