By Sarah Bennett-Astesano

nt-size: 12.0pt">So, you’re a mom who has stayed home with your kids for a few years, and now you want to return to work. You’re not alone.

nt-size: 12.0pt">Most moms eventually head back to work. Nearly three-quarters of all mothers – and 60 percent of moms with children under age 3 – are currently in the labor force, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Re-entering the workforce – whether you’ve been out for one year or several, whether it’s a quick decision or a more thoughtful process – isn’t always easy. But work/family balance experts say there are some key steps you can take to prepare yourself.

Laying the Groundwork

nt-size: 12.0pt">Even if you’re not returning to your previous career, it’s easier to ease back into the workforce if you’ve never been completely out of it. Experts offer these tips for staying workforce-ready:

nt-size: 12.0pt">• Stake a claim to outside activities and an identity that’s all your own. Even if the things you do aren’t work-related, it’s important to have confidence-building activities of your own – participating in community theater for example – while you’re a stay-at-home parent.

nt-size: 12.0pt">“Once you’re past the newborn stage, keep your identity alive as a person, so you’re not just ‘Sam’s mom,’” advises Amy Tiemann, the author of Mojo Mom: Nurturing Yourself While Raising a Family.