In Episode 17 of The Billable Mom Podcast, host Cari Rincker, Esq., chats with Jennifer Zwagerman, Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Agricultural Law Center at Drake University. This powerful episode—titled Balancing the Scales: Motherhood and Law—dives into Jennifer’s personal and professional journey navigating fertility, high-risk pregnancy, maternity leave, and the ongoing challenge of traveling with children while balancing a legal career. Below, we share our tips for traveling with kids.
If you’re a working mom trying to plan a trip with kids—without losing your mind—this episode offers real-world wisdom and actionable strategies.
From Flights to Road Trips: Jennifer’s Travel Philosophy
Jennifer shares that she was a seasoned global traveler before she had children. Once she became a mom, everything changed.
But instead of shelving her love for travel, she adapted her approach. One piece of advice that stuck with her: “Anywhere you can take a football, you can take a baby.”
Travel is relatively simple in the newborn phase. But once kids become mobile, the logistics multiply. Jennifer shares how she learned to overprepare and stay calm when things didn’t go according to plan.
Here are some of her favorite travel-with-kids strategies:
- Check your bags – Even if you never did pre-kids, it’s worth the sanity.
- Rent gear when you can – Save on space and stress by renting cribs, swings, or strollers.
- Pack intentionally – A diaper bag stocked with snacks, toys, and essentials is critical.
- Be flexible – Especially when flying solo with kids, build in breaks and expect the unexpected.
- Give older kids agency – Involve them in the planning and daily decision-making. It builds buy-in and reduces meltdowns.
Jennifer’s road trips have taken her kids through 30 states by age 12, with a goal of hitting all 50. Her secret? Preparation and patience.
Amazon Travel Essentials for Parents Traveling with Kids
Based on Jennifer’s tips, here are Amazon affiliate recommendations to make traveling with children easier, lighter, and more enjoyable:
🧳 Travel Stroller – Lightweight and compact with easy folding
🍼 Portable Diaper Changing Pad – A lifesaver for airports and rest stops
🎒 Backpack-Style Diaper Bag – Hands-free, with organized compartments
🎧 Kids’ Headphones – Volume-limiting for safety during screen time
📚 Busy Book or Activity Set – Keeps little hands entertained on long drives
🍿 Snack Container with Compartments – Reduce mess and encourage independence
🧺 Car Seat Travel Tray – Built-in storage and play surface for long rides
🌞 Sunshade for Car Windows – Prevent crankiness on sunny drives
From Law Firm to Academia: Creating Space for Family
Jennifer also opens up about her shift from private practice to academia—a career pivot fueled by a desire for more flexibility and stability while starting a family. She shares honest reflections on workplace support, fertility challenges, and balancing ambition with caregiving.
Her advice? Do what works for you. Don’t chase someone else’s version of balance.
Rediscovering Paper Planning
In a world filled with productivity apps, Jennifer shares how going back to paper planning reduced her stress. Despite being tech-savvy, writing things down helped her stay grounded and mentally organized. Whether it’s jotting to-dos on scrap paper or using a full-sized desk calendar, tactile planning tools can ease mental overload.
🗒️ Amazon Products to Support Written Planning:
- Weekly Dry-Erase Wall Calendar – Visual family schedule in one place
- Moleskine Weekly Planner – Elegant, portable, and professional
- Sticky Note Organizer Pads – Color-coded for home, work, and kids
- Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook – Combines handwriting with digital sync
Recommended Reads for Billable Moms
Jennifer didn’t recommend specific books during the episode, but based on her themes of stress management, self-care, and parenting on the go, here are the top books Cari Rincker often recommends:
📖 Fair Play by Eve Rodsky – A must for dividing domestic labor fairly
📖 Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski – Understand the stress cycle and how to break it
📖 Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu – Let go of doing it all and reclaim your time
📖 The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins – Daily confidence-building for busy moms
📖 Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist – A call to slow down and savor life
Tips for Traveling With Kids: Key Takeaways
- Traveling with kids takes more planning—but it’s worth it
- Flexibility and overpacking are your friends
- Don’t be afraid to hire help or outsource chores
- “Balance” looks different for every mom—and that’s okay
- Include your kids in travel conversations to empower and prepare them
Where to Find Jennifer Zwagerman
🌐 Drake University Agricultural Law Center
Jennifer continues to advocate for policy, agriculture, education, and motherhood—all while mentoring law students and traveling with her two children.
Listen to the Full Episode
🎧 Listen to Episode 17: Balancing the Scales with Jennifer Zwagerman
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