Working Mother magazine released its list of 100 Best Companies recently. It included a lot of large employers; some have Iowa operations, such as Bank of America, Deloitte and RSM, among others.

The list also included Principal Financial Group. The company as an extension of that recognition has honored one of its own as a Working Mother of the Year. It’s done so since 2010.

This year Danna Robinson, a mother of three boys ages 12, 6 and 1, was recognized after being nominated by a co-worker.

She said Principal’s policies and supportive leadership team have helped her balance parenting and work duties.

One example she highlighted quickly: She had to be put on bed rest during a high-risk pregnancy and was allowed to put in hours that she could work.

Some benefits are more routine and help to manage the day-to-day schedule. “I do work from home — but not when they are awake,” she said, referring to her children. “They are aware of the times I have to do things. I can’t have my whole life revolve around my kids.”

She said it’s been important to be able to adjust her schedule. “I can work from home when I need to. There’s a give and take. I should be in the office when I am needed there.”

Besides getting recognized at work, Robinson will accompany another Principal staff member to a gala event in New York City hosted by Working Mother magazine in October. 

Robinson offers this advice: “Working moms sometimes have the feeling of being a subpar mom because they can’t make it to every cross-country meet. You can’t be everything to everyone if you want to be a good mom. It took me a long time to figure that out. I tried to tear myself in half to get places. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find those people who you can lean on to help you during those difficult times.

And, yes, we realize there are thousands of working moms and dads (and other caregivers) in Greater Des Moines who also likely deserve some recognition.