Life Lessons from a Working Mother
While it’s easy to focus on the negatives of being a working parent—especially for working mothers—there’s a broader perspective to consider. Whether it’s buying into societal double standards or grappling with internal self-doubt bubbling to the surface. Double standards, such as glorifying working fathers for ‘helping out’ while judging mothers for prioritising their careers, or disproportionately assigning household responsibilities to women and girls, are still prevalent.
Yet, while parenting and working can feel like walking a tightrope, your dual roles offer your children something extraordinary. There are countless benefits that children gain from having working parents. They’re not just learning from what you say but also from what you do every day.
Key Lessons
1. Independence and Self-Sufficiency
When you can’t always be there, your children learn to step up—packing their bags, managing their schoolwork, or helping around the house.
Engaging children in household chores not only teaches them essential life skills but also fosters a sense of purpose and achievement. According to the Raising Children Network, involving children in chores helps them learn to care for themselves and their environment, contributing to their overall development.
Additionally, research from La Trobe University indicates that regular participation in household tasks enhances children's executive functions, such as planning and self-regulation, which are crucial for their growth.
While children may sometimes resist these responsibilities, the long-term benefits underscore the importance of their involvement in household duties. These lessons become particularly useful as they grow into young adults and begin living independently. After all, who likes the housemate who leaves a trail of chaos and mess for others to clean up?
What They Learn: Independence is empowering, and responsibility builds capability and confidence.
2. Balancing Passion and Responsibility
By pursuing your career while also looking after your family, you’re showing your children that it’s possible to embrace both personal aspirations and deep, meaningful relationships.
Your dedication to your work highlights the importance of following dreams and working hard to achieve goals, while your presence at home teaches the value of connection, care, and prioritising the people who matter most. They learn from your example that life is multifaceted.
What They Learn: It’s possible to chase dreams and stay connected to the people you love.
3. Teamwork and Communication
Your ability to balance work and family often relies on a foundation of teamwork—collaborating with your partner and involving the entire family in shared responsibilities. This means not only dividing household tasks equitably with your partner but also encouraging your children to take on age-appropriate roles within the home.
By working together, you’re teaching your children the value of cooperation and showing them that family life thrives on mutual support. It’s a chance to model equality in action, where everyone contributes to maintaining a happy and functional household.
One of the biggest benefits for you in this approach is that it fosters a sense of accountability within the family while also easing your own burden of domestic chores.
What They Learn: Families thrive when they collaborate and support each other.
Conclusion
By navigating the world of work and parenting, you’re equipping your children with life skills they’ll carry with them forever. They don’t just see you as a mother—they see you as a role model for resilience, love, and ambition.
Through your example, your children are learning how to live with purpose, balance, and compassion. And that’s a lesson that will serve them for a lifetime.