Quite a bunch, aren't we?
Not only burdened with the responsibilities of raising new-age kids who are high tech, but come with nope, not even a "Parenting for dummies" manual, managing a challenging and dynamic job-front, dealing with the social aspects of the family like being the perfect daughter, a good sister, the kind neighbor, a caring wife, dutiful daughter-in-law et al. Add the mundane chores of cooking, cleaning, gardening, chauffering to this list and - I know, my head is spinning too.
Easy now, let's sit down for a minute.
Most of the current gen mothers that I know take their diverse roles to their heart, and try to make the best out of it. It's business as usual for them. No big deal, they would brush off. But, I always wonder if we're all unconsciously trying to be "Supermums", especially the huge task of balancing work and home. We definitely want to be out having a career or a job which is what keeps us sane and yet, no way do we want to give up our "gathering" instincts to take charge of the family. If you can manage this whole circus show, good for you.
Congrats, you've just been promoted as the "Queen of Momdom". We salute you.
Often enough though, mothers choose one over the other, if that's even an option. And, only a few of them are happy and contended with what their decision. I never get why this has to be an "exclusive club", with limited membership.
What i've seen too many times, on both sides of the hemisphere, is the working mother getting those pangs of guilt when leaving a semi-sick child in the daycare or when missing her child's performance at school.
On the other hand, the stay-at-home mother wishing she can just wear decent clothes, pick up her bags and go meet some adults for a change instead of having to listen to the same nursery rhyme for the 100th time in a span of just one hour. Dr. Spock could "put a sock in it", for all she cares.
Ah, now the best part. The big thing I like about mid-life is you can give so many freebie advices to the world at large with the greatest of confidence. So, here comes one more:
Honest appeal to Mothers everywhere - Make the best use of the options available to you, and be happy in whatever you do, be it home, work or both.
Remember: No one gets brownie points for solving all the world's problems in one day.