Pro Mom Project

Before I became a mom, there were many loud voices shouting opinions at me about the merit of working motherhood. Despite the negativity of many, I was confident that I would navigate a path that allowed me to be the mother, professional, and person I wanted to be.

Now I want to dispel some of the most harmful myths I see levied at working moms. These myths often dissuade women from wanting to work or make women feel guilty for choosing/needing to work. These myths are outdated, short-sited, and need to be tossed in the office shredder to be replaced with reality.

Myth #1: When compared to others in the workforce, working moms are not as committed to their careers because their kids are their number-one priority.

Reality #1: Every employee has different life circumstances and “priorities” outside of work. It can’t be assumed that working moms are less committed to their careers than anyone else. In fact, working moms have extra motivation to perform well in their careers because they are driven to provide for their children and themselves.

Myth #2: A working mom doesn’t raise her kids; her kids are raised by “strangers” (e.g. daycare providers or nannies).

Reality #2: Like all moms, working moms are raising their kids with the help of their village. Moms cannot and should not be the sole adult attending to their children 24/7. Trust working moms to strategically implement a nurturing support system as part of raising their kids. And understand that working moms are still in the trenches with their kids, from morning routines to midnight wake-ups. Don’t belittle a working mom’s strong bond with her children simply because she uses childcare in her mothering toolbox.

Myth #3: Working moms only work because they can’t afford to stay home.

Reality #3: Moms work for many reasons! Some may work for strict necessity. Other reasons include working to maintain an elevated lifestyle, budget/save responsibly, pursue their own career ambitions, and model to their children that mothers can have amazing careers too.

Myth #4: Working moms are only fit for certain “types” of jobs (e.g. part time or low-stress jobs).

Reality #4: Working mom occupations are limitless. Mothers should pursue the career path that aligns with their goals and needs. Working moms are successful both in and out of the home in a wide range of careers, from emergency medicine to business owner to trades-person to independent consultant.  

Myth #5: Working moms schedules inevitably feel chaotic and out-of-control by nature.

Reality #5: Working moms have unique skills to implement a schedule which can accommodate personal, professional, and familial goals. As working moms, we need to learn how to apply these skills to our advantage. Many working moms benefit from strategically-designed tools and professional services to help them optimize these schedules. Pro Mom Project tools and services can help any busy mom optimize an integrated schedule to build a life she loves.

Being a working parent comes with enough challenges without the judgment and harmful stigmas these myths perpetuate. If you hear family, friends, or colleagues spreading misinformation about working motherhood, don’t be afraid to speak up. What are some other working mom myths you would like to see busted? Let’s keep this list going in the comments!