Choosing between career and kids

Choosing between career and kids

Women were considered as beautiful, tender, weak human beings in the past. Nevertheless, women’s position has changed and their roles have increased considerably in the community. Females have begun to play active roles in any sphere of life. Nowadays, highly educated, intelligent, hardworking women who pursue career are becoming typical and the number is increasing dramatically around the world. However, it is not always easy for some female employees to keep the balance between family and work, especially, newly given birth mothers. Raising physically, mentally, spiritually strong and healthy children as well as achieving a better work-life balance are becoming controversial and crucial for working mothers. According to the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, children aged up to five whose mothers work all day have an unhealthy diet and are inactive in outdoor activities. Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology and Deputy Director at UCL Institute of Child Health, Catherine Law and Department of Health spokesman claim that there is a need for policies and programmes for working parents’ children to be healthy and active in society. Michelle Carchrae, a student of Master of Counselling degree at City University, argues about making the right decision whereas Denise Oliveri, a manager of Vendor Management writes some tips about taking a child to work. Most working mothers suffer from keeping work-life balance as a result it impacts their children’s health, behaviour as well as their own mood, manner and relationship. On the one hand, every woman wants to find her position in society and contribute something important and valuable for the development of the country by her high career achievements. On the other hand, being a mother is more responsible and important than a profession.

Based on studies and researches by the Institute of Child Health, most five-year-olds eat unhealthy food and are less active as their mothers work and do not know their daily diet and time management during working hours. They found that they were more likely to consume sweetened drinks between meals. Professor, Catherin Law argues time restriction make parents pay less attention to their children’s healthy eating and physical activeness while Glenys Jones, a nutritionist with the Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research claims that age and health behaviours should be observed so as to identify the influence of maternal employment. Moreover, Sally Russell, a spokesman for Netmums, adds working mothers feel guilt and stress since they are encouraged to work nowadays. In my opinion, finding a solution is easy but implementing and taking action is difficult. Therefore, governments should create new programmes to support working parents whose children suffer from obesity or unfitness. For instance, providing free or cheaper babysitters who can take care of them when parents are work or setting cameras inside of houses so that working mothers are aware of what their children eat and how they spend their time.

While the “Doing Business” new initiative program gives great chances for women in the business world, staying at home and raising children make energetic working mothers upset and disappointed. Michelle Carchrase, Master of Counselling degree student persuades mothers to make an appropriate decision including career options, child’s age and desire or mind. She advises if mothers hesitate to leave their lovely job and stay at home with their baby, they should select career options such as freelancing, job sharing, part-time work, working from home and so on. However, a child’s need is a major factor in making a decision because an infant always needs to be his/her mother, especially, if a mother breastfeeds her baby, as well as their temperament, health and some special needs, are also important. I think being a mother is a priceless reward for any working ladies although how hard they achieved their high and lucrative careers; their vital job is raising and educating a healthy generation. Parents usually work for their children’s bright future and affluent life. Work can be found, money can be earned but time never comes back and passes quickly that mothers may miss their children’s childhood and lose time for their education.

Although it is difficult to continue working for some mothers, sometimes they have no choice but to work for financial and intellectual needs. In this case, it is a good idea to go to work with the child and let them learn and discover a new world. Denise Oliveri, a manager, suggests taking children to work for learning and being a witness of how they parents work. However, firstly, it is important and convenient to get permission from their boss or supervisor beforehand. Secondly, mothers should explain rules and norms that children should not interfere with other employees or get their parents into trouble. Thirdly, it is better to bring their toys lest getting bored and making noise. Introducing working place for children is an interesting and funny experience so that they begin to value their parents’ money, efforts and work.

In conclusion, people cannot judge any working mother who is still an employee although she has an infant, toddler or small child since others did not wear her shoes and walk her way. Most mothers work for a prosperous life and provide their children with a happy and bright future as well as being role models for children with their lifestyle, education, work, behaviour and character. That’s why it depends on the situation to make a decision for being a kind stay at home mother or a successful working mother.