After decades of research on how working mothers affect their children, somebody’s finally gotten around to investigating how it affects the moms. What makes moms less likely to report depression and sleep disorders? Turns out for many, it’s having a job — a concept that certainly demands further research. The study also takes a big step toward validating the ongoing need for flexibility in the American workplace – and at home. Because what this gets at is the awesome power of balance.
What’s right for any family is what makes the members within it as happy and fulfilled as possible. And that’s not a one-size fits all proposition. But the idea that both work and parenting – especially in combination – can contribute to a woman’s mental and physical health is as good an excuse as any for a general moratorium on the whole ridiculous “mommy wars” meme. We don’t have to be in opposite camps, guilt-tripping each other and over-justifying our life choices. We’re complicated beings and the things that satisfy us are diverse. They’re our children and our careers, our earning power and our rocking version of “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Nobody said it was easy. But maybe if you want to have it all, a good place to start is by doing it all.
Especially after starting my new position this year, I am extremely motivated and excited about work. It has given me a new drive that I believe helps me be a better person and a better mom. I am proud that I can have a successful career and teach my girls that too. I feel so incredibly lucky because our girls are with our moms during the days while we both work. And, I really feel like both of us working is good for our marriage because it truly is a partnership. We both work, we both clean, we both help with the kids, we both get up at night and we both make money. Here's to doing it all in 2012!
