PW Design and Co

Society hates mothers. Motherhood is often hailed as one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences a woman can have. However, behind the rosy facade lies a harsh reality: society’s deep-rooted bias against mothers. From judgmental comments to systemic inequalities, mothers face an uphill battle in their quest to balance their personal and professional lives.

The Motherhood Penalty:

One of the most glaring examples of society’s bias against mothers is the motherhood penalty in the workplace. Despite advancements in gender equality, mothers often face discrimination when it comes to hiring, promotions, and pay. In fact one of the best promotions I could have got, came when I was away on maternity leave. The assumption that motherhood hinders productivity and commitment is deeply ingrained, leading to missed opportunities and financial setbacks for countless women. And you can’t win, if you stay home with your kids you are undriven and not contributing to society. The comments that working moms are depriving their child of care or that you will miss milestones as you will be working. But yet for the average woman, being a stay at home mom is not an option, so the only option is to work. And this isnt the 1950’s where a man can walk into his employers office and ask for a pay raise to support his family. So many women are stuck and penalized for something in some cases they may not want. The lack of understanding and flexible schedules for mothers further setback mothers that would like to find a balance between two full time jobs. 

The Expectation of Perfection:

Mothers are constantly bombarded with unrealistic expectations of what it means to be a “good” mother. And the list of things expected is long! And sorry, but we are human and often functioning with very little sleep. Society places immense pressure on us to excel in every aspect of our lives, from maintaining a spotless home to raising well-behaved children. This unattainable standard not only leads to feelings of inadequacy but also perpetuates the notion that mothers are solely responsible for their children’s success or failure. And What I wish people would understand is that our children are their own people. I can do my best to guide them, but at the end of the day it’s up to them. 

The Mommy Wars:

The so-called “Mommy Wars” are a prime example of how society pits mothers against each other. Whether it’s breastfeeding versus formula feeding, stay-at-home moms versus working moms, or any other parenting choice, mothers are often judged and criticized for their decisions. And man does everyone have a say on this, sometimes I will see posts and surprisingly its not only women who have a say in the matter. This toxic environment not only undermines solidarity among women but also distracts from the real issues at hand, such as the lack of support and resources available to mothers. And let me tell you there are very little supports. 

Lack of Support Systems:

Mothers often find themselves navigating the challenges of motherhood alone, without adequate support systems in place. From limited maternity leave policies to the absence of affordable childcare options, society fails to recognize the importance of providing mothers with the necessary tools to succeed. If you feel like you are being set up to fail, you are not wrong. From the time they check out your baby at the hospital and send you on your way, it’s up to you and your partner to learn and provide everything that, that tiny human needs. This lack of support not only hampers their personal growth but also perpetuates the cycle of inequality. 

The Devaluation of Care Work:

Society tends to undervalue the essential work that mothers do in caring for their families. The unpaid labor of childcare, household chores, and emotional support often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. This devaluation not only undermines the contributions of mothers but also perpetuates gender inequalities by reinforcing traditional gender roles. In this day in age it’s not longer okay to accept that men only have to work to provide. If both of you are working, why is it mom is cooking, cleaning, caring for the family and working?? 

There will never be a “fair” division of labor with the mental load of it all. But now is the time for your partner to take on more responsibility.

It is high time society recognizes and addresses the unfair treatment of mothers. By challenging societal norms, advocating for policy changes, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, we can create a society that values and uplifts mothers. It is crucial to acknowledge the immense sacrifices and contributions mothers make, and to provide them with the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. Only then can we truly progress towards a more equitable and compassionate society.

Hang in there momma we got this!