A working mom has an impact on a daughter’s professional future, more than most imagine. And they have a positive influence as well on their son’s future.
I personally had observed these outcomes on us as children of a working mom and on my teenagers. Good news is now there’s solid research also backs up these facts.
The PEW report and other sources such as LeanIn book and Catalyst.org in recent years show some of the most evident benefits:
On daughters: women who grew up with working mums are more likely to have careers themselves as well as, higher incomes. Daughters whose mothers work medium- or high-skill jobs, go on to hold more supervisory positions than those whose mother was a stay-home mother.
On sons: those who grew up with working mother do more household chores and take on more time and responsibility as child-care givers at home as adults. The study shows this can mean up to 8 hrs. more weekly on those activities than boys who grow up with stay-home mums.
Additionally, working moms also report being able to spend more quality time with their children. Since they literally need to switch off the minute, they get home, and that they need to dedicate quality precious time to their kids. Leaving other work-related tasks to do until the kids are in bed.
Whys? The report explains that children understand and internalize messages, such as behaviour they see modelled by their parents or caregivers. Statistically, a working mum tends to create egalitarian opinions and perspectives in their families. The same happens in households where work and household chores are shared among the parents and genders.
For my recent book: “How to be a Smart Woman in STEM” I researched the effects that mainly STEM fields mums had on their kids (STEM #science #technology #engineering and #math). Not only do they inspire their interest in their children for these relevant fields, but these mother’s financial remuneration is usually on the high range among other professions. Their daughters reported significant benefits from seeing their mothers live up a fulfilling job outside the home as well.
No judgment
Whenever I show these results to working women or men, who consider become stay-home moms it causes an interesting debate. I personally think a stay-home mom’s job is tremendously demanding and often it runs 24 by 7. To stay or not at home with the kids is a very personal decision.
Often society puts pressure on working-moms’ expectations, they don’t sometimes get the same recognition and reputation as caregivers, they often struggle with guilt-feelings. I find it’s important to talk about these findings.
I often get to coach mothers especially in demanding engineering, consulting and tech areas. Many of them wrestle with guilt, social pressure, and poor life-balance. Let’s remember that’s statistically the majority of working mothers also carry most of the housework at home.
Statistics on Stay-at-Home Moms.
A recent Gallup poll revealed that stay-at-home moms report experiencing sadness or anger in their day more than moms who work outside of the home. Other studies indicate that a Majority of Stay-at-Home moms (almost 60%) consider going back to work someday.
If you’re one of them, I recommend taking strategic steps now to prepare. You can use your employment gap to take classes to sharpen skills, earn one of these licenses or certificates that can improve your resume. Many accept a part-time job that is fulfilling while they consider going for your goals and dreams. You and your goals are worth it.
The Generational Shift
These are the last years we see four generations under one roof. The generational shift starts happening now. New practices and motivators move our next generation: Millennials, who by 2030, will make up 75% of the workforce. And of course, more women enter the workforce so this topic will gain even more relevance soon. Millennial mothers are separating themselves from the pack and defining their own version of mommy-hood.
Businesses are awakening to a new reality and to the lost opportunities. Especially in fields where there’s a leak on their talent pipeline.
Progressive, creative ways to support them and promote them. I happily welcome news about how huge leaps across the public and private sector being announced every month. Let’s keep the momentum.
It’s true: working moms create a positive impact on our future generations.
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