On Being a Working Mom: Lessons from my Mother

For most children today, coming back home from school means taking off a heavy school bag, kicking off dusty school shoes, changing into pajamas and sprawling comfortably on the couch for a few minutes of rest. This small break that children get to take in their bustling world of colour and activities is often a cherished moment of calmness for them in their day.

I was just like these children during my childhood too, but with one small difference. The thing I would look forward to the most after coming back from school would not be the newest episode of my favorite cartoon, or a bowl of tasty snacks, but it would be something just as captivating and enjoyable – waiting for my mother to get home so I could hear about her day at work.

My mother was a producer at Doordarshan while I was growing up and the best part of my day as a child would be to hear her talk about all the interesting things she did at work.

Looking back now, my after-school conversations with her were one among a myriad of ways in which my mother’s presence has played a huge impact on my life and the way I today, as a mother, spend time with my child.

I’ve learned a lot of lessons from her, about being a working mother and striking that delicate balance between family and work. I learned these by watching her be and I find them immensely helpful.

Here are some of the things that I learned from my mother that help me navigate being a working mom today, I hope they resonate with you too.

Be Present

My mother ensured she spent quality time with me and what made that time count was that when she was at home, she was there completely. She didn’t carry the pressures of deadlines or bosses back home with her. This made sure I could experience my mother just as she was.

Children grow up in the blink of an eye and being fully present in the moment when you’re with them can help make every moment memorable.

Be Approachable

My mother was and is the absolute energy center of the house. She is my ultimate friend, motivator and my go-to lifesaver. She has always fulfilled these roles with the utmost enthusiasm and energy. Now when I look back I realize the impact my mother’s positivity had in making her approachable and that made my life easier.

A friendly, vibrant atmosphere at home goes a long way in making parents more approachable.

Create Artificial Boundaries

What I admire most about my mother is how she maintained her individuality. She has drawn her boundaries when they needed to be drawn and this has helped her prioritize work and family as need be. Being a mother now, I realize that this requires a lot of multitasking, but my mother pulled it off beautifully nonetheless. 

Only with boundaries can you give your work and your family the attention they deserve.

Now that I am a mother myself, I realize that walking the tightrope between work and family may not be easy, but it is certainly possible. My mother set a living example of that in our household, and I hope to follow the same.