A mum took to Facebook recently to share what exactly being a parent is like in today's society.
A mum took to Facebook recently to share what exactly being a parent, a working parent in particular, is like in the modern world. Sarah Buckley Friedberg refers to it as her 'Ted Talk' and while there is a humorous side to the piece, it is a startling reality of the unrealistic expectations that society places on women, and, to be honest, it’s actually quite scary.
And while she is talking about working mums, the content is definitely something SAHM and dads will be able to relate to.
In the Facebook post which has been shared over 40,000 times, Sarah first talks about the fact that mums have to go back to work 6-8 weeks after having a baby - the norm in America. And while it is certainly longer in Ireland, the fact that paid maternity leave is less than the time it takes to grow a baby makes you wonder.
In the Facebook post which has been shared over 40,000 times, Sarah first talks about the fact that mums have to go back to work 6-8 weeks after having a baby - the norm in America. And while it is certainly longer in Ireland, the fact that paid maternity leave is less than the time it takes to grow a baby makes you wonder.
In this section, Sarah highlights the pressures that are put on women to “break the glass ceiling and excel at your job - you can do anything a man can do! It is your job to show society this! Show the world that women can do it all. Rise to the top of your career."
Then there is the pressure to lose the baby weight and breastfeed for at least a year while climbing the corporate ladder: "So take 2-3 pumping breaks a day at work, but don't let it throw you off your game or let you lose your focus."
Then there is the pressure to lose the baby weight and breastfeed for at least a year while climbing the corporate ladder: "So take 2-3 pumping breaks a day at work, but don't let it throw you off your game or let you lose your focus."
But that’s not all. There is also the pressure to maintain a family schedule, which we all know is incredibly tricky, ensure the smooth running of a Pinterest-worthy home, make sure the kids learn to swim, play an instrument, ride a bike and above all else “don't forget they need to dress as their favourite book character on Monday, and wear something yellow on Thursday.”
It's not just about running a home while breaking glass ceilings that parents have to contend with though.
There is the pressure to enjoy a family vacation because "it's good to relax and unwind from work" but when you have to use your annual leave to take kids to appointments and after-school activities we're not sure a two-day break in the sun is going to be enough.
"Oh and don’t forget about your partner who you need to schedule in time for or yourself because “it’s important to have ‘you time’,” she writes.
There are also healthy meals to be cooked and your own self-care to be looked after and all must be done while wearing fashionable clothes with styled hair and winged eye-liner.
Oh and “get off your phone, turn off the TV, and enjoy your life. Enjoy your kids. THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES make sure to love every minute of life because before you know it all of this will be in the past.”
Not surprisingly, Sarah’s post has been receiving nothing but praise by parents who understand the exhausting pressure that society puts on mums and dads.
“You’re my hero. Hit the nail on the head harder then a nail has ever been hit. I feel guilty All. The. Time.” wrote one.
Another said: "This is amazing and so true. The exhausted life of a working mom."
What do you think? Has she hit the nail on the head in terms of describing exactly how tough parenting is?
Written by Mary Byrne, Content Executive at Family Friendly HQ. Follow her on Twitter: @marybyrne321