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Writer's pictureOanh Kim
4 min read

The Magnitude of Motherhood: Understanding and Appreciating the Challenges Faced by Mothers

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." - Rudyard Kipling

Before having children, I was oblivious to the joys and challenges of motherhood. While I did acknowledge the hard work that goes into the role, I never truly understood its magnitude until I became a mother myself. Motherhood is not an easy job, and it requires a diverse range of skills to get everything done. In this post, I want to explore the challenges that mothers face and the importance of appreciating their hard work.


To begin, let's take a closer look at the survey mentioned in The Independent's article "Motherhood equivalent to 2.5 full-time jobs, survey finds" The survey revealed that mothers work an average of 98 hours per week, which is the equivalent of two-and-a-half full-time jobs. The study also found that mothers' workloads have increased by a third over the past decade, with more mothers juggling paid work and family responsibilities.


This survey highlights the immense workload that mothers take on. From the moment a child is born, mothers must be constantly vigilant and responsible for their child's needs. This includes everything from feeding and changing to teaching and entertaining. In addition, mothers often take on the majority of household chores and errands, such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping.


It is important to recognize that being a mother requires a diverse set of skills. Mothers must be able to manage their time effectively, communicate well, and problem-solve on the fly. They must also be patient, empathetic, and adaptable. Moreover, mothers often need to be creative and resourceful in finding solutions to unexpected challenges that arise during their daily routines.


Unfortunately, the skills that mothers possess are often overlooked and undervalued. Society tends to view motherhood as a natural and effortless role, rather than acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to be a good mother. This lack of appreciation can lead to feelings of isolation, burnout, and undervaluation. It is important to recognize and celebrate the immense value that mothers bring to our families and communities.


Speaking from my personal experience, I have struggled to find employment opportunities since becoming a mother. Despite having a diverse set of skills acquired through parenthood, I have been deemed unemployable by most corporate companies. However, I believe that the skills that mothers possess are invaluable and should be celebrated. As a business owner, I would hire any mothers in a heartbeat, as they are masters at multitasking, problem-solving, and possess an unmatched work ethic.


Motherhood develops a broad range of skills that sets mothers apart from other candidates in the workforce. These include time management, problem-solving, multitasking, communication, organization, teaching, budgeting, negotiation, timekeeping, patience, leadership, creativity, empathy, and teamwork. Recognizing the value of these skills can lead to greater appreciation for mothers and the essential work they do.

  • Time management. As a mother, you are constantly juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities, from managing your child's schedule to household chores and errands. This requires excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

  • Problem-solving. Mothers are often faced with unexpected challenges, from a sick child to a broken appliance. This requires quick thinking and the ability to come up with creative solutions to problems.

  • Multitasking. From feeding your baby while cooking dinner to helping your child with homework while answering emails, mothers are masters at multitasking. This skill is highly valued in the workplace, where the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously can be a significant asset.

  • Communication. Mothers must communicate effectively with their children, partners, and other family members. This requires excellent listening skills, empathy, and the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.

  • Organization. Running a household requires a great deal of organization, from keeping track of appointments and deadlines to managing budgets and meal planning. These skills can be highly valuable in the workplace, where organization and attention to detail are critical.

  • Teaching. Mothers are responsible for teaching their children a wide range of skills and values, from reading and writing to social skills and emotional intelligence. This requires patience, creativity, and the ability to break down complex concepts into simple, understandable steps.

  • Budgeting. Managing a household budget requires careful planning and attention to detail, as well as the ability to make tough financial decisions. These skills can be highly transferable to the workplace, where budgeting and financial management are critical.

  • Negotiation. Mothers are often called upon to negotiate with their children, partners, and other family members. This requires the ability to listen actively, empathize with others' needs, and find solutions that work for everyone.

  • Timekeeping. Mothers are often responsible for keeping track of their child's schedule, from school drop-offs and pick-ups to extracurricular activities and playdates. This requires excellent timekeeping skills and the ability to plan ahead effectively.

  • Patience. Raising children can be incredibly challenging and frustrating at times, requiring a great deal of patience and resilience. This skill is highly valued in the workplace, where the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure can be a significant asset.

  • Leadership. Mothers often take on leadership roles in their families, from setting the tone for the household to managing conflicts and making tough decisions. These skills can be highly valuable in the workplace, where leadership and decision-making are critical.

  • Creativity. Mothers must be creative and resourceful in finding solutions to unexpected challenges that arise during their daily routines. This requires the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.

  • Empathy. Mothers must be able to put themselves in their children's shoes and understand their needs and emotions. This requires empathy and the ability to see things from others' perspectives.

  • Teamwork. Mothers often work closely with their partners, other family members, and childcare providers to ensure their child's needs are met. This requires strong teamwork and collaboration

Motherhood is a demanding job that requires a range of skills. From managing a household to caring for children, mothers are multitasking masters. The immense workload that mothers take on deserves more recognition and appreciation. To all the mothers reading this, I want to express my admiration for your hard work and dedication. Your contribution to our families and communities is invaluable, and you deserve all the recognition and appreciation.


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