From debates about public breastfeeding to exercising while pregnant, modern mums have a lot to contend with when it comes to unsolicited advice from strangers – but the following report is taking things to a whole new level.
The internet has rallied around Today FM newsreader Susan Keogh over her powerful Twitter response to a man who ‘trolled’ her this week, insisting that she should not have a baby and a job.
As you can imagine, the situation was quite frustrating for Susan, but the reply she shared openly last night has proven inspiring and empowering to mums everywhere.
Addressing the ‘brave man’ who sent her the message, Susan wrote: “I got your message. The one where you pointed out that if I missed my four-year-old girl so much while I’m in work, then I should just give up my job. Or quit posting pictures of her, at the very least. How had I not thought of that? So helpful.”
I was trolled earlier this week by a guy who thinks I shouldn't have a baby AND a job.
Here's what I think - pic.twitter.com/8SKBtsHhNy
— Susan Keogh (@suskeogh) January 29, 2016
Susan went on to state the many reasons why she works – it’s not just about paying the bills, but as it makes her “happy and content”, it subsequently makes her a happier mum.
Using the example of missing her daughter’s bedtime due to her job, Susan highlighted the inequality she and other mothers face as she added: “Do you know how many people point that out to me? Too many. My husband leaves the house at 5 every morning. He misses ‘wake-up time’ every day. Guess how many people point that out to him? You got it – none.”
Echoing the sentiments of fellow Irish presenter Jennifer Zamparelli this week, Susan admitted to experiencing ‘mum guilt’ due to being away from her daughter with her job – and the scenarios she paints are ones that every mother can relate to.
Aside from creating the best possible future for her daughter, Susan insisted that she is pursuing her beloved career in a bid to prove people like that man wrong – to show her daughter that she can build a life that she wants, even when others are saying it’s not possible.
My Mum worked when we were young, she's my hero and inspiration @suskeogh. Faceless bullies can be so brave on Twitter. You're awesome xxx
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) January 29, 2016
“I don’t have a career to show her she can have one too. She can do what she pleases. And I guess that’s why I do it. I want to show her that she can make choices. I want her to be confident enough to make the right ones for her. I want her to choose happiness,” she said, in the close of her piece.
Wow. As you can imagine, Susan has been inundated with support from the Twitter community, with mums everywhere applauding her stance and her eloquent words.
“Fair play to you Susan! Brilliant response,” wrote one user, while many referred to the man in question as a ‘dinosaur’ from a prehistoric time!
Among those supporters was Today FM colleague Juliette Gash, who added: “My mum worked when we were young, she’s my hero and inspiration. Faceless bullies can be so brave on Twitter. You’re awesome.”
