Parenthood is hard, and we all experience the same daily struggles – which is why it is so important to support each other and our individual decisions.
This is the rallying call of Australian journalist Cassandra Thorburn, who recently found herself criticised for being a stay-at-home mum.
The mum-of-three has now issued an open-letter to working mums everywhere, calling for more support, understanding and acceptance of mothers – regardless of their home or work situation.
In her letter, Cassandra acknowledged the struggle of working mums: “I'm aware you spend your days in a competitive environment. You're often surrounded by young co-workers who are a constant reminder that someone is biting at your heels and there are deadlines to meet and pressures at work — and then you race home and your children need you also.”
However, what Cassandra can’t get her head around is why some mothers feel ‘in competition’ with those who make the choice not to work outside of the home.
Admitting she was hurt by an article which used her as an example of ‘why women should never give up their jobs’, Cassandra called out those who view this as a ‘bad decision’.
“We are not in competition with you. We sympathise for you, but we are not in competition…I respect all working mums for the decision you made that was right for you. I only wish there was that same respect returned to stay-at-home mums,” she lamented.
In a final, rallying call, Cassandra called for more support and acceptance, for the sake of mothers all over the world – and, importantly, our daughters.
“Their decision is not superior to ours and there’s no competition as to who made the better choice when it comes to parenting. We all make the decision that works for us, and I guarantee you don’t know any unhappy stay-at-home mums,” she wrote.
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