Mumdervalued
»»Mothers don’t »»Poll finds many feel appreciated lack ‘confidence’
MOST Irish mothers don’t feel appreciated in their role, research has revealed.
Only 12% think society values their job as a parent but the majority of mothers feel fulfilled by parenthood. The report by Sudocrem surveyed 400 mothers and grandmothers to explore a variety of issues. Although results show mothers are generally happy and satisfied, many feel they are not valued in the role, suffer from a lack self-confidence and struggle to get their partner to do chores. Launching the report, author Maia Dunhpy said: “Motherhood is a wonderful, life-changing and hugely positive experience, but as this report’s findings show, it can also be challenging. “The vast majority relish and enjoy their role, but the fact they don’t feel valued for the work they do should make us all sit up and evaluate how mothers are viewed and respected by society and most importantly, what can be done to change this. “The fact two-out-of-three of today’s mothers would like to be stay-at-home mothers perhaps indicates a shift from the attitudes of their own mothers, many of whom encouraged their daughters to pursue a career outside the home. “Our society must consider how we can facilitate mothers [and fathers, too] in having greater time at home with their young children. “A number of factors, like extending maternity and paternity leave, more flexible working conditions for parents, more affordable housing and reducing commute times all come into play.” A third also claimed they never have “me time” and 60% reported they were unable to continue their hobbies after they had children.