CLEVELAND — One of the hardest things we do as parents is make sacrifices for our kids.
For many mothers, it's the decision to continue working after having kids, going part time or putting your career on the backburner for a while.
All those decisions have pressures.
In this edition of Mom Squad, 3News' Maureen Kyle talks to author and parenting consultant Carol Muleta about that struggle.
“They've done a study where, you know, for children of working mothers,” Muletta says. “The daughters go on to really believe that they can have the careers that they want, that it's possible. They found that the sons of such mothers were more likely to grow up and pitch in and lend a hand to their parenting partner.”
But many parents must make the choice to put their career aside while their kids are young. It’s something that Muleta did, which she says can be difficult.
“That doesn't mean that your children won't grow up and be successful as well. But I think what's key is be comfortable with your decision. Because again, if your children see that you are home, you are present but you're not happy and you're resentful or what have you, then that's something that they witness. And then maybe you could have children that say, ‘Oh I don't want to be a mom, like it's too hard or something,” Muleta says.
Muleta stresses that no matter what path you choose, you can always change your mind.
In the Mom Squad podcast, she also talks about her struggle when she gave up her career to take care of her twins, one of whom needed special care. She talks about the loss of her identity and how to get it back.
You can download the Mom Squad Pod wherever you get your podcasts.
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous Mom Squad on April 19, 2022.