Maternal Optimism: Forging Positive Paths through Work and Motherhood

by Jamie Ladge, Danna Greenberg

Every working mother's path is unique and should be celebrated, not lamented. Yet all too frequently, working mothers are presented with advice, rules to follow or guidelines as if all women's experiences are the same and a one-size-fits-all solution is appropriate. Maternal Forging Positive Paths through Work and Motherhood aims to provide readers with stories and research that support the notion of women owning and feeling confident in the choices they make, as they navigate a complex series of work and family transitions. This book challenges the impulse to reduce work/life challenges to a single point in time, such as the decision to return to work after the birth of a child; instead, it recognizes that work and family decisions are anything but stagnant. They shift as life and career shift and are often filled with unpredictable events.

By understanding and anticipating these shifts, working mothers can develop the resiliency they need at home and at work. This book is a resource for all professional women as they approach the difficulties and the joys of growing a family and a career.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2019

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive academic resource and go-to practical resource for the entire life course of motherhood. Easy to read with key takeaways included at the end of each chapter. Non-judgmental and interdisciplinary. Highly recommend for working women, men and leaders who want to support working women/mothers, etc.

[Fanny Besem-Cordova · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was nothing new or interesting in this book. The authors just tell you what exists. Some moms work. Some don’t. If you want a flexible schedule, you need to talk to your boss and HR department. You can also work from home. Or you can stop working. It felt like a waste of time.