To the Mothers Who Work Twice as Hard: The jugglers of Home and Office

When people talk about mothers, the conversation often revolves around the selflessness of homemakers—their lives quietly sacrificed in the background, with little recognition. And rightfully so. But on this Mother’s Day, I want to turn the spotlight toward another group of mothers who, though equally resilient, are less frequently celebrated: working mothers. Those who balance boardroom meetings with grocery lists, handle clients and children with the same grace, and carry the weight of two full-time job professional as well as domestic—without the world pausing to notice.In the narrative of motherhood, the working mother often becomes an afterthought. We expect her to rise early, pack tiffins, dress her children, ensure everything at home is in order, and then walk into her office and well,composed, focused, and fully present. She must wear professionalism at work and patience at home, with no time to pause between the two roles.

Have you ever stopped to observe your working mother? Perhaps you’ve seen her reschedule a parent-teacher meeting, not because she doesn’t care, but because she’s stretched thin. Or maybe she forgets to alter your father’s trousers, only to remember it during her commute and get it done in between calls.We must acknowledge the invisible labor that these women shoulder. It’s not just about doing tasks—it’s about thinking about them constantly: the school fees that are due, the snacks that need replenishing, the cousin’s birthday next week, the client meeting that overlaps with the school function. This cognitive and emotional load is heavy, and yet working mothers carry it with strength and grace .I have seen my mother do it all, and well if you ask me, no, i can never even think of balancing both the roles.

The world is quick to celebrate men who balance fatherhood and career. A man who attends a PTA meeting or cooks dinner once in a while is applauded as “hands-on” and “involved.” Yet when the mother does it and ten times more,it’s simply expected. This double standard weighs heavily on working mothers. They are judged at work for prioritizing family, and at home for prioritizing work. There is no win.Perhaps the most painful part of this experience is the guilt trap. Many working mothers feel that they’re never doing enough,neither at home nor at work. If they miss a school recital, they feel like a bad parent. If they leave work early to care for a sick child, they feel less committed to their job. This guilt isn’t born from neglect but from societal expectations that no human can realistically meet.

What these women need is not just praise on Mother’s Day, but sustained understanding and support. Families must take active responsibility in sharing the domestic load. Employers must reimagine workplace structures to offer flexibility, empathy, and true work-life balance—not as a perk, but as a right. Governments and institutions should champion parental leave for both genders, and normalize the role of men as equal partners in the home.Despite the odds, these women continue. They continue because their children’s dreams matter to them, because they want to create a life of independence and example, because they find purpose in their work and love in their homes. Even when they’re tired, even when they cry silently in the bathroom between Zoom calls or in the car before walking into the office they keep going. Their resilience is not just admirable; it’s transformative.

Every child who sees their mother chase her goals and manage a home learns something invaluable: that strength comes in many forms. That womanhood is not defined by sacrifice alone, but by power, balance, and choice. That love can look like a warm meal after a long shift, or a smile at the end of a hard day.This Mother’s Day, I want to say this: we see you. We see you rising before the sun and sleeping only after the house rests. We see you managing the mental checklist of everyone’s needs. We see your forgotten coffee mugs, your tired eyes, your quiet resilience. We see your sacrifices the missed promotions, the unfinished novels, the delayed dreams and we honor them.

To all the working mothers who feel unseen and unappreciated, know this: your impact is immeasurable. You are shaping not only your children’s lives but the world they will grow up in. You are teaching them empathy, endurance, and equalit,values that no textbook can impart.And to the families reading this, ask yourselves: when was the last time you truly thanked her? Not with a bouquet or a dinner, but with your time, your effort, your sharing of responsibilities? Appreciation is not a once-a-year performance; it is a practice that should be woven into the everyday fabric of our lives.

To the working mothers,whether you’re a lawyer juggling court cases and playdates, a teacher correcting papers and braiding hair, a nurse finishing night shifts and checking homework, or a small business owner meeting deadlines and making breakfast,I thank you. I thank you on behalf of your children, your spouses, your colleagues, and a society that benefits from your quiet strength every day.

May this Mother’s Day bring you not just greetings but gratitude. Not just cards, but compassion. And may you find the strength, health, and support you so richly deserve,not just today, but every single day.

Happy Mother’s Day.