It's time for a different conversation about working and parenting. As our working days get ever longer and our phones keep so many of us glued to work, the needs of our children and the world of school and childcare has not changed at all. School summer holidays are still longer than our annual leave. Working mothers everywhere are tearing themselves apart, trying to meet the needs of their children, their relationships and their careers and too often feeling like they are failing. So is there a solution?
When Christine Armstrong became a mother, it never occurred to her that she would want to give up her job. But the truth is, combining work and small kids is hard, and when Christine tried it, she found herself desolate with misery. Determined to find a way forward, she looked for answers by interviewing other working mums and found that she wasn't alone.
The Mother of All Jobs brings together the wisdom of the women who opened up about everything (and we mean everything) into a manifesto for happy professional families. Ignoring the glossy lives presented on social media, this book shows that, while it's not always pretty, working parents can thrive if they have the knowledge others learnt the hard way.
Industry Reviews
A guided missile of a book, unflinching, practical and very funny. If you're a mother with a career (or ever want to be) and are beginning to get the feeling you've been conned, welcome to your manifesto. * Justine Roberts, Mumsnet CEO *
a wonderfully reassuring, inspiring and practical guide to the reality of making it work * The Pool *
Everything you ever wanted to know about working motherhood - and a whole load of stuff you really didn't want to know (but ought to). * Viv Groskop *
A must-read for those juggling a career with the school run. * Good Housekeeping *
This empowering read is a manifesto to guide you through * Mother & Baby *
A funny, realistic take on combining a job with small children from a woman who has been there and done it * Happiful *
A great mix of common sense and 'best friend's guide' to work and motherhood. The truth is that the workforce has changed...and the workplace is trying to catch up. Sometimes individuals think that there is something wrong with them....this book helps put paid to that and is a good one to have by the bed alongside the parenting manuals! * Karen Mattison MBE, Joint CEO, Timewise *
Bloody good, I recommend it to all my clients. * Couples and sex therapist Karen Doherty *
A breath of fresh air and a call to action ... essential reading for any woman trying to balance work with family life -- Eleanor Mills * Sunday Times *
There's a rare honesty to Christine Armstrong's book about working motherhood, which is incredibly refreshing - and reassuring -- Hattie Brett * Grazia *
Reassuringly honest, wise and compassionate - a book for any working parents who feel alone in their struggles. * Natasha Lunn, Red *
Christine Armstrong can help you get through with your sanity intact * Daily Telegraph *
(A) hard-headed but warm-hearted guide to how not to screw up the transition from work to the... reality of life with small children * Mslexia *
Ideal for those mums-to-be who are taking a leap from their established careers into the world of blood tests and check-ups, labour wards and nappies, for the first time * Gurgle *
Brings together wisdom from all walks of life... this book shows parents how to cope * B Baby Magazine *
Says it all * Erika Davies *
This book is absolutely f***ing incredible * Hannah Gale *
Incredibly refreshing - and reassuring * Grazia *
