Most working mums ignore negative press

The majority of working mums ignore negative reports about working mums in the media, but just over a quarter say they make them feel guilty and anxious, according to a new poll.

The Workingmums.co.uk poll of almost 200 working mums found 43% ignore negative reports in the media about working mums. Some 31% say they make them feel angry and 26% say they make them feel guilty and anxious.

Mandy Garner, editor of WM magazine, said: "Some of the stories in the press can be very demoralising and they tend to focus on the negative as the positive is not considered news, often emphasising one piece of research without giving the full picture, for instance, on the impact of childcare on children.

“It is worrying that even though the majority ignore these stories and just get on with their lives, over a quarter say they make them feel guilty and anxious. For mums returning to work after having children this can add to what is often an anxious and challenging time for mums. It would be good to emphasise more about the benefits to children and their mums of being working mums.

“Our surveys show that the positives include mental stimulation and greater mental well being for mums, better quality time with children [the time spent with children is treasured], less financial stress and greater equality in partnerships with inequality leading to increased tension.”