Motherhood builds skills that are competitive advantages in the workplace.
“Motherhood and apple pie” are meant to evoke an image of something universally good – something everyone can agree on. But, like most things about moms, this phrase has morphed into patronizing passive aggressiveness, at its best.
When someone at work says, “That’s just motherhood and apple pie,” what they are really saying is “That is a bunch of hot air and baloney. Where’s the real substance?”
I don’t like idioms, but I particularly dislike this one. Motherhood is a lot of things, but it’s usually not sugary fruit melting into a flaky pastry crust.
Motherhood is simultaneously sweet and gross. It is both life-giving and soul-crushing. It requires you to have vision, be resilient, and communicate with empathy. Motherhood is… basically, the most effective leadership training program available.
While these skills are recognized by colleagues, they are not appropriately rewarded by leaders in the workplace. The 2019 Modern Family Index study showed that:
- 91% of working Americans agree that working moms bring unique leadership skills (i.e., diplomacy, collaboration, calm in crisis situations, and active listening) and
- 89% of working Americans believe that working moms bring out the best in employees.
Despite this awareness, working mothers are denied advancement opportunities simply because someone at home calls them “Mom.”
- 72% of men and women believe that mothers were penalized for starting families, whereas dads were not, and
- 78% of mothers believe that they must prove themselves more than their peers needed to.
The word “motherhood” needs to be reclaimed. Motherhood should be celebrated as a competitive advantage – rather than an obstacle to overcome. Becoming a mother shouldn’t be a career limiting move or an act you need to balance. Instead, the skills that mothers bring to work should be celebrated like the confirmed kills of an elite Navy SEAL Team Six sniper.
A mother brings battle-tested experience in ruthless prioritization and creative problem solving that will serve her well as a leader. A mother also brings time–tested experience in empathy and active listening.
The stigma around motherhood (and apple pie) is outdated and crippling. The saying “motherhood and apple pie” was coined in the 1960s as symbols of wholesome family values and American pride. Sixty years later, this idiom is no longer relevant. It’s time to give motherhood and apple pie two separate and desperately needed PR refreshes.
