Super mums

Renu Mahtani, a doctor who is also a full time mother is as good an example as any. Ever since she graduated as a doctor, she has been working, though she is the mother of two children aged six and 11. Only three and a half years ago did she leave her full time job at Ruby Hall and started her own clinic so as to have a timing more in tandem with the children8217;s. While the children were very young, her in-laws were there to look after them. She believes that it is more important to be with older children when they need you than when they are young. Every mother, she feels, would be a better mother, if she worked and not necessarily away from home. This would broaden their outlook, make them independent and learn to value time spent with their children. Her children are very understanding and proud of their mother. They understand their mother8217;s need to put her patient8217;s needs over theirs when necessary.

Ketaki Kapila, a doctor in the Army, has been working ever since she graduated and joined the Army. She has one son who is now 15. Her husband also being a doctor in the Army could have made things worse had it not been for her mother-in-law who has been with her constantly providing much needed support. There have been times when her son was a tiny tot and she had guilt pangs of being unable to spend enough time with him and even thought of quitting the services. Only her mother-in-law8217;s assurance made her go on.

There was also a time when she became too involved in work and her husband was posted at a different station, that her son showed some behavioural changes at school. With guidance from the school principal, she was able to get to the root cause and made sure she gave him quality time. Today she has only praises for him and describes him as a very tolerant, independent and understanding individual who refuses to let his mother quit working. As far as his studies are concerned she only does the supervision when required.

What counts in a smooth working household is not being there full time but being aware of time management. Also being able to provide a good meal gives the members less cause to complain if they are so inclined.

Patricia D8217;Souza is a teacher and has been one without a break despite the fact that she has three children between the age group five to 10 years. She has had the support of her mother, mother- in-law and her husband throughout, without which, as she admits, it would have been impossible to cope up with the job. She does not have a maid to help with the housework and this is where her husband and now the children help her at every step. They have no idea of a mom who does not work. Not only they, but even Patricia, is satisfied with herself and life and thankful to her lovely family.

Reena Banerjee is also a mother of three children aged between two to nine years. She has been a working woman throughout her marriage and children did not put an end to her career. She is grateful to her mother-in-law and her husband who have made her able to live life to her satisfaction without feeling guilty about it. Today she is a public relations officer of a reputed company which at times requires her to be away at work for long hours. But she feels that there has to be a priority factor in life and here her family is number one on the list. Her youngest now spends most of her time with the maid who has been with her for a long time. Reena does feel that she could have given more time to her young ones, but now she makes sure that once home she is there for them every moment. She cooks up sumptuous meals , takes her children out for picnics with husband, happily keeping pace. Her children have an independent streak and know exactly what is expected of them and the house runs smoothly.

Neeta Ganguly is a teacher and an extremely popular one. She started teaching only when her younger son started school. As a result there has been no hitch. Her work hours were the school hours of her children and they never felt her absence. She staunchly believes that there is no reason for a mother to create a picture of the sacrificial lamb giving up all her happiness for the cause of her children. To be a better mother, one has to be first and foremost, a happy individual and that can be achieved only if she is happy with the way her life is moving. Her children cannot bear to think that their mother would sit back at home the whole day with her main job being cooking.

Motherhood thus, is not just about giving birth and raising children. For today8217;s mother, it means being there when the child needs you, making them aware of your love for them and most importantly being happy and at peace while you are with the joy of your life.