In this novel, Ann Crittenden presents an engaging insight into working mothers and the link between parenting skills and adept managerial skills. The novel includes research from 100 parents who have been active in careers in business, law, politics, academia and non profits. The interviews are based on the primary caregivers in the family which are generally female. The ongoing theme is that parents, who can deal with the demands of raising a family, can deal with most challenges that the business world throws at them. The skills and talents required for professions are compared with that of successful parenting. As Crittenden highlights, “anyone who has learned how to comfort a troublesome toddler, soothe the feelings of a sullen teenager, or managed the complex challenges of a factious household,” is primed to excel at the personal style of management that is favored in contemporary America.
The four main categories that Crittenden focuses on are multitasking, interpersonal skills, growing human capabilities and habits of integrity. These skills are argued to be transferable from parenting to professionalism. One such example is a conscientious parent which has all the skills required by corporations to create value such as time management and respectful negotiations. A stand out interviewee spoke about how her producer shouted obscenities at her, where the female treated the case as that of a toddler’s tantrum which leads the producer to apologize the next day. Other cases include CEOs such as CNBC’s Pamela Thomas-Graham, Oxygen’s Geraldine Laybourne and actress Lindsay Crouse.
Crittenden concludes that Mothers path is directed towards, “slowly changing the work world—its language, its atmosphere, and, more glacially, its norms,” providing an inspiring message to its target audience.
Overall, Crittenden provides an interesting perspective on parenting and women career planning, which defies corporate biases against workers who are focused on child rearing. The novel provides an affirming message for women who aim to combine a successful professional career with that of family life. Crittenden also intends to promote that the value of care giving as an essential resource, remains unacknowledged in society which is due to a culture based on separating the private world from the public. Crittenden’s novel is suitable for those mothers and others more generally who place a high value on the life experience gained through the practice of caring for children consistently. This is a good read for most females in different life stages requiring thought of the balancing act between raising a family to excelling in a successful career.
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