Playing with different rules

Thank you Dawn for your refreshing candour about our industry. A reminder of what is not acceptable practice and why women need a fresh approach.

I acknowledge that women have an uphill battle that men generally do not face and that is because they are generally the primary carer for children.

You are extremely fortunate to have a partner that supports you, because on your own the task is difficult.

In my mid twenties I ran a tourist coach coy and my first born, was very attached to me and became distressed if I went away without her. As I ran the company I decided to take her with me.

Today I have 6 grandchildren and the youngest is 19 months old. My wife and I look after her every weekend, however I am her primary carer.

I needed to become more involved as my wife could not handle the challengers of a toddler.

After many months of caring for her, she has become very attached to me and does not like me leaving her.

The whole point I am making is that being a carer reduces your capacity to pursue your career, unless you own the business & employ other people to fill the gaps.

People who are NOT carers have no idea of what I am talking about and cannot appreciate the difficulties involved when you are a carer.

Sadly, I do not believe this will ever change as men still regard caring for children to be the primary responsibility of the mother. My granddaughter comes to me, because she sees me as one of her primary carer givers. Her view of her world is she simply wants a cuddle.

I find it interesting that people say this is cute, but what they are really saying is this is not normal.

When this behaviour becomes normal and ceases to be unusual, then this whole issue will cease to exist.

Dawn, you have already made the best decision in your life, by marrying someone that understands that raising a family is a two person job.

When at 2am your son or daughter requires a nappy change and a bottle, he says I will do it and he spends some quality time with his baby.

When you take things back to the basics, then the answer becomes crystal clear.

Excellent suggestions, and as a non-female, I hope to bring acceptance, understanding, and flexibility to the working mums in my world, as it is an incredible honour to be on this journey providing advice and supporting our clients with you.