Information » Family & Relationships » Being a Parent » Being a Mum
- Being a mum will probably be the most rewarding thing you ever do, but it will also be one of the toughest.
- Today´s society expects more from women than ever before and the challenge from many mums is fitting in their new role as a parent into their already hectic lives.
- Many mums will choose to return to work, either full-time or part-time, after having a baby. This could be for financial or personal reasons and it is very common with modern mothers.
- Other mothers choose to put off a career in order to dedicate their time to raising their children.
- Being a working mum isn´t something to be ashamed of. It does not make you a bad mother. As long as you spend quality time with your children when you´re not working, they won´t be affected.
- If you are a mum with a child under the age of six, you have the right to request flexible working.
- For information about your maternity rights, see Being a Parent – Finance
- All women have the right to return to their old job after 26 weeks´ ordinary maternity leave
- After 26 weeks´ ordinary maternity leave, you do not have to give your employer notice that you are returning to work, you can just turn up for work on the day you are due back
- Deciding whether to return to work is a personal decision and there is no right or wrong thing to do. Discuss it with your partner and reach a decision that is right for you and your family.
Being a single mum
- Unfortunately not every relationship works out and some mothers find themselves raising their child alone.
- As well as the emotional strain this can cause, it can also be difficult financially. Visit the Citizen´s Advice Bureau for details of financial entitlements for single parents.
- As a single parent, it is important to build up a strong support network, including family and friends, who can offer you help when you need it
- Being a single parent means that you will need extra support with things like child care, flexible working and finances. Don´t be too proud to ask for help. If you can´t find a support network within your family, there are groups that can help. Please see the links below for more details.
