The Supermom myth suggests that a woman can excel in every role—at work, home, and personal—without faltering. This idealized image has been perpetuated by media, social media influencers, and even well-meaning family members. It portrays a woman who seamlessly manages to thrive in her career, raise well-behaved children, maintain a pristine home, and never miss a school event or work deadline. The message behind this myth is that mothers should be able to do it all the time and do it perfectly.
The emotional labor that comes with motherhood is often invisible, yet it is one of the most significant factors that contribute to the challenges faced by working mothers. Emotional labor refers to the constant effort involved in managing the emotions and needs of others—whether it’s comforting a child, supporting a partner, or keeping track of appointments and schedules. For many working mothers, this labor doesn’t stop when they leave the office. It extends into the home, where they are often expected to manage the family's emotional well-being, even while juggling work responsibilities.
This emotional workload is exhausting because it is ongoing and can often feel like a never-ending cycle of caretaking. When a mother is balancing her job with the emotional demands of her family, she can quickly become overwhelmed. Yet, this invisible work is rarely acknowledged in discussions about the Supermom myth. While the physical tasks of parenting—feeding, cleaning, and organizing—are often visible, emotional labor usually goes unnoticed, leaving mothers to carry an additional, sometimes unspoken, burden.
Pursuing the Supermom ideal comes at a cost, both physically and emotionally. Many working mothers sacrifice their well-being while trying to meet everyone else’s needs. This includes giving up sleep, personal time, or even self-care routines to fulfill their roles as career women and caregivers. These sacrifices often go unnoticed, but they take a toll on mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety, and, in some cases, physical illness.
Furthermore, the pressure to be perfect often results in feelings of guilt. When mothers can’t live up to their expectations, they may feel like they are failing. The judgment of others can exacerbate this guilt, whether it’s family members who don’t understand the demands of a career or social media influencers who showcase an idealized version of motherhood. This constant pressure creates a harmful cycle where mothers feel compelled to give more and more of themselves, leaving little room for rest or personal growth.
Rather than striving for perfection, many working mothers find fulfillment in redefining what success looks like. Success no longer means meeting the Supermom ideal; it means personal fulfillment and contentment in their choices. For some, this may mean choosing a career path that offers flexibility, while others may prioritize spending more time with family. The key is acknowledging that each mother’s journey is unique, and success is about making choices that align with personal values, not societal expectations.
Redefining success also involves removing the stigma around not “having it all.” There is no universal definition of success for mothers, and it’s essential to understand that prioritizing self-care, taking time off work, or seeking help from others is not a sign of weakness. Rather than focusing on external standards, working mothers can focus on what works best for them and their families, creating a more realistic and sustainable definition of success.
One key factor that can help alleviate the pressure of the Supermom myth is the presence of strong support systems. For many working mothers, support from partners, extended family, and friends is essential in managing the day-to-day demands of life. Whether it’s sharing household chores, providing childcare, or offering emotional support, these networks can significantly reduce the burden of trying to do it alone.
However, even with a solid support system, the Supermom myth persists, leading many mothers to feel that they should handle everything independently. Challenging this narrative and acknowledging that seeking help is not a failure is essential. It is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Working mothers with access to reliable childcare, flexible work options, and a supportive social network are likelier to maintain their well-being and find more excellent work-life balance.
One of the most empowering things working mothers can do is to celebrate imperfection. The Supermom myth promotes an unattainable standard that leaves many mothers feeling inadequate. Embracing the reality that mistakes will be made and that not everything will be perfect is essential for mental health and well-being. By shifting the focus from perfection to progress, working mothers can allow themselves the grace to be imperfect, knowing that they are doing the best they can.
Instead of constantly comparing themselves to an idealized version of motherhood, working mothers can redefine what it means to be successful by embracing their unique challenges and triumphs. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and prioritize what truly matters. The key to thriving as a working mother lies not in trying to meet impossible standards but in finding joy and fulfillment in the balance that works for each individual.