May 2008

Editor's letter

Dear Babes,

Motherhood is back, as if it ever went away. The recent 20-20 conference, in putting the issue of paid maternity leave back on the agenda, at least reminds us that there is an opportunity loss to the community if we don't find ways and means of supporting mothers who choose, for whatever reason, to return to the paid workforce after having children.

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That we're having the debate at all probably tells us that the difficulty in life is the choice and that the imperative that our mothers often faced to give up work, often as a matter of government policy when they became pregnant, are long behind us.

The fact we are now addressing, as a community, ways and means of making the choice to take leave and come back to work a real one, tells us we've come some way.

It also reminds us that there is no one model for motherhood. Each mother has an individual journey to make and different circumstances informing a decision about how they structure their lives.

Mothers are the keystone of society. No mums, no community.

And there's no manual when you undertake this great labour of love.

Unpaid? Yes. But rewarding? Without question.

The biggest accolade I have had in a long, long time came from my recently turned 5 year old daughter Louisa of whom I asked what she liked best about her birthday.

She told me, quote: "you made me feel special."

Those small few words of recognition washed away every frustration inherent in making her stand still to get dressed for school, endlessly searching for her leotard and other ballet paraphernalia, and convincing her to sleep in her own bed.

Motherhood. The best gig in the world.

Felicity McLennan shares a heartwarming story about motherhood and friendship in her column titled Embracing the Little Things on this month's site. And it all happens in Target.

And Rachel Kayrooz shares her disturbing, but ultimately inspirational story of motherhood in this, Domestic and Family Violence Protection month, in her column Shout! Speak out.

If anything, Mother's Day is an opportunity to stop and thank our mothers and Donna Williams has some tremendous gift ideas in her column this month titled Celebrate Mother's Day.

For me, I have one wish.

Mother's Day this year falls on the 4th birthday of my other precious daughter Emmeline.

If I can make Emme feel special on her big day, just like her "big sister", then I'll be happy.

But note to Honey: wouldn't say no to a cup of tea in bed. Or even a flower falling out of it.

Happy Mother's day to all of our Babes with babes of their own and to my beautiful Mum Becky, who like so many Nanas I know, is giving another generation a mother's deep and unconditional love.

Kristin Devitt Director Babes in Business p 0419 787 059 e kristin@babesinbusiness.com.au