Work & Motherhood

It’s not your imagination: childcare slots are super hard to find right now.

File under "already-difficult things the pandemic has made much, much worse."

We knew the childcare crisis was coming—it took a pandemic for lawmakers to listen

This year has brought so much stress and sadness, but it's also brought an opportunity to reimagine education and childcare.

Nearly 8 million Americans can’t work because they don’t have childcare

Lawmakers need to step up, starting with passing two pieces of legislation heading to the House this week.

We’re facing a massive childcare shortage—and women of color are paying the price

Sixty percent of businesses in the childcare industry are minority-owned, but historically these workers are vastly underpaid and under appreciated. As Motherly reported last year, on average, America's childcare workers make less than Amazon delivery drivers.

America’s most vulnerable mothers are facing a financial crisis—and no help is in sight

The pandemic is proving how broken the system is.

Without childcare, 40% of working moms are working even more

The pandemic is fast-tracking burnout.

To the mama whose kid is having a tantrum during a conference call, I see you

My own daughter's tantrum taught me an extremely valuable lesson.

The ‘motherhood penalty’ costs working moms $16,000 a year

While becoming a dad *boosts* a man's income.

Having a baby made me rethink my entire career

Being on mat leave helped me think about what I want—and don't want—when it comes to my career.

The 4-day workweek could be exactly what parents—and the economy—need right now

But is it possible?

This mom is going viral by showing us what WFH with kids is *really* like

She recorded 27 interruptions in just 11 minutes of working.

What you need to know about taking maternity leave during a global pandemic

We've made figuring out what protections, benefits and work leave you might be eligible for a little easier.

3 strategies to try when work & parenting collide under quarantine

Fact: Parents can't take a break right now. Here's what we CAN do.

How 17 real parents are handling childcare right now

"I'm running on fumes."

Essential workers need childcare, so grandparents are filling the gap

Despite the risk.

Here’s exactly how to work from home when your kids need attention

Working from home with a baby calls for some expert strategy… and a few key props.

I lost my job because of the coronavirus pandemic

My boss called and asked if I could come into the office for a quick meeting. My stomach sank. I knew what was coming

How to work from home with kids around—from babies to teenagers

Experienced work-from-home parents share their best tips for every age range from baby to teen.

Coronavirus pandemic sheds light on the problem with underpaying women

A vaccine won't be enough to inoculate our society from a repeat of this disaster. We also need to improve remuneration for women, value the caring professions and stop gendered segregation at work.

Dear working, pumping mama—I see you

I see your joy when another month passes and you realize you have found the strength to persevere in this journey.