Desiree Peterkin Bell

For decades, society has celebrated the image of the “ supermom ,” the woman who excels at work, keeps a spotless home, raises happy children, maintains relationships, and somehow finds time for self-care. She’s praised as inspirational, admirable, and aspirational. But behind that glossy image lies a quieter, more complicated reality. For many working mothers, the supermom ideal isn’t empowering; it’s exhausting. It sets a standard that is nearly impossible to meet and leaves women feeling like they’re constantly falling short. It’s time for real talk from working mothers about what life actually looks like beyond the cape. Where the Supermom Ideal Came From The supermom myth didn’t appear overnight. It grew out of cultural shifts that encouraged women to enter the workforce while still holding them responsible for the majority of caregiving and household labor. Media portrayals, social networks, and even well-meaning praise reinforced the idea that a “good” mother should do it all fl...

Working motherhood is often framed as a test of endurance: how much can you juggle, sacrifice, and push through? But survival is a low bar. Thriving means designing a life where your career, family, and sense of self can grow together, even if imperfectly. This playbook isn’t about doing everything flawlessly. It’s about making intentional choices, setting realistic expectations, and building systems that support both your ambition and your well-being. Redefining Success on Your Own Terms Many working mothers inherit definitions of success that no longer fit their reality. Productivity gets measured by long hours, and parenting gets judged by unrealistic ideals of constant presence. Thriving begins when you question those standards. Success might mean meaningful work, not nonstop availability. It might mean being deeply present for fewer moments, rather than being stretched thin all day. Clarifying what matters most in this season of life allows you to prioritize without guilt. Your de...

Motherhood has always been a profound life transition, but in today’s fast-paced professional world, it often unfolds alongside ambitious careers , demanding schedules, and evolving workplace expectations. For millions of women, the journey involves learning how to nurture both a child and a professional identity without losing themselves in the process. Navigating this dual role is complex, deeply personal, and shaped by social norms, workplace policies, and individual support systems. Yet despite the challenges, many mothers are redefining success on their own terms, proving that careers and cradles need not be in conflict. The Changing Landscape of Working Motherhood The image of the working mother has transformed significantly over the past few decades. Where once women were expected to choose between family and career, today’s reality reflects a more nuanced picture. Mothers are present in nearly every industry, from corporate leadership and healthcare to entrepreneurship and tech...