We reckon it’s fair to say that Mammy guilt is a very real phenomenon for mamas.
That might be why Karen Koster’s new documentary on TV3 struck a chord with so many of us watching at home last night.
Mammy Guilt: True Lives followed TV presenter and mum-of-two (with one on the way) Karen as she explored the issues facing working mums in Ireland.
“When I think about the future, will I look back and wish i’d spent more time with them?!” Brand New: Mammy Guilt: True Lives, coming up next on TV3. Tweet along with #MammyGuilt and join the conversation. pic.twitter.com/MSw4RSC6Vr
— TV3 (@TV3Ireland) January 17, 2018
She also revealed that she constantly struggles with the guilt of being a working mother and worries she is doing neither job as well as she could.
Many viewers heaped praise on Karen for shedding light on how torn many mums feel.
Well done @karenkoster addressing this subject that we, as women just don’t talk about and the impact it has on mammies ?.. looking forward to the show. #MammyGuilt https://t.co/nzeLpQpgfI
— Ramona Nicholas (@RamonaNicholas) January 17, 2018
Congrats to @karenkoster for getting conversation started with #MammyGuilt What I took from this is that we all need to support each other and not judge people’s choices. Also, it’s OK if u don’t feel guilt and it’s time for society to value the role/imp of dad too!
— Sarina Bellissimo (@SBellissimo) January 17, 2018
Great insight @karenkoster as to what’s ahead ???????❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ a fab honest, thought provoking look on #Mammyguilt Job well done xxx
— Kathryn Thomas (@gokathrynthomas) January 17, 2018
Not everyone agreed with what they watched, though.
FFS @TV3Ireland .. are you deliberately trying to make mammys feel worse than they already do. There better be an upside to this!! #MammyGuilt
— Gemini flipflop (@GeminiFlipflop) January 17, 2018
Argh you don’t need to go out to work to keep a part of you after having kids!? #mammyguilt I’m at home with my ladies and I still know who I am ☹️
— The Two Darlings (@thetwodarlings) January 17, 2018
The show also prompted women to start a conversation about their own experiences.
Never really experienced #mammyguilt at all. Knew my girl loved her crèche and I was happy working. Never dwelt on it too much. Nine years on I wouldn’t change a thing.
— Chris Lydon (@ChrisLydon1) January 17, 2018
#MammyGuilt I’ve 2 teenagers now; 15yr old said to me (unprovoked) last week “I really admire u mom”; wasn’t expecting that until she was at least 30! Wasted so much time on guilt over the years; we are all just doing our best #beproudofyourself
— Sara Duffy (@SaMcDuff) January 17, 2018
So interesting to hear other mothers’ views on #MammyGuilt. I finished a full time job last week and started a part time role this week, hoping to have hit gold with the mummy/work balance but time will tell…
— PharmersJournal (@pharmersjournal) January 17, 2018
Home schooling six children! Fascinating insight into the pressures facing Irish Mams today #MammyGuilt
— Nicole Keohane (@NicoleKeohane) January 17, 2018
@karenkoster well done #MammyGuilt once a woman gets pregnant the guilt begins no matter what a woman decides to do, I stayed at home many moons ago I’m glad I did because I only had one child. It was so lonely though
— DENISE NOTARO (@DeniseNotaro) January 17, 2018
Some people thought there was something lacking though – dads.
Though I’m enjoying #mammyguilt and the dilemma it is highlighting, I find it uneasing in this day and age to see a programme about raising children in or out of the home with little or no reference to daddy. Maybe there’s a #daddyguilt to come..
— Declan Healy (@EccyHealy) January 17, 2018
It would nice to have some reference to fathers and the work that they do in families #MammyGuilt
— Eoin Fahey (@efahey1212) January 17, 2018
But you as a working parent, are a great example and role model for your child. It would be good if TV3 did one from a Dad’s perspective.
— Rachel McGuinness (@ramcguinness) January 18, 2018
@TV3Ireland @karenkoster any gender balance to this programme #daddyguilt? #MammyGuilt
— Darragh Reynolds (@Reynoldos) January 17, 2018
Karen took to Instagram this morning to thank people for tuning in.
