Why did I launch MamsatWork? My blog—long before it grew into a company—was my personal outlet. Fifteen years ago, as a full-time working mom, I didn't fit the mold of traditional parenting roles. I was rarely home during my son Luc's baby and toddler years. My husband Frank handled nursery drop-offs and pick-ups. I'd leave at 6:30 a.m. and return around 7:15 p.m., just before bedtime—every weekday.
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I've often reflected on those early years. With Luc in school, I felt like an outsider. Most moms were at the schoolyard daily for drop-offs, pick-ups, and chats. Not me—I worked four days a week in Vianen and one from home. On my home day, I'd drop Luc off and vanish until pickup, barely making it on time.
It fit our family perfectly, yet judgment was common. 'Why have kids if you're working all day?' I'd hear. But Frank worked full-time too—why didn't he face that? This double standard baffled me. Thankfully, Mo's Daughters books tackle this head-on, as I'll share below.
Mo's Daughters books are a game-changer. They inspired this post, and I wholeheartedly back their mission: dismantling stereotypes we unwittingly impose on kids from infancy. Here's why.
Young children quickly form ideas about gender roles—what boys and girls 'can,' 'should,' or 'may' do. Boys get cars; girls get dolls. In the Netherlands, women still handle most household chores, subtly reinforcing these norms. Why not a boy as househusband or a girl as truck driver? Boys with dolls or girls building? Totally fine.
By third grade, these views solidify. By age 10, stereotypes are entrenched. From age 6, kids link intelligence more to boys than girls (source: Nu.nl). This fired me up—we can't unintentionally send these messages!
I see it everywhere, amplified by social media.
Discover Mo's Daughters' 10 beautifully illustrated books, featuring girls as protagonists in exciting adventures.
Research reveals only 20% of top-selling Dutch children's books (ages 0-6) feature girls in lead roles—the rest star boys. A missed chance.
In just 13%, moms have jobs—often stereotyped. Girls are portrayed as pretty, sweet, or timid. Not in Mo's Daughters!
They shatter these molds, centering girls without clichés. Go girls!
My top pick: 'Cato and the Lamp.' It explores the classic kid question—does the fridge light stay on? Cato experiments boldly when parents can't help. Each book opens with an empowering message for all kids, especially girls.
Want to try Mo's Daughters? We gave away a book package! Like MamsatWork and Mo's Daughters on Facebook and comment why. Ends October 23, 2019.
My mom was a housewife; dad, a fighter pilot—peak stereotypes! Yet we were raised with equal chances (and duties). Dad taught me bike and car tire repairs. Mom urged independence: forge your path, nothing holds you back. She craved work but lacked opportunity—the first woman in Zwijndrecht with a driver's license.
Parents owe kids a safe space to grow by interests and talents, not gender. Let sons wear dresses, play dolls, paint nails. Daughters explore tech, like at Generation Discover Festival. This builds authenticity.
Lotte once eyed hairdressing; now, other paths. A working mom is normal to her—she knows anything's possible.
My kids see no parental stereotypes, though I'm home often now, running my business. It irks my feminist side slightly, signaling 'mom stays home.' But it suits us perfectly.
