Balancing Life: The Struggles of Working Mothers with Children 5 Years Old and Below in Benguet State University, Philippines

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Alima N. Bedejim Kacy O. Labon Rhea S. Loncio Ruth S. Batani

Abstract

The study documented the struggles of working mothers in  balancing their daily lives between family and career. Using  snowball technique, the study purposively sampled 25 working  mothers employed in Benguet State University. Results showed  that financial and personal development drive the working mothers  to engage in paid labor. Along with these are the challenges  and struggles centered primarily on childcare. Their status as  ‘absentee mothers’ cause qualms in terms of their emotional  bond with their children and affect the behavioral development of  the child. Hence, these mothers employ some mechanisms to  fulfill their childcare duties to include  spending quality time  with their child or children and from time to time requesting child care from relatives, hired nanny, or child care center. With these  situations, enhancing the existing policies and additional practical  support including the possible establishment of child-minding  center inside the university were seen to significantly assist the  working mothers. Provision of emotional and practical support  from the immediate family and workplace are also essential  factors in attaining and maintaining work-life balance among  these  mothers. 

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References

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