Mothers can influence child’s input to society

MUCH has been written about the lack of women on the corporate ladder. As a professional, my mothering instincts overcame my desire to become a high-flying business executive.

I decided that as I had four sons, I would multiply my skills by four, thus quadrupling my influence in the corporate world. After all, "the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world".

My targets were demanding, working long hours, stretching my professional skills to the limit, guiding my protégés along the path of excellence in all areas of their lives, academic, cultural, spiritual and sporting.

It has been an exciting and fulfilling career. I know I am present in my sons' careers and their decision-making. It is a subtle strategy.

Consequently, I regard myself, as an "executive mother", dynamically ambitious. I encourage other like-minded mothers to choose the same career and in doing so influence policy-making decisions throughout society.

Graduate mothers working in the home are not denied choice. Like any other career, it is their response to the mothering challenge that will decide the outcome of their children's influence on society which has never been as necessary as it is today.

Monica Barber

72 Belmont Ave

Donnybrook

Dublin 4