Don’t ever be discouraged.

Judit Kelemen is the educational director at globegarden Lilienthal. She has been working for the childcare provider for many years. Her two children know and like their mother’s job. The best experience for her is when they come along and help their mom. Judit’s advice to all expectant parents: have patience; the journey is worthwhile!

You work full time and have two children. How do you experience the compatibility of family and career?

In the first four to five years, it really takes a lot of discipline, effort and hard work to do justice to both. Flexibility and patience have always helped me a lot. As a parent, you suddenly have an important new responsibility. But it enriches your life, motivates you and at the same time sets the pace of your everyday life. As the children got older, it became easier for me to focus completely on my job again. When I see parents who have just had a child, I always empathize with them. I have the utmost respect for anyone who takes on the challenge of combining a career and family. Do not be discouraged: the start can be bumpy, but it’s worth it!

Are there things that you have found particularly challenging?

The hormonal chaos after birth is definitely not to be underestimated. In addition, you get very little sleep at the beginning and only a minimum of time for yourself. In general, it bothers me that everyone in your environment has expectations of you as a mother. You need a good self-confidence to be able to do your thing and to have the courage to clearly say “I’m doing this now the way I think is right.”  Then there are also the general societal expectations of mothers. Either they view it critically that you work at all as a mom, or they expect you to handle everything with ease like a superwoman. A bit more acceptance of less perfection would be nice.

How important are good childcare solutions for your family?

Children are the greatest treasure of their parents. And this treasure needs the best place there is when parents go to work. Raising a child requires a lot of time and energy from the parents. Having childcare that supports the development of the child and relieves tasks from mother and father is an important contribution. Good childcare is an investment in the child’s future that ideally shapes them for the rest of their lives. My children love the childcare. They even like to come to work with me. On “Open House Day” they were with me in the childcare, supported me, and had a great day. I appreciate it very much that they feel so comfortable here and see my job as part of our family life.

How important is the personal environment for working mothers?

In my view, that’s one of the decisive factors. You need a partner who supports you. No one can do it alone. I love my job and was very happy to come back after giving birth. My grandmother helped me at home during that time. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been so smooth for me. I recommend to everyone to involve the older generation in raising and growing up children. It’s not only a relief but enriching for everyone. The first year after birth was the most difficult for me. But it also went by very quickly. You had little time to think because you were always busy.

“I have the utmost respect for anyone who takes on the challenge of combining a career and family. Do not be discouraged: the start can be bumpy, but it’s worth it!”