Being a mom

Being a mom is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. And while women who take on paying work besides parenthood have their hands full, they stand for the majority of mothers. “Women at home with their children represent only a small percentage of families in the U.S.,” says Dr. Beth Anne Shelton, professor of sociology at University of Texas at Arlington. Yet working moms-just like their stay-at-home counterparts-often faces cruel decisions from those who question their parenting condition.

Here are nine remarks working mothers hate to hear:

1. Do you really have to work?
2. Aren't you concerned about not being there for your kids?
3. Did you hear about that study on children of working moms?
4. It must be nice to get a break from the kids.
5. You're so lucky to work from home. But why do you need a nanny?
6. "Why have kids if someone else is going to take care of them?"
7. You have another school event? Didn't you just leave early last week?
8. "I'd miss my kids too much if I worked."
9. Women should be at home with their children.