As a friend or family member of a working mum (and you may be a working mum too!), you make up their support system – a role that means everything! But working mums still feel misunderstood, with 43% in the UK saying their family only partly understand their reality as a working mum, and 51% saying the same about their friends. There’s pressure on working mums to ‘have it all’, but having it all is easier said than done.

They’re balancing work with home life, and expectations from every angle to live up to. All whilst caring for a whole new person and trying to be their authentic selves. It’s a lot! Luckily, your Motherloving support already makes a massive difference to lighten the load. To check out the full research paper, click here(open in new tab).

Maltesers, in partnership with Comic Relief, is working towards a future where women no longer face injustice. Together, we’re working to lighten the load for working mums and help women thrive.

1. Instead of assuming what your friend or loved one needs, ask how you can support them, and be sure to follow through.
2. It’s the little things that count, practical help with laundry, a meal dropped round or watching the kids for an hour can massively lighten the load.
3. Accept that things may be different when the babies come along; your relationship with your friend or loved one may  change, and that’s okay.
4. Resist the temptation to offer unsolicited advice. Swap it for support instead.
5. Don’t judge – imperfect is perfect.