Yahoo News Good Morning Britain working mothers debate thoroughly divides viewers
A Good Morning Britain debate about working mothers has divided viewers.
On Tuesday (February 19), the show welcomed journalist Holly Brockwell and working mum Katrina Hodge to debate the issue, following the publication of a study that found women's chronic stress markers could be reduced by working fewer hours.
"The assumption is that kids come above all else and I don't think that's the case," said Brockwell.
"I don't think we should get into a situation where whoever is in charge of the rota is deciding whose reason for leaving at 5 or having the weekend off is more important that anyone else's."
But, what did viewers think?
Do working parents have a 'moral high ground' when it comes to taking time off? Journalist Holly Brockwell says 'the assumption here is that kids come above all else.'@holly | @Combatbarbieuk pic.twitter.com/aDkEXOKqgz
- Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 19, 2019
Well, as ever, the topic seemed to divide those watching at home.
There were those who thought working parents should be allowed a certain flexibility:
I think the highlight here is better FLEXIBILITY for all - it’s vital. I also believe if you don’t have kids you don’t really understand what it’s like being a working mum. #GMB
- Sophie Goodale (@SophieGoodale) February 19, 2019
I don’t agree about holidays, that’s the only thing for me. Parents should be given first priority over term breaks as kids need looking after and holiday clubs are so expensive 🙌🏻 #GMB
- Jack (@the_bearjack) February 19, 2019
Why would you want time off in the school holidays if you don’t have kids?!! @GMB #gmb #goodmorningbritain
- Amy Lee (@Amykinsypoo) February 19, 2019
Smokers are allowed numerous breaks through the day. is this not special treatment?#GMB
- Rachel Harrison (@rachelannharri1) February 19, 2019
"Why would you want time off in the school holidays if you don’t have kids?" asked one viewer.
"Smokers are allowed numerous breaks through the day. is this not special treatment?" said another.
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And it wouldn't be GMB if there weren't many on the other side of the argument too:
100% agree with this woman on #GMB I get sick of people using "I've got kids" as an excuse! #gmb
- Sophia (@SophiaxxBearman) February 19, 2019
#GMB As a childless woman, working full time from 1985, I was always expected to put the women with a family first for holidays. It's a form of discrimination.
No children=no life? Not true.- Morgin 🏴 (@TraceyMorgin) February 19, 2019
People without kids are held to a higher standard then those with kids no questions asked time off when needed where as I get asked, why for how long and made to feel like your scamming them out of a days work #GMB
- Dean DeBurka (@DeanDeBurka) February 19, 2019
I've always said there is an assumption that women without children do NOT have stressful lives, no demands on them &relatively easy.
There is a level of entitlement frm women/men with children.
I admire what u do as working mothers but u can't assume anothers situ #GMB @GMB- B. (@B__Rani) February 19, 2019
"100% agree with this woman... I get sick of people using 'I've got kids' as an excuse," said one viewer.
And another added: "There is a level of entitlement frm women/men with children. I admire what u do as working mothers but u can't assume anothers situ."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV.
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