Page 22 - RADC Bulletin 2021

DEVELOPMENT
A Spotlight on RADC Mums
Lt Col C Winship
One of the most remarkable things
about service personnel is their ability to effectively balance domestic and work life despite the challenges of adhering to the needs of the Army first. Being a serving parent can be particularly difficult. The inevitable necessity to be separated from family and friends is a challenge for anyone, being separated from children presents another level of emotional demand.
This article aims to acknowledge some representatives of the Corps who are mums and to metaphorically ‘salute’ them and others.
The pandemic has undoubtedly thrown any underlying issues of societal gender inequality into the spotlight as childcare and other domestic demands increased. However, it also, (in the main part), demonstrated how relatively forward
thinking the RADC was already as a Corps on gender related issues as we observed Corps Dads taking their hit on COVID-related childcare duties and CoCs offering flexible and pragmatic solutions in supporting their personnel through new challenges.
Whilst the focus of this piece is limited
to RADC Mums, it is acknowledged that parents and families come in a range of
set ups which transcend outdated gender, relationship and sexuality norms. The utmost respect is afforded to the Corps Dads, who perhaps may be more likely to take the hit on weekly commutes and may sometimes struggle to be recognised as an ‘equal’ in parenting responsibilities.
Nonetheless, the reader is asked to indulge the polarity of this article, with the RADC being predominantly female at the
OR level and with the irrefutable fact that certain Mum-specific challenges are real! By reading these individual accounts, it is hoped the reader will be able to relate to the individual challenges and benefits of being an RADC parent. It is also hoped that others at the start of their careers or considering starting families, may be enthused and empowered by the fact that these women are managing to successfully parent whilst holding down a fulfilling career in the RADC.
These RADC mums have been selected across a range of ranks and stages, from early career to retirement. Many thanks to those who agreed to take part and openly share their personal accounts, raising issues and celebrating opportunities we all recognise, but don’t always talk about.
Maj Katie Smith
Mum to Arthur (8), Charlie (6) and Toby (4) A/RSDO London, SDO DC Wellington
Benefits of being a serving mum
My CoC understands that a flexible approach to work ensures talent can be maximised. My working day starts at 0600 and I conduct my non-clinical role prior to the first patient.
Since having children, I have become more efficient and ensured I do not ruminate on decisions and my leadership is clear and unambiguous.
As a serving mother I feel protected and that there are options: flexible service should that be necessary (never required......)
Biggest Challenges
As a parent I feel permanently guilty,
but this is not just as a working/ serving parent. Having multiple children means that it is hard to attend all the clubs and extra-curricular activities the boys may wish to undertake. As the children get older they know the buttons to press...... “Mummy why do you never collect us from school.....”, “Mr Williams says he needs a parent helper in Rugby.......”
Work emergencies: emotionally I always want to be 100% approachable by my team. Unfortunately, this sometimes isn’t practical. Giving a clear introduction when you are assigned to a practice
helps here: I always meet and greet the team and introduce my leadership style. Essentially, I want a happy team, these are the parameters and a brief introduction to
my home life (I have to leave on time, but happy to chat through lunch hour or give you a call once the children are in bed......)
Your advice to other parents
Complete the serving parents’ declaration if both you and your partner are serving.
You do not have to decide between your career and being a parent, but it is acceptable to slow down if this suits your family circumstance. Do this before you hit the 7clicks to freedom.
Sleep. If you are so tired you cannot drive the car, you are too tired to attend work and too tired to practice. I felt I had something to prove when I was heavily pregnant and I did not receive a medal for attending when too tired to do so!!!
20 RADC BULLETIN 2021