Celebrity moms with strong opinions about parenting seem to be having a moment, and Emma Thompson [1] is the latest actress to join the club. Gwyneth Paltrow's interview with E! Online [2] got her in hot water with many working moms, Angelina Jolie was quick to come to the career woman's defense [3], and now Emma's saying that the only way to be a "great mum" is to take a break.
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Thompson spoke about her recent yearlong hiatus from acting [4]. "A year off was my birthday present to myself. I didn't actually act or write. I was just a mum. I taught drama at my daughter's school, cooked meals, and had fun. I highly recommend others to do the same if they can afford it," she said.
While Thompson's own experience sounds rather idyllic, it's the follow-up comment that may land her in hot water: "You can't be a great mum and keep working all the time."
For many women who have worked long and hard to establish careers that don't permit lengthy breaks — or those who simply can't afford to take time off — Thompson's words may sting.
"Sometimes in life, you'll have some things; at other times, you will have other things," she added. "You don't need it all at once — it's not good for you. Motherhood is a full-time job. The only way I could have continued working would have been by delegating the running of the home to other people. I never wanted to do this as I find motherhood profoundly enjoyable," she concluded.
What's your reaction to the interview? Is Emma's stand elitist, or does she have a smart point? Weigh in below in our poll!