By Goodness Chibunna
Ever tried to interview a government official while your toddler screams for attention in the background? Welcome to my world!
When I first became a mum, I worried it might slow down my journalism career. I was wrong! Turns out, chasing after a curious two-year-old and chasing down a breaking story aren’t all that different.
You see, being a mum has given me a perspective on life that no amount of field reporting could provide. The little moments, like my child’s innocent questions about the world, have taught me the importance of simplicity in communication. When I explain the news to my child, I strip away all the jargon, focusing on the core message. It’s a practice that’s found its way into my work.
I started writing like I was explaining things to my child. No more fancy words just for the sake of it. No more assuming everyone knows the backstory. Just simple, clear storytelling that gets to the heart of the matter.
Motherhood has also made me more empathetic, more aware of how policies and events affect real families. When I report on education reforms, I’m thinking about my child’s future. When I edit healthcare stories, I’m picturing every mother’s struggle to keep her children healthy. This pushes me to dig deeper, to ask the questions that matter most, and to ensure that the human element isn’t lost in the facts and figures.
Motherhood has made me a better listener too. Because let’s face it, if you can patiently listen to a four-year-old’s detailed description of their imaginary friend, you can certainly listen more attentively to your sources and interviewees.
Balancing motherhood with a demanding journalism career isn’t always easy, but it’s made me a better storyteller and multitasker. I’ve learned to prioritise, to see the bigger picture, and to approach each story with a heart full of understanding and a mind focused on clarity.
So, to all the working mums out there—whether you’re in journalism or any other field—know that your experiences at home can shape your work.
And to my fellow journalists, remember that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones told in the simplest words.
#JournoMom #ParentingPerspective #NeverSettle
