Christina Ricci recently opened up about the challenges she faces as a working mom, sharing her struggles despite fears of repercussions to her career. On Shannen Doherty’s podcast, “Let’s Be Clear,” the former “Charmed” star asked Ricci about juggling work and family. The “Wednesday” star has a 2-year-old daughter, Cleopatra, with her husband Mark Hampton, and a 9-year-old son, Freddie, from a previous marriage. Ricci expressed the difficulties of balancing work and parenthood, particularly noting the impact on her relationship with Cleopatra when she was away filming the series “Yellowjackets.”
Ricci explained that being away from home during filming affected her bond with Cleopatra, as she had to commute to Vancouver for work. She revealed the financial challenges of bringing her family with her on set as a series regular, making it difficult to have them with her all the time. Despite her children not liking it when she travels, Ricci tries to involve them in her work life when possible. She shared how she is learning to bring Freddie along to events like conventions, including having him take pictures with fans, although she acknowledged the struggle of spending time with him when he was younger due to work commitments.
Reflecting on her experiences as a working mom, Ricci mentioned the lack of support she received from her ex-husband when raising Freddie. She contrasted this with her current husband, Mark Hampton, who has been a much more supportive co-parent. Hampton’s involvement allowed Ricci to focus on her work while he took care of their daughter during her filming in Romania. She emphasized the importance of having a good, supportive partner to make parenting and working more manageable.
The actress acknowledged the fear of facing consequences at work for expressing the difficulties of being a working mom. Research has shown that working moms often face biases in the workplace, known as the “motherhood penalty.” This bias can manifest in various ways, such as being judged for being more committed to family than work, or vice versa. Working moms may be viewed as less dedicated employees or criticized for prioritizing their careers over their children, highlighting the challenges that many women face in balancing their professional and personal lives.
Ricci’s openness about the struggles of juggling work and family resonates with many working mothers who grapple with similar challenges. By sharing her experiences, she raises awareness of the realities faced by working moms and the need for support systems to navigate the demands of parenthood and career simultaneously. Despite the obstacles, Ricci’s commitment to being a dedicated mother and successful actress shines through, showcasing the resilience and determination of working mothers everywhere.
