Let’s stop pretending that parenting and work can be perfectly balanced

Helen Skelton. ‘It is impossible to do two full‑time jobs and do both perfectly,’ says Fiona Berry. Photograph: Richard Sellers/PA

The implication at the end of Emma Brockes’s article is that if only we could work out some magical formula, we’d all be able to juggle work and children perfectly (Helen Skelton’s honesty about giving up work for her kids was radical, theguardian.com, 17 August). This is not the case.

It is impossible to do two full‑time jobs and do both perfectly. Her honesty wasn’t radical – the message firmly put out by media, education and the government is that you should not wish to be a stay-at-home parent.