It’s a well-worn phrase, but when it comes to raising children, it truly does take a village – particularly when you’re a working mum.

In a recent White Paper commissioned by Maltesers® as part of its Let’s Lighten The Load® campaign, 79% of mums in the UK said they feel guilty for not spending enough time with their children. At the same time, 56% of UK mums felt guilty about not working enough, while a staggering 81% of mums in the UK have to rearrange schedules constantly, both in and outside of work. What’s clear is that external support is essential.

When you’re a mum trying to navigate the Jenga tower of work and childcare, that kind of support can take many forms – from big things like helping with school pick up to smaller things like a well-timed text message.

With that in mind, we spoke to seven Stylist mums about the meaningful ways in which people in their lives have helped to ease the load. So, if you’re wondering how you might be able to lend a hand to the working mothers in your orbit, read on for some inspiration…

9 Stylist mums on the acts of kindness that help lighten the load of motherhood