Working mums are often plagued with guilt. Guilt for working. Guilt for not being able to attend their child's school assembly or sports carnival. Guilt for not having a home-cooked dinner on the table every night. Guilt for not being the superwoman they believe they should be. Danijela Negro, Director of Alexander appointments, is no different and knows the feeling of guilt all too well. Working full time in her successful recruitment agency, Danijela often feels that she should be able to do more and give more of herself to her three children.

We asked Danijela's eldest, Alexander Negro, what he feels about his mum running her business full-time and his answers surprised everyone.

What's it been like growing up with a working mum?

For my entire life, I’ve seen my mum go through the ups and downs of running a business, and it has had a significant effect on my character through the lessons I’ve learnt. Lately, I’ve become more interested in what my parents do for work, and I’m able to learn things here and there at home or even in the office where I enjoy helping mum out in the holidays. It’s great being only sixteen and already given first-hand advice from both my parents about the business world.

Do you feel like you have missed out on time with mum because she worked full time?

Unfortunately, during the week, Mum comes home at around dinner time. This isn’t too bad due to all the commitments such as sport and school work that keep me busy before she comes home. Mum puts her best efforts into spending time with the family as soon as she arrives: over dinner and afterwards in the living room (just like any other Mum).

What the best thing and the worst thing about having a full-time working mum?

Some of the best things about having a full-time working Mum are: all the stories she shares, learning about what she does, and also the thought that she is working hard for our family. The few downsides about having a full-time working Mum are: a little less time to spend with her, not having much time to drive us kids around, and having to schedule around some things due to work commitments.

Do you think it would be different if your mum had a job working for someone else rather than her own business?

In my opinion, Mum wouldn’t be as happy working under someone else. Owning a business has enabled her to run things the way she wants, which is to have an office full of committed staff that work together like family. My Mum’s business enables her the freedom to manage things her way when taking care of her clients: always there to pick up the phone and be the keen and positive woman I’m proud to call my Mother.

What do you think about the business being named after you?

Having the business named after myself has grown on me over the years. Initially, the thought of being such a significant figure in the business without really doing anything was quite funny to me. But after learning what I really did, which was to inspire my parents to do something together that would last this long, and do so well, brings a smile to my face.