Young mothers are not hired simply because they have small children; they are surrounded by stereotypes like “all women become stupid while on maternity leave”; and worst of all, they themselves are sure: motherhood has a detrimental effect on the mind. But is it? Modern research claims: motherhood makes us smarter. When we communicate with a baby, we develop intelligence, subtle perception and emotional intelligence, we gain the skills of a negotiator, organizer and manager. It is much easier to convince business partners to sign an expensive contract than to persuade a child to wear a jacket appropriate for the weather. Catherine Ellison offers an unexpected perspective on motherhood, talks about the powerful benefits that having children gives us, and gives advice on how to improve your abilities during maternity leave.