Mother-daughter political duo, Prudence Kidd-Deans (left) and Trudy Deans. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Motherhood is a pretty tough job, so juggling it with politics is even a greater added pressure. But which is harder?

"Both, they're on equal footing according to Opposition Senator Prudence Kidd-Deans, who knows this scenario all too well.

The mother of four girl - Natalie, Priscilla, Trudyand Kady - often took her girls along with her to political functions when they were growing up. She said they were kept occupied by sorting cards, papers and brochures, or anything they could assist with, especially during campaigning season.

Fall in line

Sometimes they would complain. "Mommy, I'm tired, Mommy, I can't be bothered," Senator Kidd-Deans told Flair. "But once they saw me getting ready they'd fall in line," she added.

A divorcee, Senator Kidd-Deans said her ex-husband played an integral role in the children's lives.

Politics and education played an integral role in her life. Her father, Daniel Warren-Kidd, was founder of the Warren Hall Preparatory and High schools, and he was actively involved in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) from its inception.

The senator followed in his footsteps as educator and politician herself, getting involved in politics before she was eligible to vote.

She passed this passion on to her girls. "I tell them be objective. Argue what needs to be argued," she said, with no party bias.

Senator Kidd-Deans said while she does not regret her choices, if she had the opportunity to do it over she would focus on her children's education even more.

This from a mother who, according to her third child Trudy, instructed the vice-principal of her school to check her school books every other day.