Ever wonder who would star as you in the movie of your life?  Whether it’s during your “working mom hero moments”, like when you get your kids off to school on time (with no tears), make the meeting on time, and deliver the proposal that knocks your boss’s socks off. Or, maybe in the less glorious ones, where you absolutely need humor, your friends, and maybe a big glass of wine to recover from feeling like a total mom failure.  In either case, it can be helpful to celebrate, commiserate, and laugh with some working moms on the big (and little screen).  At the very least it can help us all remember that we’re not alone.  Here are 8 favorites that come to my mind:

The Good Wife (TV)
Arguably one of the best shows on TV, this legal drama shows how Juliana Margolis’ character has on-ramped back into her lawyer career after leaving to raise her kids.  Now the they’re in high school, she’s navigating the tricky waters of having a long absence from work, but still showing that she’s got what it takes.  Love it.

Up All Night (TV)
And then, there’s the day to day juggle of how a baby changes your life that Will Arnett and Christina Applegate (pictured) demonstrate so eloquently – or, uh, not so eloquently at times. They’re not afraid to show how hectic/different/better/worse/funny things can be get when combining family and work. Hint: prepare to laugh.

Mr. Mom
A classic movie about when a mom (Teri Garr) and dad (Michael Keaton) trade places.   With mom going back to work as the breadwinner, this humorous-but-with-heart movie really shows how hard being a being a stay at home parent can be, but also how hard it is to go back to work and miss your family.  A must see.

Erin Brockovich
As if being a single mom isn’t hard enough, Erin Brockovich takes on a challenge that could change lives for generations to come.  Julia Robert’s Oscar winning performance brings you inspiration to accomplish much more than you ever thought possible.  And really, isn’t that what moms are all about?

Mrs. Doubtfire
This is a heartwarming comedy movie with Robin Williams and Sally Fields playing a couple who get divorced.  She has been the “adult” in their relationship, and when they get divorced, she needs someone who’s responsible and a good housekeeper to take care of the kids when she’s at work.   A cross-dressing nanny ends up being the answer.  

The Cosby Show (TV)
No list about working mothers on television would be complete without Clair Huxtable. Oh Clair, how you amaze me still. By day, a powerful attorney, by night (and weekends) a wonderful mother, and always a powerful, funny, and totally relatable woman.

Nashville
A fun and juicy music industry drama, with Connie Britton as one of the leads as a strong, driven woman who has built an amazing country music career while also having a family. Seeing her country music star self driving the kids to school is refreshing.

Friday Night Lights
Another nod to Connie Britton, who played a working mom and wife of a high school football coach on this Emmy-nominated outstanding drama. The authentic writing, especially between Connie’s character and her husband, rings very true to the challenges that parents experience figuring out who does what and how the priorities of family and work can conflict.

No matter the drama, humor, and intrigue of your own daily juggle, it can be fun to escape your own life and instead watch it in dramatic art form.   Please share your favorite “working mom” shows or movies in the comment section below, too!