I Don't Know How She Does It

Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a wife and working mother of 2 children—a six year old daughter and a 2-year old son. The movie begins with Kate’s co-worker speaking directly to the viewer (breaking the fourth wall) about how she believes Kate handles the responsibility of being a working mother.

The film quickly moves into the life of a much disheveled, multi-tasking mother who attempts to balance the fine line between work and home. Kate has a job at a high-powered investment firm that requires a lot of overnight travel. The movie clearly depicts the imbalance in Kate’s life as mother, and highly effective employee at work. These roles begin to clash as Kate is shown arriving late to her daughter’s school on her day to volunteer, leaving Thanksgiving dinner to handle a situation at work, making excuses for being late to work, and her 6-year old daughter being resentful about Kate’s frequent absences from home; the list goes on.

Kate’s loyal and very patient husband Richard (Greg Kinnear) gets a promotion on his job, so that Kate can work less, and spend more time with the family. However, Kate also takes a promotion, which is an awesome opportunity for her career—but terrible timing for the family. In addition, the new promotion requires Kate to work very closely with her attractive and single boss Jack Abelhammer (Pierce Brosnan). As you might assume, the whirlwind begins, and things quickly begin to spiral out of control.

Objectionable content

The movie earns its PG-13 rating with profanity and sexual references. There are about 3 uses of “H_ll,” about a dozen “S” words, 2 uses of the word “_ss” and many uses of “Oh my G_d,” and “Jesus.” There are also many sexual references and innuendos sprinkled throughout movie. You hear references to orgasms, “juicy breasts” (supposedly referring to a turkey), an e-mail about “blowing somebody,” and “bending over backward”. The term “enter me” is used, and there is a scene where a character in the movie is shown at a strip club viewing an erotic dancer; the lower part of the woman’s legs are shown. Also, Kate’s friend tells her not to do anything immoral or disgusting without first telling her all the details.

There is no nudity, however, at a sports gym women are shown with very low-cut sportswear, which reveal ample cleavage.

As for violence, there is an animated children’s program shown on television with a character being kicked. On Thanksgiving Day, there is discussion at the dinner table about a murder. This discussion is openly talked about while the children are present. Lying is depicted as normal and acceptable, as Kate tells many lies to maintain the appearance that her home life does not interfere with her responsibilities at work.

Proverbs 12:12 reminds us that “lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

Positive Content

Throughout the film, Richard remains a devoted and patient husband. This quality shows viewers how to maintain a lasting marriage through difficult times. Kate does eventually come to the realization that her family is more important than her job. She even makes the statement that she is no longer willing to dump her family at a moment’s notice. Kate’s co-worker Momo (Olivia Hahn) becomes pregnant and considers an abortion, however she decides to keep the baby after Kate persuades her that parenting can be very rewarding. Although Kate spends way too much one-on-one time with her boss Jack, she does turn down his advances when he reveals his affectionate feelings for her.

The movie is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and the cinematography is great. It has scenes and backdrops that give the viewer the warm and cozy feel of the Northeast states during the fall.

The movie shows the reality of the challenges of the working mother, however it does not show the grace and comfort we can receive from God each day.

I Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.

Kate’s responsibilities are overwhelming, but God has provided grace when we acknowledge Him in all our ways through daily prayer. It is clear that Kate believed that she could handle her home and work responsibilities within her own strength, but Scripture tells us differently:

2 Corinthians 12:9 says:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

The movie does not show that when we have surmounting tasks, we will be anxious, disheveled and disorganized, if we do not draw from God’s grace each day.

• Profane or vulgar language: Moderate
• Sex or Nudity: Moderate
• Violence: Minor

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

• Positive
• Neutral