Let’s be real: Have you ever met a working mom who doesn’t know the struggle of “mommy guilt”? After my daughter arrived, it felt like I gave birth to twins: her and this constant feeling of guilt. I have no idea where it even came from. My husband was amazing, always on board with me working. My own mom did it, my friends did it—working moms were everywhere! Looking back, I think I piled on this guilt myself.
Honestly, I’m not sure exactly why working moms feel this way, but I found some things that helped me ditch the guilt – most of the time, at least.
Here’s the thing: little kids, especially under 10, crave our attention. It’s a bond that starts before they’re even born, this connection that feels impossible to break. We get used to being with them constantly, and suddenly, cutting back feels wrong. But here’s the secret: quality over quantity.
We could be with our kids 24/7, but if we’re glued to our phones or just not truly present, it doesn’t count. They crave our interaction, conversations, and playtime. I’ll never forget the time my daughter, when she was little, called me out for being on my phone all the time. She was right! Work bled into my personal life, and I wasn’t giving her the quality time she deserved.
Here’s the flip side: being a working mom can be an incredible role model opportunity. I don’t mean to add pressure, but think about it – you’re showing your kids that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. You’re showing your daughters that they can chase their dreams and your sons that women are strong and capable. And hey, being a stay-at-home mom is an amazing and challenging job, too – if that’s your dream, then more power to you! The point is, whatever path you choose, show your kids that it’s important to chase your dreams.
Finally, self-care. Working and being a mom is freaking hard, and it leaves us drained. You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? It’s true. Take that time to refill your cup, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Find that time because, trust me, it’s worth it for your well-being. A healthy and happy mom is the best kind, and there’s no guilt in that.
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