Hey there, Amazing Working Mom!
Let’s take a moment to connect. First off, let me reassure you: you are enough. Truly, you are more than enough. Your child adores you, and I thought you might need that reminder today.
I see you and hear you. We belong to a special community—the Working Moms of America. While being part of this “exclusive” group comes with its perks, it also has its share of challenges and heartaches. We share similar experiences and emotions.
We both know what it’s like to rush through our morning routines while counting down the hours until we can see our little one again. Dropping off our kiddos at daycare or with a babysitter weighs heavily on our hearts, and we often fret about them getting upset—not while we’re leaving, but when it’s time to pick them up because they don’t want to leave their friends. The guilt can feel overwhelming.
This guilt doesn’t stop at home; it tags along to work, where it morphs into thoughts of not being as present or productive as we’d like. You’re juggling exhaustion from sleepless nights and have your mind constantly drifting to your child. The cycle feels never-ending.
But here’s the silver lining: this guilt can also be a blessing. It reflects your commitment to teaching your child the values of hard work and dedication. So, how can we lighten this load? Here are a few tips to help:
- Stop the “Should” Game: Let go of what you think you should be doing. Embrace your reality and recognize what is beyond your control.
- Live in the Present: Instead of fixating on distant weekends or holidays, focus on getting through today. Eight hours feels manageable compared to the looming five days ahead.
- Embrace “Good Enough”: Perfection is an illusion. Strive to be a “good enough” mom and employee; that’s all you need to be.
- Surround Yourself with Support: Remove anyone who makes you feel guilty about your choices. Mom-shaming is tough to bear, so build a circle of supportive working moms instead. You deserve that positivity!
- Disconnect to Connect: When you’re with your child, put your phone down. Ditch the distractions and invest your full attention in those precious moments together. Social media can wait until after bedtime.
- Communicate with Your Boss: Be upfront about your role as a mom. A clear understanding that your prompt departure at 4:30 isn’t due to a lack of ambition but a desire for balance can ease the pressure.
- List the Benefits: If guilt creeps in, jot down all the ways your job benefits your child. Beyond financial stability, you’re modeling an example of hard work and perseverance, which is invaluable. For more information on this topic, check out this excellent resource.
At the end of the day, we all crave a little affirmation that we’re doing well. Consider this a virtual hug from me to you: you’re doing an amazing job. Remember, you are enough, and you’re definitely not alone on this journey.
Much love,
A fellow working mom
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Summary
Working moms often struggle with guilt, feeling torn between their professional lives and their roles as caregivers. However, embracing the idea of being “good enough,” surrounding oneself with supportive peers, and focusing on the present can alleviate some of that guilt. Remember that the lessons you impart to your children about hard work are invaluable, and you’re definitely not on this journey alone.