Hello, Fellow Working Mom,
Let’s take a moment to connect. First and foremost, let me reassure you: You are enough. You are more than enough. Your child loves you deeply, and that deserves recognition. I know you need to hear this today.
We share a bond, a unique experience as the Working Moms of America. While this “exclusive” membership offers its own rewards, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. We know what it’s like to apply our makeup in the morning while mentally counting down the hours until we can be with our little ones again. We both feel that twinge of sadness when we drop our child off at daycare, worrying about how they’ll react when it’s time to leave. This guilt can be suffocating.
But it doesn’t stop there. As you sit at work, the guilt morphs into a nagging feeling that you’re not as present or focused as you should be. Your mind often drifts back to your child, and you find it challenging to concentrate, especially when you’ve been up all night with a baby. The weight of this guilt is a constant presence, yet it’s a burden we carry together.
Despite its heaviness, this guilt can also be a blessing. It’s a sign that you care deeply about your child’s well-being and are teaching them about hard work and dedication. So how can we start to alleviate some of this guilt? Here are some practical tips:
- Stop the ‘Should’ Mentality: Release the pressure of what you feel you “should” be doing. Accept what is and what cannot be changed.
- Focus on the Present: Instead of fixating on the next weekend or holiday, concentrate on getting through today. Eight hours is a lot easier to handle than five days.
- Embrace Being “Good Enough”: Perfection is unattainable. You don’t need to be the flawless mom or employee. Being “good enough” is perfectly adequate.
- Eliminate Negative Influences: Remove from your life those who engage in mom-shaming. Surround yourself with supportive fellow working moms who lift you up.
- Limit Distractions at Home: When you’re with your child, put down your phone. Social media can wait. Engage fully with your little one during your precious time together.
- Communicate with Your Boss: Be transparent about your needs as a working mother. Clarify that when you leave at a specific time, it’s about maintaining balance, not a lack of ambition.
- Make a List of Benefits: If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, jot down all the ways your job benefits your child. Beyond financial stability, you’re modeling hard work and perseverance, which is invaluable.
At the end of the day, we all need reassurance that we are doing well. So here’s my virtual hug to you: You are doing a great job. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. For more insights, check out this blog post on intracervicalinsemination.org that offers support to moms navigating similar challenges. And if you’re looking for quality products, consider visiting Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, Parents provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, working mom guilt is a shared experience, but it doesn’t have to define us. By taking small steps to alleviate this guilt, we can focus on what truly matters: being present for our children.
Much love,
A fellow working mom