Dear Working Mom,
You’re doing an amazing job, and I want you to hear that. The struggle of being away from your kids can be overwhelming—it’s not easy at all. But trust me, I understand you because I’m right there with you.
The “Mom Guilt” that weighs on your heart is so real. I often find myself questioning if my kids know how much I love them. Do they see me enough? Am I giving them the attention they deserve? Am I turning them into emotional wrecks?
You are not alone, Working Mom. There are so many women out there just like you—strong, driven, and dedicated mamas trying to provide for their families while also looking for some joy in their lives. I know that at times it feels like you can’t win. You might think that succeeding at work means failing at home, and every moment spent away from your children feels like a tough choice. You crave more “me time” than just that commute to and from work. You wish for more moments with your kids, even as you find yourself longing for bedtime to tackle the chores, prepare for the next day, and finally get some rest. From dawn till dusk, you’re on the move, wishing the day could stretch beyond 24 hours.
I get it—working isn’t always a choice. For some, being a stay-at-home mom wasn’t the path they were meant to take, and working outside the home actually helps them be better mothers. That’s something we should celebrate, no shame in that. But I also know many of you are in jobs out of necessity, and it can feel like you’re trapped. You’re dreaming of a different reality—one where you can pay your bills, spend time with your kids, and feel a sense of fulfillment.
You’re not alone in those morning school drop-offs, hoping for smooth traffic. You’re not alone using your precious vacation days to care for your sick little ones, or feeling heartbroken sending them to school when they’re unwell because you’ve run out of time-off. You’re not alone when you skip social outings or date nights because they mean even more time away from your kids.
You’re not alone buying store-bought cupcakes for class parties because there’s no time to bake. This is still a win, Mama; your kids don’t mind, they’re just thankful you remembered! You’re not alone with tears in your eyes at drop-off, feeling torn between wanting to stay and desperately needing a “break” at work (which we all know isn’t really a break). You’re not alone in wondering if your little one loves the nanny more (spoiler alert: they don’t).
You’re not alone when you’re juggling spit-up on your clothes, hauling your breast pump and milk, and downing your third cup of coffee to survive the day because your baby isn’t sleeping through the night yet. You’re not alone scrolling through photos from the weekend, wishing you could be with them right now. You’re not alone crying yourself to sleep when you miss those precious milestones. It’s tough to watch your little ones grow up and feel like you’re missing out. You’re not alone questioning every single decision, wondering if you’re enough.
You are enough, Working Mom.
You’re not alone when you’re trying to balance grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, chores, and keeping your home running smoothly while also working, commuting, and spending quality time with your kids. You’re not alone when it feels impossible to unwind because there’s always something demanding your attention. A mother’s work truly never ends, and no one knows that better than you.
But you’re also not alone in the beautiful moments of parenting. You’re teaching your kids every day—connecting with them, comforting them, laughing and crying together, and showing them right from wrong. You kiss their scrapes, chase away monsters, sing silly songs, and sneak in an extra bedtime story (even if you skim through some pages to finish faster). You treasure every second with them and express your love at every chance.
Mama, you are building a world for your children. You’re shaping who they will become, demonstrating that it is possible to balance work and family—even if it feels challenging at times. You’re a world builder. Yes, sacrifices are made, but your kids know you love them, and they’re learning from your example every day. One day they’ll understand that even if you work because you want to, ultimately, you do it all for them.
I hear it gets easier as our kids grow up, that these are the “hard” days, but they’re also the best days. Let’s embrace these moments together.
We are incredible mothers, Working Mom. We’re doing our best. We’ve got this.