Being a working mom comes with its share of challenges. Sure, you have to deal with the judgmental looks and comments from those who question your decision to balance work and motherhood. Then there’s the sleep deprivation that leaves you looking like a zombie on your first day back at the office. Let’s not forget the breast pump mishaps and the endless washing of baby bottles and other gear that you lug to work daily. And, of course, the guilt. Oh, the guilt.
As your little ones grow from adorable blobs into vibrant little people, the stakes get higher. You might find yourself missing their first giggles, their first words, or their first wobbly steps. Later, you might be unable to attend that special performance or the Mother’s Day brunch at preschool. It often feels like an impossible juggling act, striving to be both a dedicated professional and a loving mom, and someone is bound to feel let down—usually you.
But there’s one thing that tops the list of tough moments for a working mom, and that’s when your child is sick. In those times, they reach for you, needing their momma, while you’re stuck at your desk. Instead of you holding them, it’s a babysitter, teacher, or family member who is providing comfort. You can’t be there when they need you the most, and you’re left anxiously checking your phone for any updates, pictures, or signs that everything is okay.
The weight of guilt I carried when I left for work last night was unbearable. My heart felt heavy as our nanny gently pulled my daughter away from me, her little eyes brimming with tears as she pleaded, “Can I please come with you?” Our youngest was running a high fever, and given her history of febrile seizures, I was on edge all day. She just wanted to be held, not play or eat—she spent nearly four hours napping, her tiny body battling an infection. Those moments make me question everything and wish I could just stay home and be a mom. But let’s be real; being a stay-at-home mom is no walk in the park either—I’ve tried it and didn’t exactly excel.
Freelancing has its perks; I can be home more often than those with a standard 9-5, scheduling my work around school hours for interviews and edits. But there are months when work demands come rolling in, and if you don’t take them, you risk losing future opportunities. Of course, that’s usually when your kids need you the most.
I owe an apology to all those moms I silently judged back when I was fresh out of college, arriving late to work because of their sick children. I see now what they were juggling at home, and they deserved my respect.
The phrase “working mother” feels redundant because, no matter where we are, our kids are always in our hearts. Tomorrow, I’ll refocus on my work, but today I’m going to cherish every moment I have with her. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this helpful resource. For those seeking advice on fertility, Make A Mom is a great source. And for pregnancy information, visit Womens Health for a wealth of knowledge.
In summary, being a working mom can be incredibly tough, especially when your little ones are sick. The guilt can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to carve out time to focus on the moments that matter.