In the realm of parenting, there’s a certain brand of guilt that seems to be uniquely amplified for mothers. Society often sets an unrealistic standard, implying that moms should be perpetually present in their children’s lives. Yet, many mothers have careers or passions that take them away from home, and this can actually benefit both them and their kids.
Take Drew Barrymore, for instance. As an accomplished actress, author, producer, and director, she juggles her professional life while raising her two daughters, Bella and Mia—ages five and three—whom she shares with her former partner, Jake. Like many working moms, she faces the challenges of balancing work and family, especially during her frequent travel, which her daughters don’t always appreciate. However, Barrymore has devised strategies to ease their transitions and reshape their perceptions about her work.
Innovative Approaches to Maternal Guilt
On her Instagram, Barrymore shared her innovative approach: “I created ‘THE CALENDAR.’ Each day I travel is circled with a Sharpie, and I ask my daughters to mark the days with an X when they pass. This way, they can visualize my absence and know when I’ll be back,” she explained. This simple tool helps her children grasp the concept of time and reassures them about her returns.
Moreover, Barrymore emphasizes the importance of discussing her work positively. “Instead of saying, ‘I have to go to work’ with a negative tone, I express it as something I enjoy. I want them to see work as valuable, not as a burden,” she noted. A friend encouraged her to reconsider her language, as many moms often portray work negatively in an attempt to comfort their children. Despite her feelings of guilt, Barrymore aims to empower her daughters to view work as a positive aspect of life. “I take responsibility for my choices instead of blaming my job,” she shared.
Maintaining Connections
Additionally, Barrymore advocates for small gestures to maintain connections, regardless of distance. For instance, she sends postcards to her daughter Bella every day while she’s at camp, providing her with tangible reminders of her mother’s love. “We need to find authentic ways to connect, and I learned the hard way that FaceTiming isn’t always the best option,” she remarked.
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Conclusion
In summary, Drew Barrymore’s reflections on maternal guilt resonate deeply with many women. By creating systems to help her children cope with her absence and framing her work positively, Barrymore turns guilt into empowerment, showcasing that it’s possible to balance personal passions with motherhood.