Hello, Working Mom.
Let’s take a moment to connect. First and foremost, I want you to hear this: You are enough—more than enough. Your child loves you deeply, and I thought you might need that reminder today.
I see you and understand the weight you carry as part of the Working Moms Club. While this “exclusive” membership offers many perks, it also comes with its share of struggles and heartache. We know the feeling of hurriedly applying makeup in the morning while counting down the hours until we can wrap our arms around our little ones again. The twinge of guilt hits us when we drop them off at daycare or with a sitter, worrying if they’ll cry when we pick them up—sad to leave their temporary home.
That guilt doesn’t stop when we clock in at work. It morphs into the anxiety of feeling unfocused, our minds preoccupied with thoughts of our children. We are tired from sleepless nights and eager to leave the office to return home, where the cycle begins anew. This is the burden we bear—heavy yet also a blessing, as it teaches our kids valuable lessons about hard work and dedication. Remember, guilt and gratitude can coexist.
So, how can we alleviate some of this guilt? Here are seven strategies to consider:
- Stop the “Should” Game: Let go of what you think you should be doing. Embrace reality as it is and acknowledge what is beyond your control.
- Live in the Present: Rather than fixating on distant weekends or holidays, focus on making it through today. Eight hours can feel much more manageable than thinking about an entire week.
- Aim for “Good Enough”: Understand that perfection is unattainable. You don’t have to be the ideal mom or employee; being “good enough” is sufficient.
- Eliminate Toxic Influences: Surround yourself with supportive people. Remove those who engage in mom-shaming or negativity. Seek out fellow working moms who uplift one another; you’ll feel lighter.
- Disconnect to Connect: When you’re at home, set aside your phone. Social media can wait. Use that precious time to be fully present with your child.
- Communicate with Your Employer: Be clear with your boss about your needs. They should respect your commitment to balancing work and family, so ensure they understand that leaving at a certain time is about maintaining that balance, not a lack of ambition.
- Reflect on the Benefits: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, jot down the ways your child benefits from your work. Beyond financial security, you’re modeling diligence and ambition—valuable lessons for their future.
At the end of the day, we all crave reassurance that we’re doing well. Here’s a virtual hug for you. Remember, you are more than enough, and you are not alone in this journey.
Much love,
A fellow working mom
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In summary, working moms experience profound guilt, but by implementing these strategies, you can lighten that load. Remember that you are doing a commendable job, and your efforts are not in vain.