5 Ways To Cope With Working Mom Guilt
Going back to work can be overwhelming. Whether parents want to go back because they love their careers or have to go back because they can’t afford to stay home, it’s tough to avoid the guilt that accompanies leaving our children every day.
We’re here to talk about a few ways to cope with back-to-work guilt as a mom since this is a struggle for any parent. Here are five ways to cope with working mom guilt.
1. Set boundaries against negative comments
Someone is bound to make a negative comment about your choice to go back to work. Find ways to avoid listening to people make rude comments about your work habits. It’s not practical to cut out everyone who makes a negative comment, so, instead, let relatives and friends know that you understand their opinions on your work schedule, but you’d appreciate it if they don’t make comments on the subject. If they don’t listen, simply leave the conversation when it comes up. If people post negatively on social media about going back to work, unfollow them or simply delete their comments.
2. Connect with other working parents
Working parents are not alone! It’s important to connect with other parents who have felt the back-to-work guilt. They can share tips for looking past the guilt and finding the positives. Also, these working parents are proof that it’s possible for families to flourish and find balance between work and home.
3. Spend special time with your children
Take time each day to focus solely on your children. Whether it’s giving them baths when you get home from work, reading them stories before bed, or sitting down and eating breakfast together – it’s important to have that time to connect each day.
Feeling back-to-work guilt more than normal? It may be time to take a personal day to spend with your children. Spend some quality time with them and re-establish yourself with their daily routines. If taking a day off isn’t possible, declare a weekend spent just focusing on them – no errands or chores allowed.
4. Accept that missing out is inevitable
It’s impossible for working parents to be a part of every moment of their children’s days. Instead, focus on what your children do get to experience, such as social outings with their daycare centers or one-on-one learning with their nannies. Also, ask if your children’s caretakers can send photos or videos throughout the day, documenting the fun activities your children are experiencing. That way, you’ll feel more involved in their days and happier knowing they’re comfortable.
5. Understand that the feelings of guilt are temporary
As time passes, the guilt will lessen. Especially as children get older, it’ll be easier to leave them at daycare each day because they’ll soon be attending preschool, Pre-K, and elementary school, where they’ll be busy for the majority of the day. In addition, if working is a necessity rather than a desire, the future may hold a new, more flexible job or a way to stay at home. Take it one day at a time and prioritize moments for connecting with your children each day.
Author Bio :
Sara Mauskopf is the CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a platform that helps parents discover the best daycares, preschools, and more. Winnie is growing fast with over one million parents in 10,000 cities across the United States. Sara is the mom of two young daughters and created Winnie after she had trouble finding great child care for her first daughter.
Contact Information:
