As a working mom, you’ve probably felt guilt over missing moments in your kids’ lives due to work hours. Maybe you feel like you’re not around enough or you’re missing the important moments you should be there for. Well, you’re not the only one that experiences this guilt. It’s called working mom guilt, and it’s a heavy burden to carry. Especially as your child ages and this seems to accumulate more. You don’t have to feel like you’re not doing enough or you’re not good enough. Here are some tips to free yourself from working mom guilt.
Tips to Free Yourself from Working Mom Guilt
Release The “Perfection”
Needing to be perfect as a person or mother is not going to help you in any way. Teach yourself to release that image of perfection and those thoughts. Nobody can be the perfect parent, mom, person, worker, anything. It’s just not possible. Try to make yourself see things in a more balanced way. Remind yourself that you’re good enough.
Build Support
Your support circle is going to be so important to you during this struggle. Don’t allow those that tend to mom-shame you be a part of your inner circle and support system, instead surround yourself with those that support your efforts and can help when you need it. Family members or friends that can babysit or bring your kids to events can help you feel more supported.
Set Work Boundaries
Make sure to speak with your boss about what you need for a work-life balance and how important being a mom is to you. For example, explain that leaving promptly when your shift is up is important so that you can spend time with your kids before they go to bed. Or try to see if your shifts can be more flexible for important events in your kids’ lives.
Look On The Bright Side
A massive help when you’re struggling with guilt is to try to see the positive side. You’re giving your children time to grow by being apart sometimes, independence and growth is important for children. When family members or friends get to take your kids to events or babysit, they’re getting positive experiences. Write down the good things and remind yourself daily.
Adapt
The little things are important to making the most out of your time with your kids. Learn ways to adapt to your schedule and make better memories during the time away from work. Maybe read to them before bed if you get home late, or have special bonding times for certain days. If you’re struggling to adapt, ask for moved shifts for a day or an earlier vacation day if you can.
Take Care Of Yourself
Possibly the most important tip on this list is to take care of yourself. Try to find ways to cope with this struggle and improve your mental health like reading, journaling, or anything else you can think of. Do something you love sometime. Remind yourself who you are as a person and what you are capable of.
While this burden is a part of many moms’ lives, it doesn’t have to be something that brings you down. You’re doing your very best, and your kids know that. These tips can help remind you that you are good enough and help to reduce that guilt weighing on you from working. Try to stop tearing yourself down over your struggle to balance your work and home life, you’re not the only one struggling and it’s not something that has to be seen so negatively. Don’t forget to take care of yourself when you’re feeling this way, and try to work your way towards positive thoughts.