If you are a working mother, you have felt guilty at one point or another about not spending enough time with your children. You’re not alone. In fact, according to DailyMail.co.uk, one survey of 2,000 mothers by babycare company NUK found that 87 percent feel guilty at some point during their child’s first year. Even though you work from home, you still have guilt, it’s just work-at-home mom guilt.
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Fortunately, there are ways to deal with working mom guilt. Here are six steps to deal with your work-at-home mom guilt and be the best working mom you can be.
#1 – Set Realistic Expectations to Avoid Work at Home Mom Guilt
The truth is, you cannot and will never be able to do it all. Trying to be the perfect working mom is a recipe for disaster. If you set unrealistic expectations for yourself, you are bound to feel disappointed and guilty when you cannot meet them.
Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on doing your best. Set realistic goals for yourself and your family, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet them all.
Just because you’ve set realistic expectations doesn’t mean you should settle for less, though. If you are unhappy with your current situation, make a change. If you feel like you are not spending enough time with your children, talk to your boss about working from home one or two days a week. Finding a balance that works for you and your family is essential.
#2 – Communicate with Your Partner to Avoid Work at Home Mom Guilt
If you feel guilty about not spending enough time with your children, you must communicate with your partner. Chances are, they are feeling the same way. Talk to them about your concerns and see if there is a way you can both make more time for your family.
It may not be possible for both of you to work less, but there are other ways to make more time for your children. Perhaps you can take turns picking them up from school or daycare or take turns cooking dinner. If you can find a way to share the parenting load, you will both feel less guilty and have more time for your children.
#3 – Find a Support System to Avoid Work at Home Mom Guilt
Having a support system is crucial for working mothers. Whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or a support group for working mothers, lean on them when you feel guilty. They can offer words of encouragement and understanding, and they can help you find ways to manage your guilt.
If you don’t have a support system, there are plenty of online resources for working mothers. Take advantage of these resources and connect with other working mothers who understand what you are going through.
#4 – Make Time for Yourself to Avoid Work at Home Mom Guilt
It’s essential to make time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Dedicate some time to doing something that makes you happy, whether reading a book, going for a walk, or taking a yoga class. Making time for yourself will help you relieve some of the working mom guilt you may be feeling.
When you’re feeling stressed, it can be tempting to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like drinking alcohol or overeating. But these coping mechanisms will only make you feel worse in the long run. Instead of turning to unhealthy habits, find healthy ways to cope with your stress.
#5 – Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Mothers to Avoid Work at Home Mom Guilt
It’s easy to compare yourself to other mothers, but it’s important to remember that everyone is different. What works for one mother may not work for another. So please don’t compare yourself to other mothers and don’t expect yourself to parent the same way they do.
Focus on being the best mother you can be and doing what works for you and your family. If you compare yourself to other mothers, remind yourself that they are on their journey, and you are on yours.
#6 – Be Present to Avoid Work at Home Mom Guilt
When you are with your children, be present. Put away your phone and give them your full attention. Listen to them when they talk to you and take an interest in their lives. Cherish the time you have with them, and they will cherish it, too.
Being present is another form of self-care. When you are fully present, you are less likely to dwell on things out of your control. Instead, you will focus on the here and now and enjoy your time with your children.
The Bottom Line
Working motherhood is hard, but it’s also rewarding. Don’t let guilt get in the way of enjoying this particular time in your life. Instead, find ways to manage your guilt so you can focus on the critical things. These tips will help you manage your working mom’s guilt and enjoy this particular time in your life.
