As a mom, you do everything you can to make sure your kids feel safe and loved at all times. That alone can be stressful enough. But for working moms, there is often the added pressure of making sure your kids feel that same level of comfort when you can't be with them. Whether it's self-imposed or coming from others, a working mom's guilt is real and it can be crippling. But with a little change of perspective, there are ways to cope with working mom's guilt and accept the fact that things don't always have to be perfect.
There simply aren't enough hours in the day to feel like you're totally killing it both at work and at home, and that's ok. You won't be at every school play, or soccer game. Your house might not always look like something out of the pages of a design magazine. But you can do your best to balance the responsibilities of home and work so that everything gets as much of your attention as possible.
So if you're feeling a little in over your head, take a deep breath and try some of the ideas on this list. You may realize that you're actually rocking this working mom thing after all.
1Ignore The Haters
There will always be that annoyingly perfect mom who makes you feel guilty about buying cupcakes rather than baking them from scratch. Don't let her get under your skin. The kids are only going to lick the frosting anyway.
2Use Your Village
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Enlist babysitters, relatives and other mom friends to help out when you can't be there. You'll feel a lot better knowing your kids are spending time with people you trust.
3Carve Out Quality Time
Whether it's Saturday morning pancakes or an after-school trip to the zoo, set aside time with your little ones on your off day to do something special. The memories will stay with them long after the day is over.
4Do What You Can
You don't have enough hours or hands to do everything, so cut yourself a little slack. Let the beds go unmade if it means more quality time with your family.
5Make Time For A Daily Download
Take advantage of time together during dinner or your commute to and from school to share details about the events of the day.
6Leave Work At The Office
In the age of cell phones and laptops, it can be difficult not to check emails and voicemails after hours. But if possible, try to make home a work-free zone. Instead, give your family your undivided attention.
7Get Your Beauty Sleep
If you're going to try to do it all, make sure you get a good night's sleep. You'll have much more energy to be at the top of your game.
8Order Out
Have more time to hang out by designating a night when cooking is off limits.
9Make The Most Of Your Vacation Time
Plan your vacation time around school breaks so you can enjoy a family vacation. Get away from home and leave all of that working mother's guilt behind.
