Mommy Guilt

Mommy guilt is extremely difficult to handle, let alone get rid of. As a stay-at-work mother of two, I think there are ways of coping with guilt in order to balance work and motherhood. I believe that women put too much pressure on themselves to try to be "super mom." I've realized that I'm a better mom when I take time out of my busy schedule for "mommy time." I believe that it takes a "village to raise a child," and I've learned to ask for help from "my village." I rely on my husband and family to help me balance it all. By allowing them to help, it has made my life easier and more enjoyable. My in-laws are absolutely wonderful and encourage my husband and I to have date nights several times a month. These nights help us relax and we look forward to spending well-deserved adult time together.

Working Moms: 6 Tips for Success

1. Absolve yourself of “mommy guilt.” You are doing the best that you can.
2. Remember that a desire for a career does not make you a bad mother, nor does a desire for work/life balance make you a bad employee.
3. Be proactive and creative. Many supervisors are open to considering creative solutions when they are presented, but will not be so conscious as to offer them unasked.
4. If you have a partner, ask that partner for help and unconditional love and support.
5. Find a community of mothers who also work outside the home. So much mom support is based on the stay-at-home crowd, and while some of our issues are the same, some are very different.
6. Remember that raising children only comes once in a lifetime.

Elephant Journal

The Keys for Working Moms

• Raising children only comes once in a lifetime.

• Be proactive and creative. Many supervisors are open to considering creative solutions when they are presented, but will not be so conscious as to offer them unasked.

• Absolve yourself of “mommy guilt.” You are doing the best that you can.

 • A desire for a career does not make you a bad mother, nor does a desire for work/life balance make you a bad employee.

• If you have a partner, ask them for their help and unconditional support.

• Find a community of mothers who also work outside the home. So much mom support is based on the stay-at-home crowd, and while some of our issues are the same, some are very different.

• Even if support and a listening ear is all this community can offer, it can be helpful to know that other women are experiencing the very same issues that you are.