Strategies for Coping with Working Mom Guilt

Little did you know when you give birth to a child you also immediately birth mom guilt. SURPRISE two precious life-altering gifts.   

If you’re a mom, I bet you don’t need a definition, but for those of us who can’t relate…  

Working Mom Guilt: A feeling of self-blame or remorse that working mothers often experience for not being able to spend enough time with their children, or for not being able to fulfill all of their parenting responsibilities due to work commitments. It can be triggered by various situations, such as missing a school event, working long hours, or leaving the child with a caregiver.  

Working mom guilt is a common emotion that many mothers feel, and it can cause stress, anxiety, and negative self-talk. It’s important for working moms to recognize that it’s completely normal to experience this. 

It can be challenging to manage, but here are some tips we suggest keeping in mind whenever you feel overwhelmed: 

Practice self-compassion:

Instead of beating yourself up over not being able to do everything, remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can! Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. 

Set realistic expectations:

Recognize that you can’t do everything, and it’s okay to prioritize certain tasks over others. Set realistic expectations for yourself, and communicate them with your partner or support system. 

Be present:

When you do have time with your children, make it count. Focus on being present and engaging in activities that you both enjoy. If that means taking your phone and stuffing it in the messy miscellaneous drawer in the kitchen, so be it.  

Take care of yourself:

Probably the most challenging one, simply because moms don’t think they deserve it, or that there isn’t enough time. Reminder moms, how can you possibly pour into others what you yourself don’t have? Taking care of your own needs is vital. Set aside time for self-care activities such as exercise, watching your favorite show, or going for dinner with friends. 

Keep things in perspective:

SO IMPORTANT! If your children are happy and feel loved – rest assured, you are nailing this motherhood thing.   

Remember, working mom guilt is a normal feeling, and it’s important to address it in a healthy way. Perfection does not exist, and we tend to forget that while we as mothers try to be our children’s medics, teachers, caregivers, cooks, and soccer coaches +++. At the end of the day, we are all human, and it’s the love and quality time they will remember.