Working Mother's Guilt

The other day, my daughter told me she wished she could be like the other kids who get their mom all day long. It felt like a dagger into my heart! My husband tried to help and told them I work to give them a better life and more opportunities. But, the truth is I also work because I feel fulfilled. I've been trying to teach my kids to look at the complete picture. There's always someone who is in a better situation, but there are clearly kids who are in a worse situation. I reminded them that I'm always there when they get off the bus, and I have weekends off.

I came home early one day last week and took the kids out separately for one on one time. It was a great chance to really talk with them and to let them know how special they are to me. I took my middle daughter out for cake and chocolate milk at the local diner. My older daughter wanted to visit a tea house. (If you check out the picture, my 9 year old picked out my hat!) It was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

I read some other great tips from experts for working mother's guilt. http://www.essortment.com/family/adviceworkingm_sanz.htm

Some of them include: Try to leave the work at the office when you come home. Prioritize your day and ask your manager to help determine which projects deserve your attention first. If you can't' get them all done, make that clear. And just say "no" to extra projects you really can't fit on your plate. Obviously, in difficult economic times, many working mother's can't afford to slack off. But, this guidelines might help you focus on which projects will help you shine at work, and which one may be unnecessary.