Don’t Be Guilty; You’re Doing Your Best
Guilt won’t help you juggle your life and will, in fact, make the balance you crave more difficult to attain. All anyone can ask of you, including your child, is that you do your best. Often a trade off just isn’t possible, especially if you are a single mother. If you don’t work, you can’t give your child everything he or she needs. It’s not an issue of being selfish; you’re being practical. Some good coping mechanism include:
- Writing down why you have to work. “I work to pay the bills” or “I work so I can give my daughter violin lessons, which she loves.”
- Keeping a private journal. If you feel a need to express feelings you don’t want to say to your partner or to the kids, vent in private.
- Don’t associate with people who make you feel worse. If you think you’ll scream if you hear Aunt Myrtle say, “I was a stay-at-home Mom,” one more time, stay away from Aunt Myrtle for awhile.
- When the guilt becomes overwhelming, really look at your schedule and find a few extra hours for a special outing. It’ll make you feel better and your son or daughter will be delighted.
In Summary
Working mothers face enormous challenges, but they also have enormous strengths. Moms will do anything for their children, from protecting them from harm to finding ways to do what seems impossible—maintaining a full-time career and being a good parent.
