I hate mommy guilt

npeacock

I really do. Take this week, for example. I had to work early one day, so DH had to drop the kids at daycare, which I normally do. Then I had to work late the next day, so DH had to pick them up, and I didn't see the kids until after they had eaten dinner and were almost ready for bed. Then, last night, I had a seminar to go to, so the kids were with a sitter. I got home in time for bath, and then it was bed time.

Really, I was only away from them about an extra 3 hours or so. But, I am feeling like I really missed them this week. I hate that I feel that way. Mommy guilt sometimes even has me decline invites for things if the kids can't be present. I know I should have a life outside of my kids, but I just don't want to miss out on them.

How do you handle mommy guilt?

isabella22

I hear ya... only my mommy guilt comes from spending a week in europe, being home for 4 days and then spending another 5 days Europe.  My work travel gets crazy in the fall.

I handle it by knowing that my DH (despite missing me tons loves when I am away because he gets to do everything with DD, who is normally a complete mommy's girl. 

It is good bonding time for them, traveling is a consequence of being successful at my profession, so that makes me happy and it turn a better mom to my daughter.  It also helps my daughter have a healthy ability to adapt to change, which I think is important. 

sugarp

I know how much you must miss time with them! I definitely felt this guilt when my 2 oldest kids were young and I was working full time. Just remember it's the QUALITY of the time spent with them that's most important (though I know quantity is important too!) Was this just a one time thing? I mean, working early, then late, the seminar, etc? If so, let it go and don't be so hard on yourself. If this is a regular thing, you might want to try cutting back hours and spending more time with them. Please don't take offense to that comment. I'm just speaking from my own experience. I felt major, major mommy guilt when working full time, and then I got fed up and started telling people"no" when they wanted me to cover a shift or come in early/stay late. It saved my sanity and my kids were much happier!

SumnerBride

Quality time is just as good as a large quantity of time.  Remember that.