Guilty Working Mother: Balancing Responsibilities and Self-Care

 

Being a mother is the best thing in the world! It's an incredible feeling to be together with my own tribe, embarking on our adventure in a new country far away from home. This beautiful and rewarding experience also comes with its fair share of challenges. Living abroad for a full-time job without a partner adds an extra layer of pressure, making it overwhelming to juggle multiple responsibilities. The guilt that arises from not meeting expectations of motherhood can weigh heavily on my shoulders. Balancing work, motherhood, and personal well-being sometimes feel impossible. In this blog, I aim trying to change my perspective and explore ways to manage guilt, finding a healthy balance between our various roles.

🚀Change Your Perspective:

Recognize that being a working mother is a courageous thing to do, especially when managing the household single-handedly. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide for my family financially and to show my children that a mother can be as independent and hardworking as a father.

🚀Quality Over Quantity:

While I may not have as much time to spend with my children as I would like, I try to make most of the time we have together by being present and engaged is what truly matters. It's not about the quantity of time spent, but the love and attention we give them when we are together. Picking flowers together early Sunday morning or baking pancakes together, are some of those precious moments.

🚀Prioritize Self-Care:

Taking care of myself may sometimes feel selfish, but it is essential for overall well-being. I have discovered small pockets of time throughout the day for simple activities that bring me joy and help me recharge. Whether it's waking up an hour earlier than my kids to start my day with meditation or dedicating time on the weekends to pursue my hobbies and sports, self-care has made me a better mother and role model for my children.

🚀Letting Go of Excessive Attachment to Your Children:

As a parent, it's natural to feel a sense of responsibility and believe that your family couldn't function without you. However, it's important to acknowledge that this belief is not entirely true. Your children are capable of managing their lives independently. In fact, spending less time with you can help them develop strength and independence.

Over the past two years, I've spent at least a full week away from my children every month for work. Each time I return, I'm pleasantly surprised to witness signs of confidence and independence in all my kids. They have grown and thrived in my absence. In reality, they don't solely rely on their mother's presence.

✅Conclusion:

The guilt experienced by working mothers is an emotion shared by many. However, being a working mother is a testament to strength and dedication. I am constantly trying to find the best balance between work, family, and my own well-being. It's undoubtedly one of the most challenging things I have experienced in life so far. Writing about my experiences helps me change my perspective and feel proud of my achievements instead of guilty. Sharing our experiences with one another can help us overcome the guilt and support each other on this journey.

 

Let's embrace the challenges and navigate guilt together!