You wonder if every other mom feels the elusive work-life balance stress the same way you do. You feel time running out to achieve your career aspirations while your kids are growing up so quickly. No matter where you are, at home or work, you feel like you should be elsewhere, getting something productive done. Secretly, you dream of a weekend away but come up with excuses as to why you can’t do it.
Working moms are chasing the balance of working a job that they want and being the mom that they envisioned. They feel bad about letting their kids, team, or boss down, and also feel guilt about practicing self-care, remorse for not helping aging parents enough, or embarrassment about admitting their stress. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has left working parents — and in particular mothers, who still disproportionately take care of the housework and children — having to find solutions for education and childcare.
If you’re a working mother, you must let go of this guilt. Consider these five tips. First, forgive yourself for your choices and circumstances. Second, revisit your values and make them your top priorities. Third, ask for help from those around you. Fourth, remember the basics of being a good parent and let yourself be “good enough.” Finally, unfollow those on social media that bring you down.