Being a remote working mom can feel like you’re living in two worlds at once; trying to be an amazing mom while also being an efficient worker. Many moms who work from home are familiar with the nagging feeling of guilt that comes with trying to balance their roles. Whether it’s the guilt of missing out on precious moments with your kids or the guilt of not giving your all to your job. It’s a daily struggle that can take a toll on your mental well-being.
The good news is, you’re not alone. Guilt is something that most working moms face, but there are ways to navigate it and feel good about your choices as a remote working mom. It’s all about learning to embrace your situation, finding ways to manage your responsibilities, and practicing self-compassion. Let’s dig into how you can tackle mom guilt head-on and learn to celebrate your achievements in both your personal and professional life.
Mom Guilt, It’s Real, and It’s Persistent
Mom guilt, that little voice in your head that reminds you of all the things you’re not doing perfectly. For remote working moms, this guilt can manifest in many ways:
– Not being present enough for your kids:
You’re home, but you’re working. You might feel bad about not being able to play with your kids all day, even though you’re technically at home with them.
– Feeling like you’re not giving your best at work:
While juggling kids and conference calls, it’s easy to feel like you’re not giving 100% at your job, which might leave you feeling inadequate.
– Not doing enough self-care:
Moms are notorious for putting everyone else first, which often means neglecting their own needs. This can lead to feeling guilty about not taking care of yourself, or worse, burning out entirely.
– Comparing yourself to others:
Whether it’s a friend who appears to have it all together or that Instagram mom who looks like she lives in a spotless house with perfectly well-behaved kids, comparisons can fuel guilt.
We’ve all been there. But feeling guilty about not doing everything perfectly doesn’t help anyone. The truth is, being a mom and working from home is hard, and it’s okay not to be perfect all the time.
How to address and Manage Guilt
The first step to dealing with guilt is to recognize that it’s okay to feel this way. The next step is to reframe your thinking and use practical strategies to alleviate the pressure you put on yourself. Let’s explore some ways you can manage the guilt and start feeling more confident about your choices.
- Practice Positive Affirmations
Your inner dialogue can have a huge impact on how you feel about yourself. If you’re constantly telling yourself that you’re not doing enough, you’re going to feel bad. Start countering those negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of thinking, “I’m not spending enough time with my kids,” try saying, “I’m doing my best to provide for my family and be there for them.”
Write down affirmations like:
– “I am a great mom, even when I can’t do it all.”
– “I’m allowed to take care of my work and my family.”
– “My work contributes to my family’s well-being.”
Repeat these affirmations to yourself daily, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or guilty.
- Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest causes of guilt is setting the bar too high. Working from home with kids doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to do everything perfectly all the time, and that’s okay! Set realistic expectations for yourself. Understand that some days will be more productive than others, and that’s completely normal.
Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Break tasks into manageable pieces and celebrate small wins. Whether that is getting through a meeting without interruptions or managing to clean the kitchen while keeping your toddler occupied.
- Create Boundaries
One of the benefits of working from home is flexibility, but without boundaries, it can lead to burnout. Establish clear boundaries between work time and family time. Communicate these boundaries with your family so they know when you’re “at work” and when you’re available for them.
You can also create a schedule that includes intentional breaks to spend time with your kids. This allows you to have focused time for work, while also making sure you’re available for your family throughout the day.
- Take Time for Self-Care
It’s easy to push self-care to the bottom of your to-do list, but it’s crucial for your mental health. If you’re not taking care of yourself, it becomes even harder to take care of your family or work efficiently. Make self-care a priority, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. A quick walk, a cup of coffee in peace, or a few minutes to meditate, taking time for yourself can help recharge your batteries.
- Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is the thief of joy, and it’s especially true for working moms. The reality is, no one has it all together all the time. Everyone has their own struggles, even if they don’t post about them on social media. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey and progress.
Remember that every family is different, and what works for one mom may not work for you. Celebrate the unique way you manage your household, work, and family life.
Embrace Self-Compassion
It’s time to stop letting guilt run your life. Instead, start practicing self-compassion. Recognize that being a working mom is hard, and you’re doing your best. Start small by incorporating positive affirmations, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing self-care.
Take a few minutes today to reflect on where you might be feeling guilt. Write down one area where you can show yourself more compassion and create a plan to let go of the unrealistic expectations you’ve set for yourself.
Navigating guilt as a remote working mom is challenging, but it’s possible to overcome. By acknowledging the feelings of guilt, reframing your thoughts, and prioritizing self-compassion, you can feel more confident in the choices you’re making for yourself and your family. Work-life balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what works for you and being kind to yourself along the way. And remember, you’re doing an amazing job, no matter what that little voice of guilt tries to tell you.
You’ve got this, mama!