The Life of a Working Mother

Today I have asked a long time reader and my new friend KB to write a guest blog post about her life as a working mother.  I so appreciate and admire working mothers who work so hard to balance life in and out of the home.  KB has three beautiful children and as you will see, they are so very lucky to have her!  Thanks for doing this KB :)

I always say, the hardest part of being a working mom is the guilt. It plays a role, every day. Some days more so than others, but it's how you manage the guilt, that's the secret. Recently, we had a long weekend. It was nice to wake up on a Monday morning and be home. I didn't have to rush off and join the morning commute and I got to wake up with my kids and be greeted in three precious ways! I was greeted with smiles from my 8 month old boy, a warm hug from my 6 year old girl and my 4 year old boy was beaming with excitement: "Mommy's home in the morning!" We started the day with bacon and eggs and banana bread. My 6 year old and I went to our town recreation program and made a clay plate. That afternoon we went bowling and for happy meals.  We rounded off the day by playing outside, playing inside and having dinner as a family. My kids said it best; "I wish every day was like today."

Once the kids were in bed, I came down to prep for the next day. I always make dinner for the next evening the night before. This avoid chaos when I walk in the door. I was cooking chicken when my 6 year old appeared from around the corner.  She had tears in her eyes. She was trying to hold them back as she was telling me what was wrong. I shut the burner off, picked her up and we sat down together. I said, "what's up baby girl?" She said, "I just don't want you to go to work tomorrow."  Oh the pain in my heart... the kind where you can feel it in your throat... the guilt... here is comes... she said, "I just want you to be home every day."  

My 6 year old is a sweetie. She is very caring and sentimental. She is the type who eats everything on her plate, kisses and hugs you every time you come home or leave, and always thinks of others. She used to ask me to stay home a lot when she was 2, 3 and 4 years old, but I haven't heard her ask me to stay home for a while. I have to say, it felt good to hear those words. It reminded me that she is only 6 years old and still loves to be with her mommy.  I held her and we rocked. I explained that I have to work and it's ok to miss me, but that is why we are given days like today. Days when we are all together, making memories, because they are true gifts. We talked about how much fun we had together and how the weekend wasn't too far away.

Guilt... it's always there, but it's how you deal with it that matters most.  Trust me, I have had my share of pity parties, but the one thing I have learned about working and raising kids is: it's not easy but it can be done.  Some days are harder than others and the beginning is the hardest, or with each baby- that first year is the hardest. I often say, I hope I am not damaging my kids too much by working. But, I do know in my heart of hearts we always do what is best for our kids. I love them so much and I always put them first with their best interests at heart.  I'd like to end this post with one of my most favorite quotes. It's posted to my computer at work. I am sure can be interpreted in many ways, but I leave you with your own interpretation... 

"Live with no regrets- because at one time or another it sounded like a good idea."

-until next time... KB