Working Mother Guilt

I think every mother who works outside the home has some form of guilt. And as my son ages, the guilt seems to just get worse. Despite what my employee status shows, I only work part-time providing home physical therapy for geriatric patients.

I am so blessed that I can go to a dream job that I love. And more importantly, that I can schedule my work around my child’s needs. It does take extra multi-tasking and late-night scheduling. But those things let me work around my son's needs–such as doctor appointments and therapy sessions. It gives me the freedom to attend special field trips or get to him in a minute's notice in case of a medical emergency such as a seizure.

Do I wish I didn't have to work? Sure, but at the same time now that my son is 17, he is in school and doing what he needs to be doing for social interaction. He is learning vocational skills to help him in the future.

I am able to attend his school activities and I find myself more involved these past several years than in previous years. I believe that you need to be more present and involved as your children get older and enter the dreaded teen years.

With all of this optimism, of course, comes the guilt. Have I researched the latest findings on autism? If I didn't work, could I have made my son an awesome healthy homemade lunch every day? Have I made sure to monitor the electronics time? Did I give my teen one-on-one mommy time? Have I spent time staying involved in his world and taking an active role in learning his favorite characters from Nick Teen?

Today my answer is I think so. Well, I hope so. Gosh, I really hope so, because I am tired and I am going to go to bed. At least on this night, I know I tucked that sweet angel into bed and let him know that this working momma gave it everything she had today.

There is helpful information in our Family Support pages.