Work-family Balance? Ha!

It is hard to work full time and be a mom. But I have been so worried at not being a good mom, by being there as much as possible, it seemed to make me so depressed cause I was not able to do everything. Your one person and you have them all weekend, holidays, when they are sick....Read back to a post earlier this week about the same thing. Just do the best you can do and let go of the unimportant stuff. Play with the baby instead of cleaning the dishes, when they go to bed then pop them in the dishwasher.

You are not alone. I am a working M. and I have settled in my mind, until I can do better, this is what I have to deal with.

You didn't say what age your daughter was, but to make it feel less guilty, talk to your daughter while dropping her off to daycare/inlaws. When you get home from work, rest in your car for a few minutes before facing her, refresh yourself and plan to spend at least 15-30 mins with just her, touching, hugging, playing and spending time with her undistracted by making dinner. When she is content, let her be - don't over compensate, but when she does cry for you, stop what you are doing if you can and meet her need.

It's all about quality time, not quantity. You are only one person, you cannot do it all. You are not superwoman and you will never stop being M.. Your baby can sense your love and attention and you are doing a great job just by caring that you don't have enough time.

Take comfort in the fact that she is surrounded by your inlaws so they will help to instill the values your husband grew up with and quite possibly on the same page as you. All the best and don't worry, she is fine.

I completely agree and feel just the way you do. I agree with earlier posts, but feel that for some people it just comes easier. I also agree it's hard to find social opportunities. SAHMs find it hard too, but can meet other moms throughout the day with children. I don't have the same schedule as you do. I work close to home and can come home earlier, but I leave before my DD wakes up and sometimes when I come home, I'm so tired. I still try to squeeze out as much energy and as many smiles and hugs as I can while I play with her, but it still can be hard sometimes. I miss the small moments too, but have really worked this year to let some of it go. It really started to bring me down and started to affect my work, which is NOT okay, since we are currently on a single income. We are okay financially, but cannot afford to lose this job. So, I suck it up and move on with the weekends and vacations as a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there and know you're not the only one! Just talk to your DD as much as you can and remind her that you love her and always think of her.

I work full time and I have three little boys. You can still be a GREAT mom like this. It always kind of confused me when people would be worried about missing out on first words and steps. Even if you're a SAHM it could happen in the moment your back is turned. Find your quality time, set a good example for your children with a good work ethic, and enjoy the everyday stuff we working moms do like putting to bed, lullabies, bedtime stories, cuddling. All of it is good quality loving parenting.

I feel the same way. But, even if I am exhausted I take advantage of the summer long hours. After dinner I try at least 4 times during the week to take the kids to the park for at least 45 minutes. Or take a walk to the icecream store (Rita's or Dairy Queen) which is about 7 blocks from the house. I feel something is better then nothing. Make a movie night. Bake some cupcakes. There is always something small you can do together even if for an hour. You are not alone. :)

Been there done that. The whole working mom thing is so hard because you always feel that you aren't devoting enough time to your job or your family. I always felt like I was letting someone down. If I was doing laundry I wanted to be reading with my kids. If I had to stay late at work I was letting my hubby down by not having dinner on the table. Your feelings are totally normal.

I absolutely concur! I have two daughters ages 5 and 7 and there are times when I can't be with them and it kills me. There are times that I have to make decisions that I hate having to make such has leave the youngest with my sister and she get's so bored with her and hates going to her house but at times when she's not feeling well or pre-school is out early that's my only option. I have a couple of stay at home moms and I envy them so much. I listen to them talk about what they did on the school breaks with their children i.e movies, mini golf, library, etc. Meanwhile my children were with a sitter who took them to the park everyday and that was their vacation week. I end up making up for it on the weekends dave and busters, movies, chuckie cheese, etc. THe downside is that I get no rest and am up to all hours of the night cleaning and doing household chores. It's hard and I wish there was an end in sight. All I can say and what I do is really hold on to those moments that you can be there and everyone once in awhile do something unexpected so that they can appreciate it more. I took off two weeks ago to chaperone my daughter's school trip she was so excited to have mommy all to herself and to this day she will say something like remember on my trip when we did this or that. The little things count, so hold on to those and the three day weekends love those!!

reflect on the serenity prayer. nap when baby naps and hire a housecleaner. as for the social opportunities, have a standing date, an outside committment preferably, i.e. theater tickets done on a subscription basis, and enjoy yourself while you are out.

I've always worked, but I've rarely felt like I wasn't giving enough of my time and attention to my kids. You just have to find a balance that works for your family. Determine what's most important to you and make that a priority.

If you need to spend some more quality time in the morning with DD then get up 1/2 hour earlier. Plan ahead the night before, like having lunches made, bags packed, clothes picked out, etc.

Yes, social opportunities can be difficult. However, to me spending quality time one on one with my children was much more important then having any social life.