Your maternity leave is over and you are returning to work. However, besides the joy of something new, mothers reentering the workforce often feel a sense of guilt and a lack of self-confidence. When I am back at work, won't I neglect my family? How should I handle both my work and family at the same time? How are the perfect mothers I can see around me doing it?
An interesting article on the topic of working mother guilt was published by psychologist Joyce Marter on psychcentral.com. She put together the following recommendations for insecure mothers.
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You don't have to feel guilty when you have done nothing wrong. Self-blame does not help you or anyone else.
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Think of the guilt as proof that you are a good mum. And a good mum is not to blame when she is not with her child 24 hours a day.
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Remind yourself that there is no perfect mum.
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Create your own mantra to repeat to yourself, such as: "I'm doing everything I can."
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Do not hesitate to ask others for help so that you can be with your children - either your husband or, for example, a cleaning lady.
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Maintain friendly relations with other mothers in your area, help one other.
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Realize that you can't be with your children every minute. The experience of being taken care of by someone else than you will only benefit them.
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Be a positive example for your children. Show that you can both work and be at home.
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Remind yourself that every mother is a strong woman who moves the world.
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