Yes, you chose to go back to work, to be a "Working Mom". You take pride in the work that you do and you get a sense of satisfaction from a job well done. Chances are, no matter how much you love your job or enjoy going to work every day (okay, maybe not every day), you have had more of your fair share of "Mommy Guilt" as well.
It's hard enough to find the sought-after "work/life balance" that everyone seems to be talking about but once you add business travel into the mix, it becomes even harder for working moms.
What can you do to minimize the guilt while you're away to ensure that things at home will run as smoothly as possible for those "left behind"?
Making sure that everyone is on the same page before going out of town will not only make the time away less stressful for you, but for everyone involved.
Here are some other suggestions that I have for how to deal with the "Mommy Guilt" while you're away, and by the way, these work for Dads too:
- Set a schedule for calls home to your child(ren) and stick to it. A quick call at breakfast and a longer conversation at the end of the day is ideal. Try not to deviate from your schedule, though. Unexpected calls can cause your child to worry about you and will distract them from their day, often resulting in unnecessary tears.
- Have a favorite book that you read together at bedtime each night? Bring a copy with you and read the story together over the phone.
- If you travel with a laptop, invest in webcams for both your home PC and laptop and turn that evening phone call into a video call.
- Instead of bringing home a guilt-gift from the airport, save your money and go out for a fun dinner or for ice cream when you get home. Your child would much rather spend some special time with you than have their 24th beanie baby!
- Take the opportunity to do something for yourself. (I know; radical idea!) Read a good book during your flight instead of working on your laptop. Take a pass on meeting up with the group for dinner and order room service and the latest chick flick in-room movie. Plan to arrive early for your flight or take advantage of a long layover by booking a manicure or massage in the airport spa. Arriving home feeling rested and ready to engage with your family is so worth the time and extra money!
- Are you going to be in a place that your family would love? Why not think about having them join you during your trip or extend your travels to include a mini-family vacation? Having a fun weekend away to look forward to will help the week pass by for both you and your child! Plus, you've already had your ticket paid for ... why not make the most of it?
- Remember why you are working in the first place. Is it to create a better life for your child? To be a good role model? Do you work because you feel better about yourself? Whatever your reason, keeping it in the front of your mind (or written on a sticky-note attached to your blackberry!) can help to keep things in perspective while you're away.
Are you a working Mom? How you do you handle the guilt that goes along with that decision? Dads -- what can we do to help you while we're away? Are we calling too much? Not enough? Let us know. We can all use a little extra support sometimes!
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