“Mommy/Daddy Has to Work, Sweetheart…”
Do you ever find yourself saying this to your kids?
(Those with older kids, stay with me as this applies to you, too.)
I used to say it often and feel SO guilty. The resentment from juggling a demanding job and demanding little people, combined with the remorse for not being fully present at work or with my kids, was overwhelming.
Cue the mom guilt.
But here’s the thing: Mommy still has to work. Except now, Mommy GETS to work! Mommy LOVES her work! Watch Mommy bring home some (veggie) bacon AND be a bad-ass boss!
Your kids are watching you. Are they seeing you drag yourself to work, should-ing all over yourself, feeling like a victim of the world/your boss/your team? Or are they seeing an empowered adult who gets to use their brain, contribute to society, and make money?
I get it. It’s not that simple. Not all jobs are full of puppies and rainbows. But regardless, YOUR KIDS ARE WATCHING YOU.
So, what do you want them to see? I’m not suggesting you pretend or fake it. I AM suggesting there’s an opportunity to shape their perspective of what work CAN mean.
What beliefs do you want your kids to have about work?
I want my kids to see an empowered woman with boundaries, living my values (and ones I’m instilling in them), feeling fulfilled, using my brain, making the world better and having fun. I blew up my “perfect” corporate life because they weren’t seeing that. They saw work as burnout, stress, interrupted family time, and excuses for why I couldn’t be with them.
I made a tough but intentional decision to change that—and boy, did I ever!
I help fellow parents in leadership positions (just like I was—just like you are) revisit what success means to them, navigating the real pressures of work and family to reduce stress and increase success.
I help parents like you redefine what “Mommy/Daddy has to work” means to your kids.
Begone guilt. Hello empowerment!