To feel like I never get it right!

[Gwladgwlad]

I have 2 DCs aged 6 & 2. I work 3.5 days a week but I am at school for drop off on a fridday and pick up 2 afternoons. I use a childminder for the rest.

I just feel like I am not doing enough! My son asked me last week why I wasnt coming on the school trip as his mates mums were but I have used all my annual leave so we can have family time over the summer.

He also asks why I am not about after school like his mates parents are!

I spend most of my time off work recovering from work/ cleaning/ shopping etc but just don't feel like I am ever doing enough in terms of being there. Its making me feel rubbish really!

AIBU to think this or do all working parents feel like this?

You have to work, it's a shame you can't always be there but that is life.

You are doing nothing wrong.

You sound as if you do really well. Not that others don't, it just sounds like you have a pretty good balance. I do 3 days a week (but that can become more some weeks) and it can be difficult with school events etc but even if I didn't have to work I would work at least part time. I DO feel compromised sometimes but it's not as if I can't go to any of DD's events or help on her trips it's just that I can't do them all. I don't think that's so bad really. Good to have a balance really.

I have a job which means I work away. I'm often not around for important school events and have missed out on a significant part of my daughter's life. My daughter is now 12 but from a very early age, when she was younger than your six year old, I made it clear that this was a necessity and that the reason for it was to give her a good life.

She loves the holidays, toys and gadgets that my working gives to her. It also means we can life in area where she can go to a great school. Whilst I know her preference would be for me to have stayed at home with her all the time the reality is that we would have not managed finically, would have been unable to buy our own home and also been unable to afford many things which such as music and drama lessons which have made her happy.

You are doing everything right. I know it is hard work and you never feel that you have made the right choices but you are doing the best you possibly can for your children and that is what matters.