To not feel mum guilt?

[Jadefeather7]

Just wondering if I’m unusually or if there are plenty of others who feel this way. One of my closest friends is a SAHM and she’s always talking about not feeling like she’s doing enough even though she’s a great mum. I spent a lot of time with her during maternity leave. On the other hand I’ve just gone back to work and I was worried I would feel terrible but I don’t. I love my son and nothing gives me more joy than seeing him. I have passing moments during the day where I miss him and look at his pics and videos but I don’t feel guilty about being away.

You feeling guilty is irrelevant. The only relevant thing is how your child will look back on your decisions and how you not being around may or my not have affected them.

Time will tell.

I feel guilty when I know I’ve been a shit mum (e.g. if I’ve lost my temper with my DC over something stupid) but I don’t think I feel “mum guilt” any more than my DH feels “dad guilt”. We both have to work so we’re away from them more than we’d like, but our kids are safe, happy and know they’re loved, and if I didn’t give myself a bit of me time occasionally my MH would suffer and I’d be a worse parent for it. I grew up with two SAHPs (worked from home) and it was a claustrophobic nightmare, so that helps keep my own working parent guilt at bay!

I didn't either. I think most people don't but they're worried people will think they're either a crap mother or heartless if they say it out loud. Whatever we do it's wrong so fuck em all!

I feel crippling guilt about almost every aspect of my parenting. So you should make the most of it!

@boredbumhead
Me too