Mom Guilt About Nursery

[firsttimemom2024]

My little one started nursery 6 months ago when she was 10 months old. The first month was really difficult at drop off but she seems a lot more settled now. She’s there five days a week and I have such awful mom guilt as I work full time. I couldn’t cut my hours in my job and although I used to love my job and was luckily promoted whilst on maternity leave, the mom guilt has now taken over and I’m starting to not enjoy it anymore.

Is this a sign to step away and cut down my hours whilst my little one is small? Or do I just need to work through my mom guilt.

We don’t have any family around and I know that nursery has been great socially for my little one.

Could condensing your hours be an option so that you can carry on working but have a bit more time at home?

Congratulations on your promotion too, what a great role model for your DD

It is normal to feel this guilt, especially when your child is still very young and you have no family support nearby. The fact that your little one has settled and is doing well socially shows that nursery is a positive environment for her. Your guilt does not necessarily mean you need to leave or cut your hours; it may simply reflect the pressure of balancing work and parenting. If your job is becoming overwhelming or affecting your well-being, exploring flexible hours could help. If not, you may find the guilt eases as you see your child continue to thrive.