“For me, being a mother made me a better professional, because coming home every night to my girls reminded me what I was working for. And being a professional made me a better mother, because by pursuing my dreams, I was modelling for my girls how to pursue their dreams .” - Michelle Obama

Introduction:

Mum guilt is a common feeling among mothers who are trying to balance work, family, and personal life. It’s the feeling of not doing enough for your children or not being present enough in their lives. It’s easy to get caught up in this feeling, but as a coach, I know that it’s important to address mum guilt and find ways to manage it..

Here are some tips for dealing with mum guilt:

1. Identify the Source

Understanding the root cause of your guilt can help you find ways to address it. Is it because you’re working long hours? Are you feeling like you’re not spending enough quality time with your children? By identifying the source, you can work towards finding a solution.

2. Practice Self Compassion

 It’s important to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Instead of focusing on what you’re not doing, celebrate what you are doing. Recognize that you’re doing the best you can with the resources and time available to you.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Don’t try to be perfect in everything you do. It’s okay to prioritize and make choices that align with your values and goal

4. Create Quality Time

It’s not always about the quantity of time you spend with your children, but the quality of the time. Find ways to create special moments with your children, even if it’s for a short period of time. This could be reading a book together or having a picnic in the park.

5. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is important. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of others. Make time for activities that bring you joy, such as exercise or spending time with friends.

6. Seek Support

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek support. Talk to friends, family, or a coach about how you’re feeling. Sometimes just talking about it can help alleviate some of the guilt.

It’s important to remember that mum guilt is a normal feeling, but it doesn’t have to consume you. By identifying the source, practicing self-compassion, setting realistic expectations, creating quality time, practicing self-care, and seeking support, you can learn to manage mum guilt and find balance in your life.