Working Mom Guilt

I'm one of the odd working moms who actually enjoy my work. I get to leave for a little bit, interact with other adults, connect with other moms (ironically) via internet and get paid for it. What more could a woman ask for.

Being around my children 24/7 would drive me absolutely ape-shizz bonkers. Not that I don't love my kids (I absolutely adore them more than my own life), but I'm not the personality type that really can stay home and raise children (anyone's children). I need variety to thrive, and for the most part, my children are happier for it.

There are mornings, however, when it is difficult to leave them. Every once in a while, the working mom guilt sets in. Reading articles that suggest leaving your children at a young age is selfish, and that I'm turning my son into a womanizer by leaving him in the care of others (!) sometimes make me stop to examine the place at where I'm at and what I'm doing...Sometimes, even hearing the kids crying in the background (on a morning call to my husband) when they don't want to get dressed, and putting them on the phone and giving them tele-kisses makes me feel like I'm not doing enough.

Then I have to give pause to my own creation, look at them, and how WELL they thrive in an academic play environment. I see how wonderful their little minds work, how social they are, and how independent they are becoming.

I'm totally in awe every day seeing them grow, learn, play, thrive, and know that I'm doing a good job, and really paying for the best care for them. And, nothing beats the feeling of a bad day at work then the look on their faces when they see me, run to me, give me a big hug/kiss and tell me all that they've learned and ask if they can do it again tomorrow.