3 Ways to Overcome Working Parent-Guilt
As you finish up work for the day, perhaps your son or daughter finishes their dinner while you sit at the same table typing. Do you feel guilty for not engaging after a long day? Absolutely. But your job is essential, and so is your child. Americans have a strong urge to do it all. Have a career, make deadlines, finish college, and be a great parent and spouse. There is no book written to show us how to be exactly the parent we need to be and there sure isn't a book on how to be a working parent with your particular child and your particular job. Before that guilt eats you alive faster than you can scarf down a peppermint stick, we have some ways to decrease your guilt, especially when your child is at home during a break from school.
Three ways to cope with the guilt of not living up to your standards as a working parent
Make it a point to be present and listen to your child
Spending some time inquiring about their day, what they ate for lunch, or if they made a new friend that day can be a great way to increase your presence in their life. The child may enjoy discussing their day with you. It also helps you stay informed about what is happening in their daily life.
Show interest in their interests
When your child seems to have a new or current interest, it may be beneficial to do some research or ask about the topic. It gives you time to figure out what your child finds motivating, and you learn about the person they are becoming or want to become.
Forgive yourself
Give yourself a break. Life is by no means any easier when being or becoming a parent. There will be missed opportunities, but we learn from them and move on. It is also a skill you can teach your child; to be forgiving.Every day is different, every child is different, and every parent is different. But we all have one thing in common regarding being a working parent: Guilt.
If you have been struggling with the guilt of not being the parent you want to be or are struggling with anything else that has you feeling stuck, read more about parenting in our Resources section or learn about our approach to parenting and family therapy. And of course, we're always growing here at Lifeologie Counseling. Find out if we're scheduling new clients at a location near you and reach out to connect so we can find the right therapist at the right time to help you move forward, guilt-free.
About Lifeologie
Lifeologie Counseling was founded in 2000 with one goal in mind — to bring a fresh, innovative approach to the everyday problems of life. Creative solutions to stuck problems®. With our unique multi-specialty, collaborative approach, Lifeologie Counseling helps individuals and families heal their wounds and break out of old, unhealthy patterns.
