One of the worst feelings in the world is mom guilt. We’ve all experienced it in one form or another. That pressing feeling you get when you tell your kids no more candy, then you sneak a chocolate bar. Maybe it’s when you put the kids to bed early so you can watch trashy reality shows. Mom guilt always seems to pop up at the most inconvenient times. Let’s face it, it’s easy to feel guilty when you’re a mom. It feels as if our entire existence revolves around caring for our kids. It is our duty as a mother after all. Sometimes we even feel guilty for things we shouldn’t. Like work, school, or just spending time alone. It is easy to beat ourselves up. We think we are failing our kids because we’re not spending enough time with them. Juggling work, school, and home life proves difficult and when we set boundaries for our time we feel like the bad guy. So, to help you kick that dreaded mom guilt, here are a few tips:
Make quality time count. When you do get a few minutes away from the busy student mom life, make it count. Spend time doing things with your child that they enjoy, even if it is something you don’t like. They want to play superheroes? Better grab your cape. Painting is their thing, but you usually say no because you’re afraid it will stain the rugs. Break out the brushes anyway. Spending time with your child while doing things you normally wouldn’t let them do will put a huge smile on their little face. When you see that big grin, you’re more likely to put the mom guilt aside.
Plan a Fun Getaway. Let your little one help you plan some fun activities. It doesn’t have to be a full-on vacation. It can just be one day or two. You don’t even have to go far. A new town or city is often enough to pique your child’s interest. That’s the awesome thing about kids, they are easily entertained. For the most part. Guilt-free studying comes much easier when you and your child have something fun to look forward to. Just knowing that when the week is over you two will be spending quality time together will help.
Take a Quick Break. Take a ten-minute break and join your child in their activities. I know you’re probably thinking, “A break? But this paper is due tomorrow. I can’t do that.” It’s only ten minutes and it will help to refresh your brain and maybe even create some new ideas. So, step out of the brain fog and into your child’s world for a few minutes. Both of you will feel better. You’ll feel less guilty, and they will be happy that Mommy took a few minutes to play.
Set Aside Play Time Each Day. I know it may seem impossible because of dinner and bath time and deadlines, but setting a special time for you and your child to play together will go a long way, not just for your guilt, but for your child’s happiness too. Maybe it could be after homework or after dinner. Thirty minutes to an hour is all you really need. Knowing that you will spend time with your child everyday will help you feel less guilty when you do have to do research or write a paper.
Have a Talk. Have a talk with your child about why you need to study. Show them what you are working on and why it is important that Mommy takes time to study. Knowing that your child understands why you’re always studying will help ease your guilt. It will also teach you child to work hard toward their own goals.