September brings a mix of excitement and anxiety in many households, as kids head back to school and routines shift into high gear. For moms who juggle demanding careers with the responsibilities of parenting (like me), this time of year can also usher in a familiar, yet heavy emotion: mom guilt. This guilt can be particularly potent when business travel demands time away from home especially during the critical back-to-school period.
For mothers who travel extensively for work, the guilt can be compounded by the knowledge that they won’t be there to help with the first days of school, meet the teachers, or assist with the initial homework assignments. The thought of missing these moments can create a tug-of-war between professional obligations and the desire to be present for every milestone in their children’s lives.
In the modern world, achieving a perfect work-life balance can feel like chasing a mirage. The truth is balance doesn’t mean giving equal time and energy to every aspect of our lives every day. Instead, it’s about finding a rhythm that allows us to be fully present in the moment—whether we’re closing a deal in the boardroom or cheering from the sidelines at a soccer game.
The key to maintaining this balance, especially during times of heavy travel, is being mindful of how we allocate our time, setting clear boundaries, and being present in the moments that matter most. It’s important to recognize that while we can’t do everything all the time, we can give our best to the things we do.
For me, one of the most effective ways to manage my mom guilt is through open and honest communication with my girls. While they may not fully grasp the intricacies of a work trip, they can understand the broader concepts of responsibility, commitment, and the need to fulfill certain obligations.
Having a transparent relationship with our children means involving them in the conversation about why travel is necessary. Explaining the importance of the trips, the value they bring to our careers, and ultimately to the family, can help children develop a deeper understanding of the situation. It’s important to frame these discussions in a way that is age-appropriate, focusing on the positive outcomes and the temporary nature of the separation.
Children are incredibly perceptive and resilient. When we take the time to explain why we’re traveling, they’re more likely to accept the situation and adjust to the temporary change, and by modeling how we handle our professional responsibilities, we’re teaching them valuable life lessons about dedication, ambition, and the pursuit of goals.
The notion that we can “have it all” is a myth that sets unrealistic expectations and exacerbates feelings of guilt when we inevitably fall short. The truth is, we can’t be everywhere at once, and we can’t do everything perfectly. What we can do, however, is our best with the resources and time available to us.
This means being kind to ourselves when things don’t go as planned and understanding that it’s okay to prioritize different aspects of our lives at different times. There will be moments when work demands more of our attention, just as there will be times when family takes precedence. The key is to approach each day with the intention to do our best, and to be fully present in whatever role we’re fulfilling at that moment.
It’s also important to remember that we’re setting an example for our children in how we handle these challenges. By showing them that it’s possible to pursue a fulfilling career while also being a loving and attentive parent, we’re equipping them with the tools to navigate their own future challenges.
Our children will remember the love, effort, and dedication we put into both our careers and our roles as mothers. And while we may not be able to do everything, we can take comfort in knowing that we’re doing our best in all that we do.
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