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Writer's pictureSimon Gregory

Returners’ A-Z: Navigating the Waves of Working Parent Guilt

In an era where the demands of both professional and personal lives often intersect, working parents grapple with a complex emotional state known as “working parent guilt.” This intricate feeling arises from the balancing act between fulfilling career aspirations and ensuring the well-being of their children, and is often a source of great anxiety for those thinking of Returning to Work.


This blog delves into the depths of working parent guilt, examines its sources, and suggests strategies to navigate this emotional journey.


The Spectrum of Working Parent Guilt


Working parent guilt isn’t a one-size-fits-all emotion; it manifests in various shades and intensities. From missing a child’s school play to not being able to attend every doctor’s appointment, working parents often feel torn between their responsibilities at work and home. The guilt spectrum ranges from subtle pangs of unease to overwhelming feelings of failure, leaving parents questioning whether they’re doing enough for their families.


Sources of Working Parent Guilt


1. Societal Expectations: Society often places immense pressure on parents, especially mothers, to excel in both their careers and their roles as caregivers. Balancing these expectations can lead to guilt when one area seems to overshadow the other.


2. Comparisons: The age of social media fuels the tendency to compare one’s parenting journey with others. Seeing seemingly perfect moments on other parents’ feeds can intensify feelings of inadequacy.

girl with hands covering face

3. Time Constraints: Juggling demanding work schedules with parenting responsibilities can lead to limited quality time with children. Parents might feel guilty for not being present enough in their children’s lives.


4. Missed Milestones: The fear of missing significant milestones, such as a child’s first steps or words, their first day at pre-school or school and missing sports days and school plays, can create a profound sense of regret and guilt.


5. Self-Criticism: Parents often hold themselves to high standards, setting expectations that can be unrealistic. When these standards aren’t met because of the constraints of a busy life, guilt can creep in.


Coping Strategies


1. Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that it’s normal to experience conflicting emotions. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you’re doing your best under challenging circumstances.


2. Set Realistic Expectations: Define your priorities and set achievable goals for both your career and family life. Recognise that perfection is unattainable and that doing your best is more than enough.


3. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on making the most of the time you do spend with your children. Quality interactions can often outweigh the sheer amount of time spent together. Half an hour playing games together is so much better than the kids watching tv and you clearing emails for an hour.


4. Open Communication: Talk openly with your partner, children, and employers about your responsibilities and limitations. Finding a support system can help ease guilt and create a more understanding environment.


Try to give your children more responsibility, like getting themselves ready for school, so the morning is more relaxed and you can spend time talking, rather than rushing them along. Strategies like this can take a little time to establish, but are certainly worthwhile taking the time to do.


mother holding baby, smiling at camera

5. Embrace Flexibility: Embrace the idea that the balance between work and family is a dynamic process. Flexibility allows you to adjust your approach as circumstances change. There are times when work will dominate, and times when home will dominate. Remember to communicate openly with those around you as this balance ebbs and flows.


6. Mindfulness and Presence: Practice mindfulness techniques to be fully present in the moment, whether you’re at work or spending time with your family. This can help reduce feelings of guilt by fostering a stronger connection with your actions. In other words, when at work, focus on work, and when you’re at home, turn off those email alerts etc and be 100% present at home.


Working parent guilt is a complex emotional struggle that many parents face in today’s fast-paced world. It’s important to recognise that guilt doesn’t define your parenting abilities. By understanding its sources and implementing coping strategies, you can navigate this emotional journey with more resilience, self-compassion, and a renewed sense of balance.


Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, you are amazing, and your efforts as a working parent are a testament to your love and commitment to both your career and your family.


If you would like to find out more, or would like to speak to one of our coaches about dealing with guilt and the multitude of other emotions you might have experienced returning to work then please use the live chat or click the link below.


grown-up and child's hands on computer keyboard

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