Mommy Guilt

Does the guilt ever go away??

One of the most surprising things to me as a mother is the amount of guilt you carry around on any given day. I have decided there are just not enough hours in the day, not enough hands to get things done, not enough arms to carry both of my children and all their paraphanelia at once (although, by God, I do try). When I am at work, I feel guilty that I am not with my kids. If I get out for an afternoon by myself, or a dinner out with friends, I cannot help but feel like I should be home with my kids. When I am playing with Grace, I feel bad about not giving Patrick enough attention. If I am holding Patrick, I feel like I am not giving Grace what she needs. Can you see where I am going with this?

I can't frickin' win!

I am pretty sure that the guilt is born right along with the new baby. From that moment they pop out, you are doomed to feel inadequate. Ok, maybe I am exaggerating...but only a little.

As a logical woman, I know my kids are happy and well taken care of. They are loved and cuddled and played with. I guess it is just the fact that having children is such an awesome responsibility. Try to wrap your head around that fact that you are totally and completely responsible for the well being of a person. Whether that person thrives or not is totally on your shoulders. You are expected to teach, feed, bathe, discipline, teach right from wrong...oh yeah, and keep them up to date on their shots (which believe me, is a job all unto itself). Oh, and then throw in the fact that you get ONE SHOT to get it all right...

No pressure or anything.

No wonder feelings of inadequacy surface. Who has more pressure than that in their everyday life?? I am not even convinced Obama has to deal with that kind of stress. He has a staff to help him with his responsibilities. Where's my staff?? Huh??

Seriously now, I think maybe the mommy guilt has it benefits. Feeling the guilt keeps you in touch with just how important this mothering job is. It means you are just a little scared of screwing this up. And, frankly, who wouldn't be?