I woke up Monday morning, mind racing for upcoming days ahead. I loaded the car up with three children to drop off at different locations, while drinking hot tea, talking on my cell phone, and trying to sooth an irritated 16 month old. Looking at my watch and I noticed I’m five minutes behind schedule. I carry the irritated 16 month old into the babysitters, feeling guilty once again…he throws a temper tantrum as soon as his feet hit the floor (Mommy’s leaving again). I run out trying to make it to work on time, because I’m leaving early to catch a flight to Miami. I know what your thinking, why didn’t she take the day off….guilt.

My day goes by quickly….I have to pick the children up before I go to the airport, with less than three hours to get to the airport. I pick up the children and prepare them for a 36 hour stay with my husband. I’m pacing the floor to make sure I have everything in place for my first site visit as it relates to my new business venture. My daughter is begging me to stay home with her because she is on Winter Break….feeling guilty again. I tell her “Mommy is sorry; I have to leave and make thing’s better for our family”

I know there are several mothers that say and think this constantly, but are we jeopardizing our cherished moments with our family, because society has made us think that we have to be the “Modern Mom”.

Furthermore, is there a clear definition of a “Modern Mom”. Trust me… I have become a victim to society’s perception of the Modern Woman. I am at work today, and my 16 month old as a high fever, but again I feel obligated to be at work. Particularly, the state of the economy; and lack of employment in the State of Michigan, makes you choose work over family. 

I say all this to say, next your child or spouse makes you feel guilty, maybe you should take an extra minute to embrace them and cherish that moment…