Like many working mothers, I have guilt. It’s something we all share, our common bond.  I still remember when I dropped my children off to their first day of formal daycare and I cried all the way there and all the way back.  I counted the minutes while at work until I could go pick them up and hug them. It was heartbreaking.

 

Then, as time went on, a rhythm emerged and I could see they were having fun and being cared for and some of that guilt subsided.  As they got older however, it returned.  Working full time and quite a distance from home, I was unable to enroll them in many afterschool activities due to not being able to get home in time or find them transportation.  Since being laid off and having flexibility in my schedule with my own business, not only can my children participate in activities, but so can I sometimes.  It’s been a real blessing.  So, no more guilt, right?  Wrong.

 

Now that I have my own business, I work crazy hours.  I’m busy all day doing anything and everything to move the business forward and grow it so that I do not have to return to a full time corporate job.  It takes up a lot of my energy and yes, time with my children.  

 

I have struggled to explain this to them and their only response is, “But you’re the boss Mommy. You don’t have to work if you don’t want to.”  And in some way, they are right.  I do make the rules and determine my own schedule, but if I want to make a go of this, it takes a lot more time than I ever spent in a corporate job.  Emails, phone calls and meetings take place in ‘off-hours’ and that means sometimes missing time with my kids.   Because they are older, they do understand this a bit more and they know my motivation to have a successful business. But let’s face it, they are kids and I’m their mom. 

 

So I wonder, if there is anyone else out there in my situation.  How do you balance trying to grow your business with spending time with your children, and oh, not feeling guilty?  I’d love to know your tricks!