Momtourage > Need Advice? > I feel guilty because I had to return to work full time after my daughter's birth. What can I do?

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THE QUESTION :

I am having a difficult time accepting the fact that I had to go back to work full time. I started working full time when my daughter was 9-weeks-old. I thought it would get easier, but she is almost a year old now and I still feel guilty. What can I do? My husband works nights and misses her just as much!
 

THE ANSWER:

Working and parenting is a perpetual juggle for everyone, regardless of whether you work at home, in an office, part time or full time. It's a constant balancing act.

 

It's not surprising that you continue to struggle with this decision -- as your child moves through each developmental phase, both of you will continue to negotiate how you balance decisions at any given point. Here's a tip: when you are with your child, really be WITH your child. Shut off your cell phone, turn off your ipod and just enjoy the time together.

 

Make sure you take every possible opportunity to spend that quality time with your baby. Truly being present with your child is the most important thing -- more important than the number of hours you spend together. (Remember that you're not alone with this dilemma -- a good place to learn about other families' struggles and resolutions is the Families and Work Instititute.) Good luck!



Marilyn Augustyn
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