Most working (and even non-working) parents know the disappointing feeling of missing one of their baby’s milestones. Whether it be their first word or first step, it can be hard to be present for these unpredictable moments. Tennis star and new mom Serena Williams recently joined the working parents’ club when she tweeted about missing 10-month-old daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.’s first steps.
It seems that all moms have some guilt about something they did or didn't do. What's yours and how do you deal with it? Tell us below and you'll be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card.
Today reports about Williams’ recent tweet and the large community of moms that came together to send the tennis champion an uplifting message about parenthood and what it means to be a working mom. Williams recently tweeted, “She took her first steps...I was training and missed it. I cried.” Instead of chastising the new mom, others on social media stood up to assure Williams that being a working parent can be complicated - but still very rewarding.
One user who related to Williams tweeted, “I missed a bunch of firsts while I was at work. I hear ya, mama. It’s not easy. But our girls see us out there grinding + living our dreams and that’s got to mean something. Good luck in London - my daughter and I are both rooting for you!” Another user told the story of how she even brought her baby with her to work and still missed that milestone. She tweets, “I took my 1st child all the way to Israel on a trade mission. During a meeting I heard cheering out in the waiting area .... Yup, staff and husband and assorted strangers saw her 1st steps. It all turns out okay. #Workingmomsrock”
And even stay-at-home moms know it’s not always possible to be there for every single new thing your baby does. One mom to twins tweets, “I'm a housewife and was in the next room and I missed it. With both of the twins. Please don't feel bad. Be happy for her and be ready for the running after her.” Hopefully, those loving messages helped to clear some of the mom-guilt Williams was probably feeling after missing her daughter’s first steps.
Don't forget to share any lessons you've learned that can help others feel better about their experiences in parenting.
*One lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. Giveaway is open through July 29th, 2018 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member Modelc96.
Feeling guilty that I am not that patience with my kids!
Once I put the wrong team's schedule on our calendar so my son missed a football game because I thought it was at a different time.
Yes all the time I feel like I'm so busy never have time play with the kids
I'm looking at getting a job, and my kids have been telling me how much they'll miss me while I'm at work (I've been a stay at home mom for pretty much their whole lives). It's hard, but I remind myself that the money will help pay off debt, which will result in a better life for all of us.
Mine is making every moment count! I've learned that even routine moments can build relationships.
I missed out on a lot of youngest child's milestones. I was diagnosed with chronic migraines andI suffered with migraines at least 4 days a week. This left me incapable of being there for her. She is now 16 andI have spent years of " mom guilt " I had to commit to understanding that this wasn't a choice I made, instead it was something I couldn't control so the guilt made no sense. She loves me and is very understanding..
My guilt is that son is is Soecial Needs & though my hubby and I know it's not our fault that he was born this way. We can't help but feel guilty. :(
No mom guilt here, but my mom guilts me because there are no grandkids.
Spending more time than I did because of working
As a stay at home mom, my mom guilt is usually about not having enough money for fun activities or vacations.
When my children got hurt right in front of me (once my husband was right there, too) and resulted in ER trips. Yuck! There was no way for me to prevent it, but still the guilt...
I missed two soccer games due to a trip to Germany, and my daughter greeted me on return with a too-polite-for-an-11-year-old request to please come to the rest of her games for the season. (I did.)
I had extreme mom guilt about not breastfeeding my first child. I tried and tried but she would NEVER latch on. I felt like such a failure. When she was 16, I found out that her tongue was too tightly attached to the bottom of her mouth, and she had to have that snipped. The doctor asked if I had trouble breastfeeding, he said it would have been impossible for her to latch on. So i was finally able to let go of that guilt!
yes,everyday!
I have mom guilt on going back to work, even though she is in great hands! I wish I could be home to spend more time with her.