Let’s talk about the reality of being a working mom…
It’s not easy. It’s messy, beautiful, exhausting, fulfilling, and everything in between. And if you’ve ever found yourself sitting in your car after work, holding back tears because you missed bedtime or staring at your laptop feeling torn between an email and a snuggle, you’re not alone.
The Weight of Guilt
There’s a guilt that sits deep in your chest when you realize you missed another school pickup, when your kids ask why you can’t volunteer for the class party, or when you have to whisper “I’ll make it up to you” for the third time that week.
It’s a guilt that doesn’t always go away. I’ve had nights where I’ve cried to Sal, wondering if I’m doing the right thing for our family. Wondering if I’m missing too much. Wondering if they’ll remember the times I wasn’t there more than the times I was.
The questions creep in:
Am I doing the right thing?
Was this the right choice for our family?
Am I missing too much of their younger years?
And the truth is, there’s no clear answer.
The Reminder That Keeps Me Grounded
But in those moments of doubt, I remind myself of the bigger picture.
I remind myself that my children are watching me. They’re watching how I show up every single day, how I chase goals that matter to me, and how I handle the hard stuff. They’re seeing that work isn’t just about making a living; it’s about living with purpose.
I know I’m teaching them that dreams don’t just happen; they’re built. That perseverance matters. That you can build something beautiful, meaningful, and fulfilling even when it stretches you in every direction.
Lessons They’ll Carry
I want my kids to grow up knowing they can be anything they want to be. That there’s no one right way to live or to be a mom. I want them to see that passion and purpose are worth the effort.
Some days, that means they see me working late. Some days, it means I’m fully theirs from morning to night. And some days, it’s a wild mix of both.
When they’re older, I hope they’ll understand that every moment I spent working toward my dreams was also for them. Even the most powerful lessons don’t always come from our perfection, they come from our persistence.
Giving Yourself Grace
If you’re a working mom reading this, give yourself grace. You’re doing better than you think.
You’re allowed to love your kids fiercely and love your work deeply. You’re allowed to have moments of doubt and still be an incredible mother. You’re allowed to redefine what motherhood looks like for you.
There’s no manual, no single “right way.” There’s just love, effort, and the desire to raise good humans while staying true to yourself.
And that, my friend, is enough.
What I Hope My Kids Remember
Yes, some days it feels impossible. Yes, I struggle. But it’s worth it.
I know my kids will be proud of me—not just for what I do, but for showing them what’s possible. For teaching them that strength and softness can coexist. For showing them that a woman can be a mom, a leader, and a dreamer, all at once.
And one day, when they look back, I know they’ll understand that some of the most important lessons in life come from the moments we struggle through. ❤️
XO,
Racquel
