How I Faced My Working Mom Guilt Just Before Mother's Day
Yaffa Grace, MPH
Life Science Partner | Talent Acquisition Leader | Rare Disease/Biotech Talent Strategy + Job Search Expert | Community Builder Commercial Teams, Market Access, Patient Services, Medical Affairs, Marketing
This week I had the opportunity to attend a preschool get together. The school puts on a “Mommy and me” craft party in honor of Mother's Day. I’m not gonna lie: Crafting isn’t a strength of mine and as soon as I saw the embroidery circles and colored threads, I knew I was a bit out of my league.
Still, it was all fun and games until--toward the end, the teacher turned everyone’s attention to the beautiful, hand-painted portraits the children had made. Each one was accompanied by a quote they’d said about their mom.
It was time for the moms to parade around the room, look at each painting, and find their child’s masterpiece. "I found mine and adored the colors my daughter chose and how fun it looked. Then I read the caption:
“My mom's name is Yaffa. She likes to play with me sometimes, when she is busy, she doesn’t.”
Cue the working mom guilt! It took all I had to keep smiling. I said how proud I was of Nesiya’s painting, and left the party with my painting in hand and polite regards to all the other moms.
I got home and as the tears flowed freely, I wondered:
Q: Does my daughter think I am too busy with work? Does she feel loved? A: Yes she is the happiest child on the planet and feels loved by all.
Q: Why didn’t the teachers coach her or maybe take some creative editing privileges: Don’t they know the insecurities of a working mom? A: The teachers’ task at hand was to stay in the moment and be true and genuine.
Q: Am I a good mom? Do all my kids know how much I love them, adore them, and do this for them? A: Yes, I think so and I think I can also take note of this and learn to be extra present with my children and family.
Just then, I got a loving text from my best friend who was also at the crafting party. She reminded me of all that I’m doing for my family and my business--and it was just what I needed.
Whether you have mom guilt or not, I wish you a Happy #MothersDay. I hope you feel infinitely supported; and, in addition to being celebrated by your families this weekend, take a moment to celebrate YOU and all you do every day. Happy Mother’s Day.
Executive Key Account Specialist (KAS) at Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
5 年I too felt that way this week! It is extremely challenging to juggle it all but you are doing a fantastic job. Happy Mother’s Day!
Sales Leadership| Rare Disease Hematology|Solid Tumor Oncology|Field Reimbursement|Diverse Skill Set
5 年Congratulations to all our mothers...thee most important job, beyond measures.?
Associate Director, Regional Marketing at BeOne Medicines
5 年Congratulations