Question for the mothers...

[searching4answers]

I have a little angel for a son, and my love for him, I feel cannot be put into words. I eventually want to have more children, but for now my husband and I are holding off since we are sort of in a financial bind. I have to work FT to help to support my family, but I feel so guilty when I have to leave the little guy. Luckily, he is in the care of loving and trusting family members, so that is one less worry that I have. My question for the mothers is: Do you ever feel like you are not doing enough with your child? He's under 2 years old, but I try to take him to the parks, read to him, and do other learning activities at home. I feel so rushed when I get home from work because there are 101 things to get done e.g. dinner, laundry, caring for my elderly aunt. Today I took him to the park for about 30 minutes, but I felt bad because we could not stay longer. Does anyone else feel like this?

[SethElijah]

I do feel like that sometimes...but then I am reminded that it is the quality of time, not the quantity. My kids are a little older now so it is easier to explain and they are more understanding.

[Twin2]

When my kids were young like your son, I felt that way. I think it is perfectly normal. Just keep doing your best to spend quality time with your son.

[carolynamom]

I went through those thoughts myself, and still do sometimes. I have a 15 year old daughter and an 8 year old son.

When my son was born, I took 2 months maternity leave before I had to return to work. On my first day back at work, I cried so much and so hard that my supervisor made me go home early.

I have frequently struggled with the working mom syndrome; the guilt of not spending enough time with them, the thoughts of being a bad mother, the attempt to make every minute with them count, etc.

The previous post was correct in that it's the quality of the time spent with them. It does get easier as they get older and become more independent. At 2 years old they depend on you and you have that maternal need to be there.

It's tough, but hang in there.

[L'Ange]

I have a little angel for a son, and my love for him, I feel cannot be put into words. I eventually want to have more children, but for now my husband and I are holding off since we are sort of in a financial bind. I have to work FT to help to support my family, but I feel so guilty when I have to leave the little guy. Luckily, he is in the care of loving and trusting family members, so that is one less worry that I have. My question for the mothers is: Do you ever feel like you are not doing enough with your child? He's under 2 years old, but I try to take him to the parks, read to him, and do other learning activities at home. I feel so rushed when I get home from work because there are 101 things to get done e.g. dinner, laundry, caring for my elderly aunt. Today I took him to the park for about 30 minutes, but I felt bad because we could not stay longer. Does anyone else feel like this?

Having trust family members to watch him, he is getting lots of nurturing.
He is probably doing great. Yes, just do you best and try not to stress out over times you think you should be spending with him, but instead enjoy those times when you are together without worrying.