How do I get over the guilt of being a working mom?
In a world where the roles of women wear many hats, Christian mom entrepreneurs are special in that they are on a journey that weaves together faith, family, and entrepreneurial aspirations. Yet, in the pursuit of juggling it all, they often encounter an underlying threat—Christian working mom guilt. This article delves into the heart of this struggle, giving insight into what Christian working mom guilt is, practical strategies, and biblical wisdom for these Godly women as they navigate the unique path of being mom entrepreneurs.
The Tug of War Within
Imagine Sarah: a loving mom of two and a passionate entrepreneur, working hard to make her online business thrive. As she sits in her home office, engrossed in work emails, her toddler’s laughter echoing in the background, a sense of guilt begins to creep in. She questions herself, “Am I neglecting my mom duties for the sake of my business?” And to add to it, as she scrolls through social media, she encounters moms who are seemingly excelling in both their businesses and motherhood—those inevitable comparisons sneak in too. It’s an ongoing back-and-forth battle, with the weight of working mom guilt sinking in.
Understanding Christian Working Mom Guilt
Christian working mom guilt is a tough emotional challenge for many Christian moms. It happens when they try to handle their faith, family, and work all at once but feeling like they are failing at both. They feel torn between being a good mom and pursuing their business goals. Society, the church, and their own expectations make it even harder, causing them to feel like they’re not doing enough and doubting themselves creating a vicious cycle of mom guilt.
Different Types of Christian Working Mom Guilt
This guilt can show up in various ways:
1. Time Allocation Guilt
Feeling torn between spending quality time with children and dedicating time to work or business.
2. Comparative Guilt
Comparing oneself to seemingly perfect moms who manage their roles effortlessly, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
3. Spiritual Guilt
Believing that pursuing a career or business conflicts with traditional motherhood ideals and Christian faith.
4. Performance Guilt
Feeling that one is not fulfilling their roles as a mother or a Christian woman to the best of their abilities.
5. Judgment Guilt
Fearing judgment from their faith community or society for their choices regarding work and family.
6. Self-Care Guilt
Struggling to prioritize self-care or personal aspirations due to the demands of motherhood and work.
The pressure to excel in all these roles simultaneously can lead to stress, burnout, and emotional turmoil.
It’s important to note that Christian working mom guilt can also lead to full-blown spiritual warfare if not addressed.
Overcoming Christian Working Mom Guilt: Practical Strategies with Emphasis on Scripture
1. Align with Purpose
Knowing that your work is connected to your special gifts, carefully given by God, helps you see it as part of your bigger purpose. This realization encourages you to view your calling as a Christian working mom not just as a means of financial provision, but as a way to impact your family and faith positively. Embracing your role as a mom entrepreneur lets you use your God-given talents in your daily tasks, blending personal happiness, family growth, and your faith’s purpose.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Make self-care a non-negotiable by scheduling consistent activities that feed your spiritual, mental, and physical health. Recognize that looking after yourself isn’t just beneficial for you, but it equips you to fulfill your roles as both a nurturing mother and a dedicated businesswoman. By prioritizing self-care, you’re not only investing in your own vitality but also ensuring you have the energy and clarity to pour into your family and entrepreneurial pursuits.
3. Seek Supportive Communities
Forge connections with other Christian working moms who can relate to your path. Engage in conversations, exchange stories, and offer mutual encouragement through online communities or local meet-ups. By joining forces with others who share your journey, you create a network of understanding and empathy. These connections can provide a valuable source of advice, comfort, and companionship as you navigate the challenges and triumphs of juggling faith, family, and business.
4. Practice Grace
Grant yourself forgiveness for any perceived mistakes or areas where you fall short. Remember that growth arises from the lessons learned through imperfection. Acknowledge that striving for perfection is human nature, yet only Jesus embodies true perfection. By practicing grace toward yourself, you open the door to self-compassion and the freedom to learn, evolve, and flourish in your roles as a Christian working mom.
5. Quality over Quantity
Emphasize meaningful moments with your children, focusing on quality interactions that create lasting memories. Channel your energy into creating lasting memories through heartfelt conversations, shared activities, and genuine connections. Recognize that it’s the depth and significance of these moments that shape their lives and your relationship. By placing quality at the forefront, you ensure that your time is well-spent and that the bonds you nurture will stand the test of time.
6. Delegate and Accept Help
Ease the burden by sharing responsibilities both in your business and home life. Embrace assistance from family, friends, or professionals to help alleviate your workload. By delegating and accepting help, you create space to focus on what truly matters – nurturing your family and nurturing your business – without feeling overwhelmed by the demands of both.
7. Redefine Success
Transform your perspective on success by moving away from the pursuit of perfection and embracing the journey of progress. Instead of fixating on flawlessness, celebrate the small victories and milestones you achieve along the way. By redefining success, you cultivate a positive mindset that honors growth and encourages you to acknowledge the value in each step of your path as a Christian working mom.
8. Spiritual Guidance
Discover solace and guidance through prayer and reading Scripture. Let these biblical verses bring you inner peace. Explore uplifting biblical verses, like those from the freely accessible ASV translation, to find insights that can lighten the weight of Christian working mom guilt.
A) Matthew 6:34 – Trusting God’s Plan
“Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
B) Philippians 4:6-7 – Prayer and Peace
“In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
C) Colossians 3:23-24 – Working for the Lord
“whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ”
D) Isaiah 41:10 – God’s Presence
“fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
E) Psalm 55:22 – Casting Cares
“Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee:
He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
F) Matthew 11:28-30 – Finding Rest
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
How do I deal with my mom guilt when I go back to work?
Incorporating these verses into your journey as a Christian working mom can provide you with strength, guidance, and comfort as you navigate challenges and overcome guilt. Christian working mom guilt is a shared experience. You are not alone in this. As a coach who had mom guilt and now has overcome it, you are always welcome to schedule a consultation call to see how I can help you.
You are loved,
Celia
