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Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Books About Working MothersKelly writes, "Finding a balance between working and spending time with my children is very difficult. I'm overcome with guilt because almost every day someone says to me something like "it must be so hard to be away from your children, especially your baby." But, if I'm brutally honest with myself, I enjoy my career and I think I'm a better mother when I work full-time, even when I don't have to. I would never be a good full time caregiver. The thing I find that contributes to overwhelming guilt is that other mothers I know all want to be home with their children and would do that if it was financially feasible. It seems socially inappropriate to enjoy work as a mother. Are there any good books that might express this minority viewpoint?"Answer: As you know, first-hand, mothers work for a number of reasons besides financial needs. A lot of personal satisfaction and fulfillment is derived from working at the right job and career. Many social needs are often met through work, as well. Having a fulfilling career helps balance you as a whole person. Many working mothers end up suffering from stress, fatigue, and guilt, not as a natural outgrowth of balancing their work and family life, but because of negative stereotypes, unfriendly workplaces, and policies that have yet to catch up with reality. A mother's intellectual and emotional satisfaction will undoubtedly affect her children. Your children will thrive when you are happy! There is no one formula for success and balance that works for everyone. You can love your children and be a good mom without sacrificing yourself. So, give yourself permission to stop feeling guilty because of what others are saying to you. If working fulltime contributes to who you are, you'd only end up resenting it if you had to stop working. Some of the qualities you have as a parent contribute to your being an effective manager. Being a working mother gives you special qualities of nurturing, caring and motivation and provides you with the opportunity to empower your employees and help them thrive. Here's some books related to the subject of working mother guilt:
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