I have yet to meet a mom who has never experienced some degree of mommy guilt. Whether she stays home and does not work, works outside the home or works within her home, the guilt that comes with being a parent seems inescapable. It can be minimized though.

Here are 5 ideas I’ve found work well to avoid being overwhelmed with WAHM guilt.

Prioritize and Plan

Do you have to work as much as you do? Could you complete your work in a single nap time or during school hours? After the kids go to bed? Keep in mind that while this may seem like an ideal time (particularly to natural night owls), for many it isn’t. Will working at night cause you to lose out on precious time with your husband and will you be up to the task of caring for children you have at home all day the next day? Rising early and working may be a better option.

Remind Yourself of What Must Be Done

Work is necessary in life and you’ll have to remind yourself of that and why you are working. When your children are able to understand, explain it to them and balance well so they see the importance of both work and family but have no confusion as to which comes first.

Let Kids Participate

If you have little ones that are home with you all day or older ones home during your work hours, find ways to make them feel involved in your work day. Depending on your child’s age they can do anything from sitting by you and typing on their own computer (real or pretend) to shredding or sorting papers.

Let Kids Play

Make sure all of your child’s needs are being met and teach them to play alone and give you uninterrupted time; though depending on their age you may want to break that time into smaller chunks. If they have siblings, play time may be easier for them to make last.

Find Helping Hands

I wouldn’t call television a helping hand, but I don’t rule it out either. Particularly, educational shows, and audio books can make a wonderful alternative.  Still, sometimes you may need the help of others. It could be daddy taking them out for awhile, another mom allowing your children to come over and play with theirs or a teen coming into your home to provide some undivided attention.

Working from home is a desire many women have because they want to be more available to their families, but so many WAHMs find it difficult to keep up with work and family even when their office is just a few steps away from the living room. You do have to work and raise your family; all you can do is your best. Focus on work when you are working, remembering that you are working to provide for or help provide for your family. When you are with your family remember that you are doing good for that area of your life, the area that matters and needs you most.

Now it’s your turn, how have you dealt with WAHM guilt?