Today was filled with mommy-guilt. It was DS1’s first day of camp and I wasn’t the one to bring him there. I know that he was well taken care of and he is only 4 years old, but I still feel like there are certain things a mom should do with her children and this is one of them.
I know I sound like a broken record. I guess with all of these events and knowing that I have two more kids to go through it with, I haven’t really found the right balance yet. I take off of work when I need to- like when they are sick, school/camp ends early or they have a class presentation, but I never really know if I’m doing enough. I certainly don’t always feel like I am.
Should I have taken the morning off to take DS1 to camp? Should I have made more of an effort and arranged to work from home? I don’t know the right answer; I can only justify my own.
I didn’t take DS1 to camp today. Tomorrow I have to work from home because camp ends early (fast day- 17th of Tammuz). Working from home two days in a row doesn’t look good in my opinion and I cannot justify taking off a morning for a 5-minute event basically consists of watching DS1 walk into the camp building.
I know I’ll forget about this in a few days, but for now, I’m letting the mommy-guilt take over. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to do more for my kids.
How do you handle the first day of camp/school? Do you make sure to be the one to take/pick-up your kids?
Until next time,
Shaindy
That is quite the conundrum. Yet, learning and experiences does not always have to be in your control. For example, DS1 gains the experience of independence and self reliance for his emotional security and adjustment to this new experience. While it is comforting to hold their hand through it, sometimes withholding the hand is just as good. You’re doing great, keep it up!
Thanks! And I totally agree with you. He’s already more independent and self reliant and I think that’s a good thing. Guess sometimes it’s harder for me than it is for him!