From the article: Working Moms and Stress Relief
Working moms play many roles and face many stressors--some of which are shared by all moms, and some that are unique to them. Sometimes talking about these stressors can help you feel less 'alone', and make it easier to cope. Are you a working mom? What are your main sources of stress? Share your answers, and read what other working moms have to say. (Or see this article for stay-at-home moms' stressors.) Share Your Stressors!
Coordinator
- I am dealing with two daughter-in-laws who are in competition with each on who can get the most free stuff from husband and I. My holiday started with one of them filling a plastic baggie with candy I had made from a Xmas tin that I had just put on the table (along with other goodies) for all my guests to enjoy. I had to ask her to put it back and that I had more if she wanted some. Then there is the "leftovers". I don't know when it started but it is now a "given" they take home the leftovers. One gets to the left overs first - fills her (our!) containers with the most and best. The other one comes in and grumbles because the other one made it their first. I am at my wit's end and want to stop this behavior immediately as it is turning me into not a gracious host. How can I tell these ladies their behavior is not acceptable?
- —Guest MaryM
Make A List
- Before I make a commitment or decision, I write down the pluses and minuses and determine what course of action is the least stressful. I look before I leap. -David
- —Guest caliguyxx
LIFE!
- My life is a ball of stress and anxiety right now and has been for quite a while. I have a 3 year and and am 10weeks pregnant. My husband is emotionally void and doesn't to a stitch of house work. He works more than I do, but I am the "bread winner", so he is always bitter about that. What is super hard is that I work nights and he works days, so all we do is switch off and that gives me no rest at all. Goinging from taking care of a "spirited" toddler and then going to work-it feels like I just work 24/7. When I do get a day off and have the "opportunity" to unwind, my husband says it's absolutely imparitive that he works on his mopeds, bikes, or some other "toy" as a way of avoiding any family responsibilities. I don't remember the last time there was "me" time, but I sure miss it. I am so tired of yelling all the time and not getting a single thank you. I am starting to get nervous that something will happen to this baby because of my anger/anxiety/resenment.
- —Guest Jill
Can't Do It All Perfectly
- When I'm not giving everything to my kids (because of my job responsibilities), I feel guilty. When I'm not giving everything to my job (because of my kids' needs), I feel guilty. Before I became a working mom, I could focus everything on doing one role really well. Now sometimes I feel like I'm not doing anything well enough! I think I need to relax my standards.
- —Guest Smiley369
