Am I A "Better" Mom Because I Work From Home?
by Barb Niehaus

Each week I receive letters from readers of my daily work-at-home ezine pleading for help in finding a telecommuting position. Sometimes, a special-needs child or an aging parent necessitates being at home full time. Often times, though, I hear from moms (and occasional dads) who are suffering from 'working mother's guilt' and just want to work from home to be able to spend more time with their family.

They feel as though they are depriving their kids of quality parenting by their daily absence while at work. Guilt follows them throughout the day at the office. Dinner and chores leave very little weekday family time.

While I certainly can identify and have empathy for their situations, I try to remind then that it's the quality of time, not quantity, spent with their family that truly matters.

The age-old working mom vs. the stay-at-home mom debate only serves to amplify their feelings. Are my kids better adjusted and happier because I work at home than those whose moms work at outside jobs? I think not. Granted, it's wonderful to have the opportunity to be here when my kids arrive home from school and the flexibility to attend daytime school functions. However, I think I benefit more from my being home than my kids at times. When they were younger, they would express envy at their friends who were "lucky" to stay after school at latchkey and do neat art projects; friends whose sitters did fun activities with them while they complained that all I ever did was stay home and work.

Proving that the grass is greener on the other side. Don't beat yourself up while searching for a work-at-home job. Take pride and satisfaction that you're setting an example that today's mom can have both a career and a family -successfully.

With patience and tenacity, you will land that perfect telecommuting job; but until that day rest assured that you are doing what is right for you and your family.

©2000 Barb Niehaus

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About the author: Barb Niehaus is a veteran telecommuter of 13 years who is committed to helping others find their "perfect balance between work and family". To Subscribe to Barb's Free Daily Newsletter featuring WAH jobs, Business articles and tips, Freebies and more, momsworkingathome-subscribe@egroups.com Visit her site at: MOMS-HOME-WORK.COM