Does anyone else feel guilty because of working while your (male) partner is the one who stays home with the baby? I know the feeling is flawed- my logical mind understands that at least one of us needs to work to provide for the family, and we are both fine with it being me, and in this case he is waiting for his green card and can’t legally work in the U.S. yet- but I can’t help but feel guilty for any extra amount of time I spend away from my son. I work full time, and I am away from my son during that time, but it feels like any social activities or anything else isn’t justified since I’m away from him most of the day as it is. No one’s making me feel guilty about it, it’s totally internal. My son also doesn’t seem to mind as long as he has attention from whoever is around lol. But I want to spend as much time as possible with my son while he is little; he’s growing up so fast!!! But I also want to be able to do social things sometimes, I feel like that’s also important. And I’m already away most of the day for work. Anyone else feel that guilt??
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Yes! I feel so jealous and then feel like I need to spend all of my non working time with him until I feel burned out and tell my husband I need a night off. It’s even more complicated because my husband is taking a night class plus plays in a basketball league so he’s out a lot of the evenings. I do try to make lots of time for activities. We have a membership to a play cafe, do walks with other moms and babies when weather permits, and I took most of this week off for his birthday. PM me if you want to talk to another mom who gets it

I’m not personally in that situation but I very much feel for you and see where that would be a struggle for you! The fact that you and your partner have agreed to your situation and from your statement I would assume your son is well taken care of with your partner, it seems like y’all are doing what is best for him and the family. Feelings of guilt are valid but also realizing that he is happy and taken care of, can help you knowing he is doing fine and your sacrifice is justified. I’m a sahm single mom and can tell you my son (12 months) could care less when I leave ( he mostly stays with my parents but sometimes a trusted teenager who has him only 2-3 hours at a time). It’s not that he doesn’t love, care or not appreciate me, he’s just a baby and I have to remember I’m doing a good job for him to feel comfortable and safe with others to not care so much when I leave him. It sounds like he is doing great because you are a great mom!

OMG I will be in this situation starting tomorrow and I’ve already cried a few times 😂😭
I’m mostly nervous that he won’t be as attentive as I am 🥺 and thaaaat hurts my feelings

We’ve been doing this for about 8 months now and I’m still struggling with it. I haven’t figured out how to take time for myself without feeling significant guilt that I’m spending time away from my kids AND putting my husband back “on the clock.”