A Letter From My Husband: Reflecting on That Inescapable Mom Guilt


Getting into his first bday presents early, with turkey on his nose!Every Thursday night, my son spends the night with his grandparents. We are very fortunate to have this help and support, and my son is incredibly lucky to have grandparents that live close by and want to spend as much time with him as possible.
But every Thursday evening, I do the same thing. I beat myself up about not having my son with me. I feel like a bad mom, like I don't do enough for my son, care for him enough or spend enough time with him. Last week I wanted to drive over, pick him up at midnight from his crib, and take him home. Could you imagine?!
Last night, I went through my same routine. I shuffled through old pictur4th of July at my parent's housees of Grayson as a baby. I re-lived some of the fun and interesting moments with Grayson from the week.
And this morning, I woke up to this message from my husband:
Reader Comments (5)
Wonderful piece. I think the relationship with his grandparents is invaluable and you should enjoy the one night you have free! But, I understand the guilt. I was away for one night a month ago and I was upset, my daughter was really upset and it was only one night.
You make me a little misty-eyed thinking about when my boys were babies and they used to spend overnights at my folks place and even travel with them from time to time. I stressed that I wasn't the one in charge because who can take the place of a mom, right? Then my dad got sick and the trips and the overnights suddenly ended. Take yourself off the hook. You'll thank yourself later.
How quickly it all goes. I appreciate how you feel. How wonderful too that you get a weekly break.
Great post. Oh, the mommy guilt. I know that one well. But your husband's letter says it all. Your sweet son is so happy and thinks you're the "bestest" how much more validation does a mom need? What a wonderful treat for him to have special time with his grandparents. Seriously. Sadly, grandparents don't last forever, so let him have as much time with them as possible - it's a gift. And then allow yourself to enjoy the alone time, you deserve it :)
So sweet and thoughtful of your husband. You are clearly an amazing mommy and I hope you live up those Thursday nights!