Working Mum Guilt: Why It’s Time to Stop Pretending We’re Fine

Working Mum Guilt: It's Real, It's Relentless, and It's Time We Talked About It

If you’ve ever cried in the car park after drop-off, missed a school event, or felt like you’re not giving enough at home or at work — welcome. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not failing.

As a sleep consultant and a mum myself, I work with families every day who are trying to hold it all together while running on empty. And let me tell you — mum guilt in the workplace is a real thing, no matter how much we try to brush it off with coffee and “I’m fine”s.

What Is Mum Guilt?

Mum guilt is that nagging feeling that you’re not doing enough — not for your children, not for your job, and certainly not for yourself. It’s the guilt that creeps in when you leave work early for school pick-up, or when you stay late and miss bedtime. It’s emotional whiplash.

And sometimes, it hits hard.

My Mum Guilt Moment: The Cubs Trip I Forgot

Just last weekend, my son had a Cubs trip. He’d been counting down the days. But between work, clients, endless to-do lists, and general life chaos… I forgot.

Completely.
Gone from my brain.

Cue: one heartbroken, angry boy — and one guilt-ridden mum (that would be me) crying into the laundry basket. I was angry with myself. He was devastated. And while we made it through, it reminded me how easily things slip when you’re carrying everything.

Why We Need to Talk About Working Mum Guilt

We’re told we can “have it all” — fulfilling career, thriving kids, tidy homes, balanced meals, and maybe even a gym session here and there. But nobody talks about how much pressure that really is.

The truth is, most working mums are silently managing the invisible load:

• remembering dentist appointments

• RSVPing to birthday parties

• booking the next round of swimming lessons

• oh — and doing their actual job

It’s no wonder we sometimes drop the ball.

How to Manage Mum Guilt in Real Life

Here’s what I’ve learned — both through my work and my own mess-ups:

1. Normalise It

You’re not the only one forgetting Cubs trips or missing bedtime. Let’s stop pretending we’ve got it all figured out.

2. Stop Aiming for Perfect Balance

There will be days your work needs more of you. Other days, it’s your kids. That’s not failure. That’s real life.

3. Set Boundaries

No, you don’t need to reply to work emails at 9pm. And yes, it’s okay to say no to one more extra thing.

4. Get More Sleep (Yes, Really)

When you’re well-rested, everything feels more manageable. And if your child’s sleep is the reason you’re not, that’s literally what I help with.

What Employers Can Do To Support Working Mums

If you manage or work with mums, please know this:
We’re not slacking. We’re spinning ten plates while trying not to drop the baby wipes.

Support us by:

• offering real flexibility

• trusting outcomes, not hours

• understanding that some days, school runs and sick days will happen

Final Word to All the Mums Out There

You are showing up. You are doing your best. And even when you drop the ball — you are still a brilliant, loving parent.

So here’s to the mums:
Who Zoom with toddlers on their laps.
Who miss Cubs trips and feel like the worst.
Who keep showing up, every day, guilt and all.

You’re not alone. You’re doing enough. And you’re doing great.

Need help easing the chaos?
I work with families to help them reclaim peaceful evenings and better sleep. No guilt. No shame. Just support.

👉 Book a free sleep assessment call
👉 Download my free guide: Don’t Make These 5 Sleep Mistakes