Here's How to Handle Some of That Parent Guilt When You Miss a Big Milestone
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Denise Richards is feeling guilty over missing an event for her daughter.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills mom Denise Richards was so relatable when she broke down crying on the show because she was going to miss seeing her daughter Sam off to a special school dance.
Denise ticks off a list of events she's missed because she's had to work — in addition to the dance, she missed her daughter Lola presenting her science fair project. "Being a working parent, sometimes you're going to miss these beautiful moments in their life," she said.
She apologized to Sam, and explained, "These are the things with working that's hard, I miss stuff."
Personal Space spoke to parenting expert Lyss Stern, CEO of Divamoms and best-selling author of Motherhood Is a B#tch: 10 Steps to Regaining Your Sanity, Sexiness, and Inner Diva, about that mom guilt feeling. The mom of three knows all about it and shares with us some of her tips for handling the guilt when you miss a big milestone.
"Yes, most of us work and it's inevitable we might miss some of these moments and as I like to call them MOMents," Stern said.
She offers some tips:
"We are all human and even though we look like superheroes sometimes we can't be everywhere. We have to remember that when we are getting down on ourselves.
Today with modern technology if you cannot be at a milestone event, don't beat yourself up. You can watch the videos, see the photos, and sometimes even watch the live feeds.
Your children will always remember that they are LOVED by you and as they get older, they will understand why Mommy had to miss something.
When you are present with your children, be present. Unplug your phone and talk to them, ask them all about their day. Talk to them about the videos and photos that you saw, how proud you are of them. This they will remember, I can promise you that. As long as another family member and or close friend is there, they will understand.
Do not second-guess your opinions and stop reading about those "perfect" moms on Instagram. They don't exist, I promise you. Just on Instagram, when in fact in real life they are going through the same struggles as you are.
It really does take a village and it's OK to ask for help. If you can't be at one of your children's milestone events make sure that another family member or loved one is there."
