Baby Vs. Work?

Question

I can't believe that I am even writing this, I guess it is a way for me to unload because I feel guilty and stressed at the same time. Yesterday there was a horrible snow storm in my area with whiteout conditions and slippery roads due to freezing rain. I think we got almost 20cm of snow in a 24hr period. So the buses were cancelled. I called into work (I'm a teacher - and yes I have an entire class show up even on snow days!). My Principal was great about the fact that I wasn't coming in and I submitted my day plan via email. So...I called school at the end of the day and I only had two kids show up! I couldn't believe it as I usually have all of them there.

Anyways I woke up this morning and buses were cancelled again!! Today, there weren't snow squalls blowing by my window. So, I ventured out and turned around as the road were glare ice. Why do I feel guilty when I made the choice not to go in to work for the safety of my baby? I usually make it in on all snow days!

Thanks Everyone! Yes I am 8 months pregnant. I did leave that little detail out by accident. I know I would never be able to live with myself if I lost this baby in an accident! Thanks for all of your comments, they've helped me to put things into perspective!

Answer 1

You feel guilty because you love your job. Simple as that.
You're a Mother, first and foremost, but you adore the children in your class, and your job, so you feel guilty thinking someone would be offended that you didn't show up on a snow day when others did, like you don't care about teaching/the kids/the job or something.

Don't worry. Everyone knows that you care. It's evident in people who are passionate about something that that passion will override everything and shine through.

Take care of you and the baby first - that's all that matters. The school and job will still be there when you can get there safely, then you can enjoy another day of fun and learning! No worries!

Good luck, and take care! Enjoy the time at home with your little one while you have it... you might not have it again for a while! :-)

Answer 2

You shouldn't feel guilty at all. It is your job to protect your baby and that is what you did. Your baby should always be your first priority. I'm sure the parents of the children you teach feel the same way. And also look at it this way, what if you had an accident on the way in and killed some other innocent person? It is always best for those that can stay in during bad weather to do just that. The emergency agencies already have their hands full trying to take care of the people that have no choice but to go out. So throw your guilt out the window and enjoy your day with your child.

Answer 3

I know its tough, I think all women feel guilty when they have not done something that they were expected to do/or they feel they let someone down by not showing up for work. We all feel guilty not "doing it all". You did the right thing, just try to not feel guilty about it, I know it's hard to do, take comfort in the fact all us women are in the same boat about feeling guilty about letting anyone down!!! The last half of my maternity leave, I was on bed rest. I spend the entire time feeling guilty that I let my employer down by leaving abruptly. What a stupid waste of time that was!!!! We're all human and should cut ourselves a break, because if we don't know one will.

Also, if the roads were bad enough that the buses were cancelled, then school shouldnt be in session. You must live in the north. lol.

Answer 4

I think this is something that all teachers go through. You chose a field of work which you love, and now that your responsibilities at home weigh more than your work duties you feel guilty. You definitely made the best decision! Your family's safety is a number one priority! With substitutes available, and the probability that few children show up, you should feel perfectly ok! You know that in any other circumstance you would be at school with your class!

Answer 5

Your first instinct is to protect your child. That includes keeping yourself alive to care for him/her. If you had made it to work, you would have felt guilty for taking your child out and dropping them off in dangerous conditions. You can't win, so don't beat yourself up over it. Becoming a parent is tough. Theres nothing quite like it. Just be fair to yourself. You did the right thing. We live with hurricanes and tornadoes down here. Before I had children I always went to the water to watch the storms. Now I'm a lot more likely to stock up on stuff and board the windows. Sometimes I take them to watch the storm, so I pick my battles and try to be a good mom. When they were babies like yours I would have stayed home too.

Answer 6

The school should have made the decision for you. they should cancel the school day if the roads are bad.

The added stress you have is because if you don't go and all the other kids do that indicates that you are a big slacker and don't car that everyone else managed to get their kids to school for nothing because the teacher is nice and safe at home.

I'm not saying this occurred but this is the concern when making the decision to stay home.

When I stay home; no one is usually effected.

Answer 7

Don't worry about it...all parents out there choose the safety of there little ones over anything else....that's what it's all about. Don't feel guilty just look forward to all the stories your class will have about the snow when you all get back in.

Answer 8

There is nothing more important than the safety of your baby. Don't ever feel guilty about wanting to protect your child, there isn't a more natural act than a mother protecting her child. Guilt is most often a wasted emotion and solves nothing anyway.

Answer 9

Are you pregnant? I think thats a point you left out.

Its totally normal. Get over it. Everyone feels that way, but then you realize that in the big scheme of things no one gives a crap about you except when you arent doing your job. They dont care if you're pregnant, or that the most important thing to you IS and SHOULD BE your child. So YOU have to care, theyre not going to.

Its because of that that you get over it and stop feeling guilty.

Answer 10

I wouldnt have went either. Dont feel bad!! You must live where it snows alot, cause I live in the south and they call school off if it just barley snows, because of saftey issues, so dont worry bout it.