Mother of 2 feeling guilty

Let me start by saying I have 2 awesome kids 9 and 3 and my husband is absolutely amazing and would do anything to help me lose the weight that I want/need to. I have a goal set to work out at least 5 nights a week and what I really like to do is get on my treadmill and watch an episode of Army Wives about 45 minutes of walking/jogging. But every time I go I catch myself feeling guilty that I am not upstairs with my kid and taking care of them and spending time with them. I know I shouldn’t but I do. Does anyone else feel like this? And if so how do you get past it?

Can't your absolutely amazing husband do that for 45 minutes? Why would you feel guilty about letting your husband be an absolutely amazing father sometimes?

Think of it as sacrificing time now, so that you have more time later.

Let me start by saying I have 2 awesome kids 9 and 3 and my husband is absolutely amazing and would do anything to help me lose the weight that I want/need to. I have a goal set to work out at least 5 nights a week and what I really like to do is get on my treadmill and watch an episode of Army Wives about 45 minutes of walking/jogging. But every time I go I catch myself feeling guilty that I am not upstairs with my kid and taking care of them and spending time with them. I know I shouldn’t but I do. Does anyone else feel like this? And if so how do you get past it?

It's 45 mins. The kids will be okay. Enjoy your workout and time for yourself. Think of it this way, if you aren't healthy and in good shape and don't take time out for yourself you won't be healthy enough or feel fulfilled enough to be the best mother you can be because you'll still be worried about your weight. Let your husband spend that time with the kids. You get some alone time, and they get daddy bonding time and a healthier mom, he gets time with the littles, and a happier wife. Everybody wins!

I'm a stay at home mom to 2 little ones (my DD is 4 and DS will be 3 in 2 months), I did feel guilty at first, but this is the ONLY thing I have that is 100% for me, and I've accepted that I deserve this time to take care of me... and while taking care of me to be a healthier me, I am in turn taking care of my kids. They now have a mommy that has way more energy for them and a healthier mommy too!

I work out 5-6 days a week, 2 days with a trainer.

I alleviate this by exercising early in the morning before they really wake up or doing it after they have gone to bed. I spend a lot of time prepping/cooking meals too and I either involve my 3 year old or have them playing by me so I can multi-task. I also do the majority of it when they are in bed at night. I often feel twangs of guilt but know that they are getting something out of it too - better meals and a less stressed mama.

You're a mother.

You're also a wife.

You're also a woman.

You are allowed to take care of yourself. By demonstrating a healthy lifestyle, your kids are less likely to become obese.

Does that help?

It's good for your kids to have one-on-one time with dad. And honestly, they are probably having enough fun with dad that they don't notice your absence

It's just 45 minutes, and a happy/healthy mom is a better mom during all those other hours!

Like others have said you're getting fit so that you are around for them for longer in a healthier, better version of you.

Also, why not take them with you sometimes for a walk/jog - I did 5k this morning and my 6 year old joined me on her scooter! She got to enjoy the weather & I'm educating her that you need to stay fit & healthy to enjoy your life and your children ;0)

Don't feel guilty, enjoy the "me" time - we all deserve a break

I completely understand. I stay at home with my 4 children (2 are in school all day though) and I bring the 3 and 5 year old down in the basement with me while I am doing my DVD and I feel extremely guilty for basically ignoring them while they play and I work out. But then I also feel guilty when I yell at them because of how miserable I am with my body, my fat rolls, my lack of energy etc... and I know that I am doing them a favor in the long run and teaching them how important health is. Someone pointed out that children should also know that their mom deserves to have some time to herself as well.... When my husband is home, I won't let them come downstairs with me because I just want a break....My kids know how much I love them, but they also know I need some "me" time....I am sure your kids will understand that about you too !

Look as it as an opportunity for your kids to get a break from Mom...they can use some unstructured alone time too to practice being self-sufficient little humans.

It can be hard I have two children myself oldest turns 3 in aug and youngest almost 15 months old, they are so small and at times I feel guilty about not being with them when I out with my friends ,but I have to relalize I need time for myself to so I can be a better mother to the, Im a SAHM so I spend most of my time with them day in day out. What your doing is only going to help you and the in end improving your health means you get to spend more time with the in the long run,45 mins isn't that long in the scheme of things they have their whole lives ahead of them still. Exercise, its good for you and if you like try to do some exercises with them if you must spend more time with them.

The fact that you feel guilty is just because your a good mom don't be so hard on yourself.

At 9 and 3, your kids don't need to be constantly engaged. Also, one on one time with their dad is really, really important. Would your husband feel guilty for not spending every minute with the kid? I doubt it.


You're also setting a terrific example for your kids. My daughter frequently demonstrates how everyone in the family exercises - husband's plyometrics, my running, grandpa's yoga. It's cute. I hope that she simply adopts the healthy, positive view of exercise and her body that it took me years to develop.

Your kids probably appreciate the break as much as you do.

This. It's good for our kids to see other faces.

I have this problem for sure! I work outside the home and I feel too guilty if I sacrifice any of my time with my kids to exercise. This being said I try to either:
1) Wake up early when the kids are still asleep and exercise
2) Exercise on my lunch break (40 minute brisk walk)
3) Exercise at night after the kids are in bed.
Good luck fitting it into your schedule!

This is me, too. I'm divorced, so I have some time to exercise when I am alone, but it also makes exercising instead of spending time with my boys even more non-negotiable when they are with me.

I run during lunch. I do yoga after they go to sleep. I do strength work in the morning before work. I do my marathon training runs early weekend mornings when they are asleep or when they are off doing other activities.

Don't feel too guilty though - you are setting a great example for your kids when they see you exercise. Both of my boys are my biggest cheerleaders at my running events. Both (ages 13 and 10) can kick my a** in any 5K, and my 10 yo is ready for his first 10K. I attribute my influence to that and I am proud of it.

Yeah. We do. Our kids are precious. But you'll be able to do so much more with them if you're strong.