I need working mom support

[madringal]

Today was the first field trip for DD1's PreK class, and I have to work. Last night the teacher emailed out some info about the trip and mentioned that of the 25 students in the group, 19 parents were going as chaperone! I felt terrible that DD would be one of the few kids who wouldn't have a parent there. My work is just a few miles from the orchard they were going to, so I emailed the teacher that I might show up for just a half hour or so if I could get out of work. I didn't tell DD because I didn't want to disappoint her if I couldn't make it.

So I show up and suprise her and of couse she was super excited. We got to walk around for awhile and she introduced me to all her little friends. And then when I told her I had to go, she had a total breakdown. They had to pull her off me!! She has never done anything like that before. I was crying all the way back to my car.

I love my career, and right now we can't afford for me to SAH bc DH is in school, but I have never had working mom guilt like I did today. I feel so sad for DD, and for me too :-(

[Deleted]

I'm so sorry.

[fbf2006]

I'm so sorry.

[ohgillian]

I'm sorry you feel bad. And I don't understand why 19 parents were going as chaperones. My kid is in daycare/preschool because I'm, you know, NOT AVAILABLE during the day to take care of him.

[Deleted]

::hugs::

[crazygame]

I am so sorry. That sucks. I feel like the summers are so hard for me, because it seems like everyone else is out doing fun things with their kids. I hadn't thought about missing field trips. I would have cried too.

[Ashley&Scott]

({) (})

I think it's great that you went for a bit, sorry she had a breakdown

[bronxgirl]

I'm sorry. I know it's upsetting, but your daighter will soon get over it. It takes longer for moms. Why did they need 19 chaperones?

[anna7602]

I'm really sorry your surprise visit ended like that. Big hugs.

[mie]

I'm sorry.

[Deleted]

Oh bummer- rough day! hugs to you.

[madringal]

Thanks ladies! I knew you would all understand! There were actually no dads, which annoys me a little. DH would have been able to go normally because he works nights, but had an appointment today.

They only asked for 5 chaperones, but 19 apparently volunteered, so everyone went. Ugh...

[Deleted]

ugh this makes me upset, because I know this will happen to me in the future and I dread it

[kcd0531]

Awww! Yay for happy surprises and boo that she cried at good-bye: mommy-guilt is the worst. I blame her pre-K teacher/whoever for allowing 19 parents to go. That should never have happened and because it did your situation is a frequent result.

[cjeanette]

I think 19 parents going is nuts. Now I get why our school limits the number of chaperones.