When You Miss Your Baby at Work

Pack It up in the Mama Box

假设你刚午餐在工作和你开始to think about how much you miss your baby. The tears start to well up in your eyes and it’s hard to get back into your project. This is when you’ll envision your mama box. It can be any color you want, perhaps red though because it’s important you use this Jedi trick. Don’t forget to envision a lid because you need closure.

Next, take the thoughts that were upsetting you and imagine picking them up and putting them gently into the box. Take the lid and cover the box so the thoughts don’t escape. Once the thought is boxed up, swipe the box aside. Out of sight, out of mind. Then getback to work.

Don’t worry though these thoughts won’t stay in this box forever (that’s the next step). There is a time and place for everything. This is a huge lesson to learn as a working mom.

Remind yourself that there is work to be done so you can continue providing for your family. Your child is safe, is being cared for, and you will see them soon.

Unpack the Mama Box When the Time Is Right

When you leave work, un-compartmentalize (or unpack) the mama box. Open the lid and think—can you name the emotion you were feeling? This is the first step in making your emotional intelligence stronger.

When you know the type of emotion you felt it’ll be easier to spot the next time you need to use this Jedi mind trick.

Here’s the challenging step: allowing the emotion(s) to wash over you. For some, the feelings might last a long time or be especially pervasive. The emotions can contribute to a feeling of general indecision about returning to work.

Others might feel conflicted for a different reason: coming home to your family can also be emotional and, in some cases, stress-inducing.

Avoid Overpacking Your Mama Box

If you don’t unpack the mama box the mind trick won't work. Sure, ignorance is bliss but keeping your emotions boxed up can do more harm than good.

It’s normal to feel sad or worried about your children but if you get stuck in this state it’ll be hard to stay motivated to work. Likewise, if you never acknowledge that you’re upset you’ll eventually break down.

This coping strategy can play an important role in your success as a working mom. It helps to push you forward. When you master this trick it’ll become a habit to push the mama box aside and get back to work.

Apply the Same Trick With Your Career Box

Don’t let work thoughts invade your quality family time. Pack up your work feelings into a box with your company’s logo on it. Then swipe the career box to the side.

Use all five of your senses to put the career box out of sight. Admire your child’s features like their eyes or hair. Ask them a question and listen to their voice.Give them a big hugand smell their hair. This will get you back to the present moment and help keep the career box out of mind.