Returning to Work

It's all about attitude. If you go in with a bad attitude, it will be really hard to adjust and deal with the situation. If you try to make the best of it, then it will be easier.

Just like you deal with life.....one day at a time

My first day back at work, my son came home and had nothing but smiles for us. I knew that I could not stay home, but I feel confident in the daycare he is in. Since my husband takes him to and from daycare, I relish in the days that we both drop him off. This week, we took him in on Tuesday we walked in, he reached for the floor and crawled right away from me. I know that he loves his day car and is very happy and secure there.

There are many positive things about daycare centers. They learn a lot, they make friends, and absence makes the heart grow fonder. I also think that I am providing for him by working. I do not feel guilty, I feel confident that my son will thrive there at the day care.

1. you need to have conifdence in who is caring for your child.
2. keep in mind why you are working? it is truly for them.

Okay so now that you are back at work. Get a cleaning lady to do the bathrooms, floor etc. it is hard enough working, but trying to keep the house up also is tough.

Good luck! And congratulations on your little one.

It will only be a bad experience if you allow it to be.

Returning to work is all about what perspective you choose to have when doing so. Millions of mothers and fathers return to work and still manage to raise wonderful, well-rounded, intelligent, well-behaved, well-adjusted children. You can look at it as "I'm the ONLY one out there who can raise my child" or you can look at it as "Yes, I know I am the best role model for my child but by allowing my child to learn from other people, people who have more experience with kids than I do, his/her learning experiences will only be enhanced."

I stayed home with my first child for his first 9 months. Prior to returning to work, I did a 'transition week' at daycare so he could get a chance to slowly and gently get used to being in childcare and I could get used to the idea of someone else taking care of him. We did 90 minutes the first day and gradually lengthened the amount of time he spent there.

I'm not going to lie; the first day was hell. I dropped him off and cried the entire ride home. I felt horribly guilty, like I was the worst mother in the world for abandoning my child. I doubted my decision. And then...I returned to pick him up. There he was, playing happily in the exersaucer, just laughing and smiling, being entertained by his caregiver. It totally put my mind at ease. I was opening up his world to new ideas, new experiences, new teachers who would help him learn, grow, build resiliency and self-confidence. And, although I knew I would always be #1 in his life (well until he gets in his teen years I'm sure lol), it just felt good to know that I was also sharing him with experts who have dealt with kids for many, many years.

I choose to work even though I could afford to stay home. I find my job very fulfilling and personally rewarding. Besides, I have the type of job that I can't just 'quit' for 5 years and walk right back into it. Finally, I'm proud that my son gets to see how I contribute to the family and community through my efforts in a different way.

Good luck to you as you and your baby transition to this new stage in your lives.

You have to understand if those of us who could afford to stay home, we would. For those of us who don't want to depend on one income, or can't afford to live on one income, we go to work.

For me, I feel I had no choice, expecially with the cost associated with having kids. You learn to live with it. I think the hardest part of returning to work is knowing you'll never get those hours back. But, the hours you spend with your child will be cherished even more because you know you've been away from him/her.

If anything, can you ask to work reduced hours so that you can be home at a decent time? It never hurts to ask.

B.,

While it's not always ideal, you do what you need to do to take care of your family. Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself that you are working for your family. You can do it!

It stinks, I understand. I had a sweet FT work from home job until Jan. 2004. I was laid off and since then I have had a few contract jobs that have been FT in the office 5 days a week. I absolutely hated it. I am currently unemployed(since November),and I hope to get a new job end of the summer timeframe.

If you have to go back FT, then I suggest( if possible), you find a job that you enjoy. The days go by SO much quicker if you are busy and love what you do. Look for a place with flexible start/end times, and after a few months proving yourself ask about work at home even 1 day a week.

Good luck.

B.,

It may be difficult and stressful at first. However, remember you can still be a great mom if you work full-time. Can you start on a Wedensday to make it less stressful for you and the kids to not have to start a whole week? Take pictures of your family to worth so you can look at them if you feel sad. Will you work close enough to see your family at lunch?

I work full time and some days are really tough. Other days I know that when my son is old enough to understand he will be proud of how the work I do is important and helps others.

I agree with others as to being positive.

Please feel free to contact me if you have other questions or need more support.
V.