Going Back to work...MY Separation Anxiety

D.

Bless your heart!
Mommas leaving our children with anyone other than family is probably one of the hardest things we have to do.

First, you will probably have a rush of emotions, it's okay, your allowed. But you are also allowed to be excited about your new job; that does not make you any less of a wonderful momma.

Know by leaving your blessing in a daycare, someone else is not raising her, that is still mommy and daddy's job :)!

It will be an adjustment at first, some children adapt faster than others. I was told over and over not to cry in front of the children when you leave them, you want them to feel secure and safe and that mommas okay with what's going on. I feel that worked for my children as I walked out to my car and cried all the way to work and on and off till I picked them up. My husband had a hard time understanding my guilt and emotions, until he had to do the drop off and I got the call, "I AM NEVER DOING THAT AGAIN."

D., I wish there was something wise I could say that would make you have less guilt, you sound like such a wonderful lady. But, I can tell you a few things to look forward to. Still to this day the excitement I get getting into my car when I'm going to pick them up is incredible. I get a lump in my throat and everything else from the day doesn't matter just those faces. And the hugs oh those hugs and kisses :).

I was in a similar situation. I am a teacher, and I took a year off to stay home with my baby. When he turned one, I had to go back to teaching for financial reasons. We found a wonderful in-home provider (she is a close friend of ours). I'm not saying it was easy, but it actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. My son cried when we dropped him off for probably the first month, but then he started to be excited about going. It became easier for me as I saw how he was benefitting from being away from me some and around other kids his age. He is learning social skills and how to share. Now he's home with me this summer, but he is still excited to go visit our sitter and his friends. I don't feel like I miss out on too much. I make sure the time we have together is quality time, and I feel like we are just as close as we were when I was at home all day. No matter how much he likes our sitter, he is always so excited when he sees me after school. With teaching, you have a few days off throughout the year, and those are special times with my son. Plus, you can look forward to summer. I enjoyed going back to teaching, and it made me appreciate my time with my family even more!

I had the hardest time as well! Even though she stayed home with my mother in law it was still so weird to leave that world and go back to corporate america! Focus just wasn't the same and I felt silly about the whole thing, because I knew just like the other moms said that I was taking it farther then I needed to, because that baby was just fine!

I lasted two months back at the office and just had to get out. It was more corporate america and politics that I didn't care for, more then wanting to be with my baby! But it also got to a point where we were going to have to do daycare and couldn't afford that cost. We would have been hurting!

Therefore I chose to take the plunge and leave the corporate office position that I'd been at for almost 3 years now. I became a full time stay at home mom and a part time Mary Kay consultant. I've been able to maintain that now for over two years and it has blessed my life like none other!

I wish you well and all the luck but if it doesn't work out and you'd like out, I'd love to give you more details on Mary Kay as a possible opportunity for you! Its easier then you'd think, and it never hurts to have the info! Just as a back up plan... I'd love to share!

Best wishes, honestly this too shall pass! Keep your chin up no matter what! :o) If you need someone to vent to, we're here for ya! That always helped too!!! Just to get anything on your mind out! Good luck, God bless! ~T.~

All I can say is good luck. Be really blessed you have spent this first year of her life with her, you will never forget it. The provider makes all the difference. I know that my little girls are getting all the love and attention they can from our nanny and even though I can't be with them all the time they are learning and growing daily and I get to come home and love them every evening. Plus, being a teacher (like my husband) you get to at least enjoy the summers at home. What district provides childcare? I'd love for him to work there!!

its very very normal and you are not alone
i went back to work when my DD was 2month sold and she is 2 years old now i still feel seperation anxiety and guilt...
but it gets better
Frankly is way easier on the kids than the moms..
i am getting ready to have another baby any day now and just the thought of leaving them both kills me...
Just hugs and good luck from me...

I completely agree with the people who said it's harder on the moms than the kids! Both my kids were home with me for the first three months then went to daycare. It was gut-wrenching each time, but it does get easier. Some things to look forward to: having her tell you about her day (it's so precious to hear them describe their friends and activities), watching her self-confidence soar as she learns how to be her own person, those hugs & kisses at the end of the day, the way her face will light up when you walk in the room, and last but not least art - tons and tons of art that did not mess up your kitchen table during creation.
Good luck, and try not to get too stressed out about it. The days go by fast and if you pick a provider close to work you can even visit during lunch!