Need Feedback and Some Advice on How I Am Feeling

I was having the same feelings before I put my son into day care. I was court reporting at the time and could do most of my work from home. It was maddening. I put him in day care and got a grip on my well-being.

I have total admiration for those who are stay-at-home moms, but one of the best things I have done as a mother was put my children into a WONDERFUL day care. I wouldn't feel the same way if God didn't direct me to such a great place. I wish I could say I could give them everything, learning and socializing, they get there. I'm older and don't have the energy I wish I had having little ones.

Anyway, for us, putting them in day care and working part-time has provided the best balance for us. It has put us on a great schedule that's healthy for the kids and me and my husband. I do hear all the time, "You're such a great mother." I reply, "I'm a great mother because of day care and God's guidance."

Don't be afraid to make whatever adjustments fit your family. It's different for everyone. It was also great when it came to do timeout, and my son practically taught us how it went. Day care has been a Godsend for us. But as I stated before, make sure it's the right day care or Mother's day out program.

Accepting limitations and filling in the gaps is what makes a good mom. Please discover what it is you're needing and they're needing and don't let guilt deny any of y'all that.

Best wishes.

Girlfriend, grab a friend and GO OUT!!! I, too, am a SAHM to a two year old. Fortunetly, I was restaurant manager and this is a cake walk. I am already trying to find ways to NOT go back to work!!!! You HAVE to have girlfriends....and I mean friends that can relate. Make an effort to GO DO THINGS!!!! I have , as my husband calls it,a kitchen pass, once a month. I go do what I want, with whom I want. That is all I need. It can just be shopping with my sister, or having a margarita with a friend....maybe getting my hair "done", or going to half-price books to look around.
You need time for yourself. It will make you a better mother than you probably already are...gotta re-charge those batteries!!!!!!
Like I tell my hub all the time..."happy wife, happy life"

GO HAVE FUN...you need it!!!
Margaret :)

Yes what you are feeling is very normal and going back just a night or two a week not only will help with your time away it is good for your daughter and financial. Dont feel bad it will be good and it will also help you keep up with the times and what is changing seeing as how your are an RN. So good luck and you and your daughter will be fine with you doing some work outside the home. I am a stay at home momm but I a have found my time outside of the home and earning some extra money. Everyone is much happier now.

In line with the other responses. THe age of 18mos is the MOST TAXING TIME! The little people are mobile, busy, yet still an "infant" of sorts. I agree with the others....time to get out of the house and remember who YOU are! This is the age where kids can become your all consuming universe. The day is spent running, saying lots of "no" "that can hurt baby" feeding, changing, fussing etc...
There is no greater gift than a rested, re-charged mom! I dare say that what you are feeling is NORMAL!
Time to start having "date time" with hubby. Our rule is no kid talk during date night (or afternoon). My hubby and I are medical as well (RN and RT) and the sched we keep makes date time possible! Time to make time for mommy!!!! and this too shall pass!

Don't feel guilty! Women were never ment to only "take care of babies" and feel fulfilled. Think of all our ancestors had to do(make clothes, harvest and prepare food, grow crops, take care of chickens and milk cows) and raise babies at the same time. It is definitely a question of balance. Do the mothers day out. My kids loved thier MDO and so did I. Above all, do not feel guilty.

I TOTALLY get what you are saying. I have been home for two years now and it is definitely the most challenging thing I have ever done. I do feel lost at times and wonder how to get my life back on track. I remember that 18 months was definitely the time when a whole new level of intensity started for me and I know of several moms who did decide to return to work around this time. It is a challenge to keep your toddler active, stimulated, and out of trouble all while managing to keep a somewhat clean house! I love my son so much as all of moms do but I definitely think that it is great to have passions and things to do outside of the house and without the kiddos. If you love your work and have the chance to do it part-time that is cool, and sounds like a great outlet. My hubby and I were talking and I am thinking of taking a weekly class of some kind, like cake decorating or something like that, that is just for me that I enjoy. Even girls night out is so rejuvenating. I know recharging my batteries makes me a better mom. Don't beat yourself up when you have bad days, we all do! Just remember that tomorrow is a new day and your little one will do some amazing thing that will just blow your mind and help you remember why you chose this path in the first place:) Hang in there and know you are so not alone!

In addition to going back to work part-time, I'd also like to recommend looking into a Mother's Day Out program for your daughter. It will help her to socialize with other little ones and also spend some time with other caregivers. This will also give you a little "me" time - time not at home working on chores or playing with your daughter, and not time at work helping others - time for just you to nuture yourself!