Monday, June 30, 2008

Mommy goes back to work


I loved staying home with my daughters, and having the time to take them to Mommy & Me classes, the park, the library, or just be home together on a cold winter day. The time has come for me to return to work. Big Sister will be starting kindergarten in the fall, and Little Sister will accompany me to school every day as we have our own on-site daycare center. I will be working as a reading specialist for grades 6-8 at a nearby school district. My new job officially begins at the end of August. Everything has been arranged, including before-school and after-school care for Big Sister. Still, it will be a huge change for us all. I wonder if any of the other working moms out there have any advice for me. Can you offer any tips on making the transition smooth or how to get everyone up dressed, fed, and out the door by a very early hour? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

8 comments:

Jeff and Amy said...

First, hugs, it is hard. I stayed home with my boys til the youngest was 10 so taking Lily to daycare was hard. I think it's awesome it's at your work though, think more buisnesses should go to that. I started out slow, only 4 hours, then 6 to get her use to it. I always tell her when I am leaving so we can do hugs and kisses and tell her I will see her later, she does not like it when I try to sneak out, my dh says she flips out if I don't say bye. I don't know if you use a sitter that much, we don't so it seemed a little harder on Lily. Good Luck!!!

Anonymous said...

No good advice. Lately all I do is ask for it! But I do always wish you the very best in all you do!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Ahhh, it is going to be so hard to make the transition. I might try getting the girls on a routine a week before the first day starts. Good luck to you! I remember that age and going through the motions of working full time AND having two small children. Some days were really hard, especially the 12AND 16 hour shifts. So glad that is behind me now.

Best of luck to you,
Becky :)

alisonwonderland said...

i was lucky enough to be home until my youngest started first grade, so i'm not sure i have any good advice ... i'll be thinking of you as you start this transition though. and remember that hummingbird and faith thing! :)

i do think someone has a birthday tomorrow ... i hope you have a fabulous day! hugs!

Sylvia said...

I don't have any advice, just wanted to send good wishes. I have taught 20+ years, and next year will be a SAHM for my first grader, and preschooler.

The only way I could get myself organized and out the door on time was to do everything the night before. Pack bags, get clothes out, take things to the car--I had to have everything organized before I even got up.

Best of luck to you!

RamblingMother said...

I will listen in because I can barely get it together myself. We have been late everyday this week, nevermind that it is only two days and some of it was traffic, the other side is we just need to sleep.

tracey said...

Routine, Routine, Routine.
That is my advice. The more you do things the same the easier it will be. It will be rough at first but before you know it things will run smootly and try to think ahead prepare lunches etc the night before maybe lay out clothes too. And keep reminding yourself that this is what is best for you and your daughters and that you providing them with a better life by going back to work. And talk to them about what is going to happen and why, they will suprise you how well they transition.

Tracey

Shari said...

I went back to work WAY to soon after Amelia came home. It stunk and we never got into a good routine. My boss jokes that she only worries when I hit the 20 minute late mark. I know teachers don't get that kind of flexibility...What I do when I have a morning meeting I CAN'T be late for is lay out everything the night before. I put as much in the car the night before as possible, purse, stuff for daycare, etc. (I have an attached garage with no outside access) and try to take my shower the night before. It helps, but there are always things you just can't avoid. Good luck.