Returning to work when you have a baby with seperation anxiety

[fionas]

Hi Emma

Firstly, don't return to work just because you feel like you owe them and don't want to stuff them around. They will cope without you.

Secondly, financially it won't make THAT much difference if you go back when you intended or six months later in the whole scheme of things. It's not like you're talking about being a SAHM forever.

Thirdly, I think it's quite normal for babies to go through separation anxiety at this age (my book says around eight months) so he will get through it BUT if you would rather spend more time at home with him than go back to work right now, then go with your heart.

Finally, there will always be money ready to be earnt but you can't wind back the clock and regain time with your baby.

[Mother Goose]

My DD has been going to child care since she was about 5 months - 3 days a week last year and then increased to 5 days in Jan this year (she was a little shy of 11 months). DD has always loved child care and the routine... then all of a sudden she couldn't stand to be apart from me. She wasn't interested in DH but she was happy to go to the carers at the centre. She stopped sleeping as much at child care and when I picked her up, she would start to bawl as soon as she saw me and crawl over as fast as she could, sit up with her arms up and start to bellow "Mum, Mum, Mum, Mum, MAMA!!!!". It didn't matter what the carers did, she wasn't interested in anyone other than me. It was very very hard for me to deal with because I had to work (still do). I started sleeping with her child care sleep toy (we have one for home and one for there) so it would smell like me and would help her at the centre. It worked. I also spoke to the carers and they helped out heaps. We kept to DD's routine but she got lots of cuddles at home and when I picked her up. When I dropped her off, I didn't linger (which was hard because one of the carer's and I are always up for a chat!) but would give DD a big hug and kiss and tell her I loved her and I (or Daddy if he had to) would pick her up at the time we were collecting her and to have a fun day. She settled down after a couple of weeks. Part of DD's issue was we had just moved house - which probably caused some insecurity for her, which is why we were so keen to keep up her routine.

I HTH and hang in there.

MG

[sconeonamission]

Yeah DS is going thru this stage... I think my DH should read Fionas post.... as it borders on how I feel atm....