Is anyone else in this boat? I work full-time and my DH stays at home full-time looking after our only DS. He also has his own business that he runs from home. It doesn't really make much money, but it's his hobby and he loves it so I fully support him.
I had a moment tonight where I was trying to read DS his IgglePiggle Lost book and I was reading out the first page. DH came over and said "No, it goes like this, " and began to sing the song. I burst into tears as I'm missing so much of his day at work and I suddenly felt that loss.
I'm really lucky that I love my job, I'm paid well and it's 5 minutes walk up the road... everything is perfect, except I miss my son.
I was in that situation for a few months, and still work ft even though DH also works ft now. I find it hard missing out on time with the boys. The worst thing was when DH would say "Oh, DS1 said the funniest thing today - but I can't remember what is was" or something like that
I am finding it easier being away from them now that DS1 is at kindy 2 or 3 days a week, and next year it will be school 5 days a week. I guess because he wouldn't be home anyway, it doesn't feel so much like I'm missing things IYKWIM? So I think it gets easier as you go if that helps.
Awww Nettie.. I have not yet experienced what you are feeling, but know it's not far away. DH is taking paid paternity leave at the end of June to stay at home to look after DS while I return to work full time (only for 9 weeks though). I am so scared I will feel the same way you do.
Just a really big hug for you. I hope someone will be able to share their experience with you.
I can relate to your experience. I am a SAHM at the moment, but when my DD was 13 months old I returned to work. My DH only had casual work at that time, so he resigned and became the stay at home parent.
I missed her so much. I just wanted to be with her. I felt like I was missing out on all the little, mundane things that she and DH shared during the day. DH started taking her to the playgroups that I used to take her to. He was seeing my friends more than I was. I really wanted to quit work, but DH didn't have a job. I felt trapped in my job. My heart wanted to be with her. I felt so sad about it.
Then, my DH was offered full-time work out of the blue. So, I became the sahm again when DD was 21 months old.
My DH recently commented that he wouldn't mind being SAHD again when DS2 is weaned. I don't know how i feel about it though. DS2 is a long way from being weaned so I don't have to worry about it yet.
In hindsight, I am actually glad that DH had a time at home with DD. It means that he has more understanding of what it is like for me at home. He also had a special time with DD that most father's don't get to experience.
I really feel for you though. It is so hard to reconcile it all. You miss your son. Are you able to have special one-on-one time with him on weekends?
Nettie I am in the same boat as Georgi,, its happening to us soon! My DH is taking 6 months off to stay home with DD when I go back to work in August. I am so scared the same thing will happen. I try and focus on how good it will be for DH he is miserable leaving us every morning. But in our case it is only for 6 months.
Its good you are so close to work, I have a hour travel door to door.
Big hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And remember you will always be his mumma no one else can be that!!
Aliash, I feel the same way. Although I hated going to work while DH was here with the boys, I'm really, really glad that the three boys (DH and our two DS's) got to spend so much time together. It really improved their relationships. And yes, it did give DH a better idea of what it's like to be home with little ones.
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