Leaving LO for the first time to go to work....

Hi all,

So I've been very fortunate to be at home for these past 15 months with my first son since he was born. Monday I start my new nursing position. The first 9 weeks are 5 days a week full time. My mom will be taking him for two of the days. She drives an hour and half to come sit for him(Thanks MOM!!!!) then the other three days one of my girlfriends mother-in-law will be watching him along with her son and two other small children. We're going over there again today to meet with her and talk about Tuesday(his first day). I'm super super nervous. Its all I've been thinking about for the last two weeks. I just feel so bad about leaving him. Its just been the two of us this whole time during the days and we have our routine. Any suggestions on how to make this transition easier for him and for me!? After the nine weeks I'll be doing 3 twelves one week and one twelve the next week. So he really won't even be going to the sitter that much. I think next week will bring a lot of tears, not from Luke though probably more from me!

Kellie

I have no personal point of reference to offer advice from, but I found an article that might be helpful here:
http://life.familyeducation.com/anxiety-disorders/baby/50554.html?page=2&detoured=1

Good luck. By the look of it, separation anxiety is perfectly normal and will get much better with time

I'm a first-timer so unfortunately I don't have advice either. But I wanted you to know that I can imagine how hard it will be, and I hope it gets easier with time. I ride the bus every morning and evening with a mom and her 15 month old daughter. She drops her off at daycare and then picks her up after work, and they both seem really happy on the ride home. I bet it will be hard at first, but then get easier as he works into a new routine (and you too!).

Hugs to you, and I hope the transition goes well.

First I think it's wonderful you've had so much time with your LO. My DS has been in day care since 18 wks. It becomes a whole routine, a big advantage for me as I'm not organized by nature.

Main advice is to give it 4-6 wks before evaluating. It will be a big change for all parties, and will take a few weeks to take hold. Expect a tired/grumpy kid for a while, often they don't nap as well in the beginning. Some kids can hold it together all day, then break when they see mom and will just cry. From what I've been told, this is true for kids of all ages.

Second - ask your sitters to text you throughout the day...LO just went down for nap...LO just ate all their lunch, great job!...LO playing so well with other kids at park...etc. My daycare provider did this, as well as pix from her phone, and it was GREAT. And I was able to text her if I had any questions or just wanted to check in. For my work day, texting was more accessible than making/taking calls.

Third - get a morning/evening routine of some quality time. What we do...read 2-3 books every morning in bed before starting the day then in the evening, I play on the floor with him for at least 30 min, sometimes an hour.

Last one...get as much ready the night before...outfit, lunch/snacks packed, cups pre-poured. That way you have the extra time in the AM to spend with LO.

Good luck - kate

Kate, that sounds like great advice! I'm going to have to print it out for future reference!

Thanks everyone for the GREAT advice!!!! The meeting today with her went great and I'm actually feeling a little better. Thanks for all the tips Kate.

Kellie