How to not feel guilty leaving my son in chilcare while I work?

@megs85 (3142)
Australia
January 31, 2007 2:46pm CST
So, any mothers here that have gone back to full time work? I need some advice with a few things Im concerned about... ~ Feeling guilty about leaving my son in childcare. ~ Coping strategies for dealing with chaos, which is what my life will be like after a 12 hour day at work- coming home to cook, clean and care for my child. If anyone could share anything that worked for them, or think may have worked if they had of done it, please share...
1 person likes this
3 responses
sabrinam
@sabrinam (1203)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Realize that he'll learn how to interact with other children better, kids that go to daycare have a social advantage over kids that don't, they learn how to be social and how to interact with other children earlier if they attend daycare, and they also build up an immune system because, kids do get sick.
1 person likes this
megs85
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
31 Jan 07
Thanks :) Ive been trying to look at it that way. I know he'll love the socialising aspect, and the kids, and carers at teh child care centre seem fantastic... I worry about him because hes my first, and I would love to wrap him up in cotton wool and molly coddle him forever, even though I know that will end up hurting him in the long run. He's eight months old, I almost feel like he's too young, even though I know other mothers have to, or want to, put their children in a lot younger... All I wanted to do was see his "first" everything before I started work and I said Id be happy... :S
1 person likes this
msqtech
@msqtech (15073)
• United States
31 Jan 07
as long as they know their mother loves them and is still the parent it is a wonderful experience
megs85
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
31 Jan 07
Before I even considered going back to work, I considered putting him for one day a week regardless, jsut so he could socialise and develop...
all_n_one
@all_n_one (2003)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Well since i'm only gonna make 3 more post on mylot before I quit i'll respond to one of yours ...lol. I'm not a female but I know how my girlfriend reacted to it. She called the daycare place everytime she got a free moment on her job. The feeling guilty part is something that your gonna feel no matter what but it will go away. After work there not to much you can do after working 12 hours straight you'll be tired as hell ...lol. I'm happy for you that you got the job and it will be tough for a long time but you'll be able to better manage it as time goes by.
megs85
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
31 Jan 07
Thanks for the vote of confidence. Why are you leaving mylot? Any why three posts? lol
msqtech
@msqtech (15073)
• United States
31 Jan 07
you shouldnt feel guilty it will teach much needes skills and socialization which we all need to learn look at it as help You need to present a life in control when you come home and not forget you are a parent and need to teach
megs85
@megs85 (3142)
• Australia
31 Jan 07
Thats probably one of the things that scares me the most, him thinking I dont love him, or want to be with him. Hes so young, too young to understand it, I just dont want him to think Im abandoning him, y'know? I know he needs those skills... I want the best for him in everything.