As lovable parents to your little ones, I am sure both you and your partner would have loved to spend all your time raising your kid full-time—if you wanted. However the reality is, you can’t really do that because one of you has to go out and earn your living for the rest of family! At times, both the parents has to take stands and get back to work for a better living.
Whether it’s post-leave or a year from now—getting back into the work force along with the transition may get tough. Here are some things you can do to make it easier for everyone.
Advice For Both Of You
Our world still largely expects moms to take care of the baby all the time whilst the dad is going back to work. The tide is changing a bit, but not at breakneck speed. No matter who’s going back first or who might be staying with the kid, there’s a few issues which both the parents need to focus on to:
Get Good Childcare
First thing, ensure that you are putting your kid in good hands. But what “best” means is totally your call. You need to make sure that your baby’s daily caregiver is aligned with your values and willing to follow your rules, such as if you want your baby to do Bible reading daily. Set a time for her and make sure she does irrespective of your presence or absence .
Spending some time with your kid and your caregiver in the same place. That might be in your home. It might be in a daycare center. Either way, you’ll get a feel for how they interact with your new addition.
Stay Emotionally Connected
Stay in touch and don’t detach yourself from your baby. Don’t be shy about calling your caregiver and her put your kid on the horn. The baby won’t be able to say much, but he might gurgle and coo. It’ll be like calling up your drunk uncle—but way more heartwarming.
Going back home at the day’s end, make sure you you spend a lot of time with the little one, till you put her to bed. Even if you are occupied with some house-old work keep the baby with you— let her be in your arms or lap or at least make her sit right next to you.
See if there’s any way, for at least one of you— either you or your partner, getting back into the office with some flex hours. It might be possible to combine some at-work hours with work from home hours.
Remember, parenting is not a single handed responsibility. Get together and decide on the most equitable split of duties in terms of childcare and household chores. Take some time out to de stress yourself too while the baby is asleep.
Spend some quality time with your partner, do some yoga and meditation, else just play a game of bingo or poker. Online bingo is good way to relax for working mummies and Boomtown bingo gives reviews on different sites so you don’t have to do the leg work.
