SAHM who went back to work PT or FT

how did you tell your child that you were going back to work?

DS just turned 3. I have been a SAHM since the week before he turned 1. He doesn't remember me working.

I am going back to work, although only PT, 2 days x week. But, one of those days is Saturday which I thought was brilliant but now not so much. One of our family days is gone.

DS has a hard time (well, I mean, he gets upset sometimes) with DH going to work. DS really looks forward to the weekends bc daddy is home.

I'm working Friday and Saturday. I thought Saturdays would be good since DS can be with DH all day. Fridays he'll be with my parents all day. He adores them. Sees them every day.

Still, I'm feeling so guilty even though I literally put my career on hold for 2 years to be with my DS. It's a fantastic private practice opportunity which couldn't be more perfect for me. But the guilt. I know I'm ready to move on, personally, and know it will make me a better mom, but I can't shake the sadness as my start date gets closer.

Sorry this turned into a mini woe is me. And, I work with children which is why Saturday's are best for my work.

ETA: the 2 days I work I'll be gone about 9 hours/day

Message edited 12/6/2012 3:35:33 PM.

Re: SAHM who went back to work PT or FT

I hope to go back to work full time - 5 days a week. I feel so badly and have not said anything to the kids yet , but when I do I will explain best as I can. 2 days is not a lot, I don't think dc would even question one day w grandparents and one day with dh It's not life changing for dc Kwim?

I find no matter what I do, I feel guilty!

Re: SAHM who went back to work PT or FT

I went back to work, but my kids were a little older and they were in school. They didn't really know I was gone since I only worked when they were in school.

Now, with #3 around (9 months), I still work PT, about 12 hours a week, and my DH is home when the kids come home from school and they are ok with it. My 9 month old only has an issue if he sees me around and then I leave. So I leave while he is still sleeping or DH takes him to occupy him.

Re: SAHM who went back to work PT or FT

i started part-time in august. DS was almost 2 and i was home with him since birth.
i just told him mommy is going to work. he now asks whenever we get in the car "mama go work?"

i start full time in january and he starts daycare. i'm going to cry! it's so scary.

Re: SAHM who went back to work PT or FT

I only work on Sundays (10-11 hour shift; sometimes I will even work a Saturday shift), & my husband is off on the weekends, so we miss a family day as well. I love the fact that my husband is with our DS when I am at work. I used to work Thursdays as well, & leave him with my parents. We make the most of our one day a week together, (sometimes it's no days if he has to work OT.) It can be hard, but you will probably start to enjoy "your time" away. (If that makes any sense; at least I do because I bartend at a restaurant!) One day with your DH, & one day with your parents is wonderful though. I agree, it's not drastic, so it will be OK. Good luck, you will be fine!

Message edited 12/6/2012 8:34:14 PM.