How hard is it really to have a child and return to work after Maternity Leave?

Question

People tell me not to have children as it is too much work, however being a part of life, there must be positives. How do you juggle work and be a parent at the same time, giving ample time to your kids?

Answer 1

Hi

I thought it will be hard, but then after babysittin my son for the first 2 months I was going nuts, I felt like I am in prison. It does not mean that I do not love my child. But you must learn how to live together with your child and not live his life instead. You are a person too. Plus, when a mommy is happy and rested - baby is happy too.
And then of course, we were lucky to find a live-in nanny, who loves my child and they are best pals now (my son is 9months old now), the nanny is a strong and young girl, so its fun for her to play with him whole day, I know that I would not be able to spend whole day like those two :) playing "horsie" - when he rides nanny around the house. hehehehe
Anyway, dont be depressed about it. Try looking at the bright side and think about yourself too.

Answer 2

I thought it was extremely hard to leave my daughter last year when I went back to work (teaching). BUT, what makes it so much easier is that I have a wonderful daycare provider who does it out of her home...she has one other mom working with her, and they only have 9-10 kids there. It's nice knowing that my daughter can be social with the other kids there, but at the same time, it's not a huge daycare center with 50 or more kids.

Try to find someone like that (whom you know you really can trust, of course) and maybe it will make you feel a lot better!!!

Also, since I am a teacher, I am so fortunate that I have lots of school vacations to be with her, and my hours during the day aren't bad at all. Although I need to plan for school at home sometimes, at least I am home with her.

Being a parent is seriously the best thing in the world, and I would not change a thing!!!!!!! Good luck :o)

Answer 3

Well, it's hard but it's all worth it. I am a mother of 2. I have a 10yr and 4mth old. I guess, it all depends on you and if you have help because you need it, one can't do everything. You will burn out and not be able to be a good mom. I have been lucky. I am still with the father of my kids. My first child I did not work just went to college. My 2nd I did go back to work after my maternity leave. It's been ok I am a little tire but I been managing with the help of my family. Since I am at work full time mon-fri on weekends I dedicate my time to my kids. I am what you call the "soccer mom". It's hard but I love my kids and they are my life. Some how god gives us mom the energy and strenght to handle motherhood.

Answer 4

It is hard to leave them. To me it was. The only good thing came out from me went back to work was, I connected with them more.
Those little things you mihgt miss because you are with them all the time turns into something precious. The one thing I learned is leave your work at your work. When you come home, dedicte your self to your kids. But moms tend to do that anyway =)

Answer 5

Once you are holding that little bundle of joy it is extremely hard to let go. I found after my first child that I hated missing all the little things like her first steps and her first words so I gave up and stayed home to enjoy.

Answer 6

It was really difficult. With my first, I was suppose to return to work after 3 months but I didn't.

Answer 7

It's difficult at first, but you do get used to it. I don't even look at my job as a job anymore...it's my 'me' time. :) I love going home to my babies, and then having a break while I'm at work, so by the time I get off, I'm missing them!

Answer 8

Going back to work is not easy!!!, stay home they need you! They are only small once cherish it you can go back to work when they start 1st grade then you don't need day care!