Ways to share with my 18 month old bby that wakes up as I leave 4 work and goes to sleep when I come back ?

Question

I'm worried he will start to calling his nanny "Mommy" . Sometimes I just see him 15 min in the morning and he's asleep when I come back at night. I feel I'm missing everything.

Answer 1

That's very hard, but don't worry he will always know who mommy is. Do you think there may be some way you could do some of your work at home? I had to beg, but I was able to change my hours that I worked. I now go in earlier in the morning when my baby is still asleep but at least I can leave 1 hour earlier than before and be home in time to play a little, give him a bath and then put him to bed. It's not easy, I know what you're going through. Good luck.

Answer 2

Oh Hunny,
It's ok. I am a working mom too. I know it is hard. The best way to bond is to make sure that the time you do get together awake are good, you and baby times. I also have a daily report from my daycare from during the day. It tells me what went on during the day like what they (I have 3) did, what they learned. I also get any "projects" that they made. It makes it a little easier to know that they are having fun and being well taken care of. I know it doesn't erase the pain and guilt of not being there. It does help for when I get home and on my days off to be able to say "wow look at what you did!" and "you know your colors, you are so smart". It lets them know that you are still there even when you are at work and that you pay attention to them. I know that the times you have together are very special but don't let rules and routine go for the sake of guilt. I make that mistake sometimes and it is a hard recovery when they expect that special treatment every time. Do make sure that when you are with your little one that they have your full attention and that they feel important. Don't let the missing time become missing pieces. Make sure to stay steady on what and when they normally do things, like eating, playing, clean up, and especially bed time=). Make it special like a bubble bath with extra bubbles (baby shampoo works wonders and is mild enough for baby's skin) (also make sure to lay down extra towels =)...Make playtime about something for just you and baby, like coloring books: you color one page while they color the other and trade places to add that "extra special finishing touch". Make dinner about choices. Ask them if they want chicken or hamburger, peas or carrots, mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. It makes them feel important and helps you to know that you are still Mommy. Also if you are not there for bedtime most nights: record your voice reading a book or singing a song. something that only Mommy can do =) It can be your special thing. My mom used to have special music box she would play for my kids on my night shifts. She would start the music box and then turn on the player with my voice singing the song. My kids loved it. I would sing and pray with them every night. And when i was there it made it even more special, and sometime i had an encore performance....=). These are just suggestions. Think of other ways to have special mommy things and make sure that you are involved with what goes on during the day. I love it when I know what new things happen. Also invest in a good digital camera so that the nanny can snap pics for you to look at when you get home of milestones and new talents. my oldest has her own "cheapy" camera and loves to take pics just for me.

Answer 3

Have your nanny give him longer naps during the day so that he can stay up later with you.

Make sure that you wake him up every morning before you go to work and do something together. Breakfast, a story, a bath or just a half hour cuddle on the couch watching his favourite cartoon.

It's totally worth getting up earlier for.

Answer 4

Can you encourage the nanny to put him down for an extra nap during the day (or just a longer one)? That should give you an hour or two in the evenings before he goes to sleep.