So, after almost four years of being a SAHM I'm going back to work on Monday and I'd love it if you could spam me with your best advice and tips for making life easier!
Aaaaaand go!
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With 2 kids, I've found being all prepped the night before is my saving grace. Kids bags are packed, my lunch is made & in the fridge, coffee is pre-made & just waiting for creamer, clothes are laid out, etc.
I started using a white board each evening with a space for each family member and "home" category. I write down everything that needs to be done before leaving the next morning and any special events (like "diaper laundry" or "work late"). It helps me keep from forgetting anything.
I also make breakfast muffins on Sundays which makes mornings quicker. Basically, I'll do anything I can beforehand in order to sleep 5 more minutes!Good luck and congratulations on your new adventure!
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Wow! Good luck! How are you feeling about it?
I second the above - get everything ready the night before. Plan activities for the kids to do while you're getting ready (we have a TV in our room to keep her out of trouble). Pl an to leave the house half hour earlier than you actually need to!
Good luck
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Give yourself a good, long time to make the call that things are good. I took two years off and it took a good three months before we got our routine down. I had not expected it to take so long and require so much tweaking, truth be told.
I also pick out my clothes for the next week on Sunday, down to the tights, shoes, tank top, etc. I just don't have the time or mental space to deal with those things during the mornings.
I invested in a great haircut...sounds silly, but it's such a time saver and I know my hair at least looks good. I get regular trims.
Best of luck!!!
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You can do it! I think the night before prep has been key for me and meal planning helps a ton too.
I think it takes a while to find your new normal so whatever you can do to ease that transition is helpful. So planning for a night when you pick up dinner out, or pizza Fridays to celebrate surviving the week, etc., are worth it!
Just be gentle with yourself and your family during this transition--good luck!!
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You've gotten some good advice about prepping, etc. Logistically, yes, definitely try to make it as easy on yourself as possible. One other thing to consider is the emotional aspect. When I got back to work, I was overwhelmed with guilt for awhile. I felt guilty for leaving LO, guilty for actually enjoying my job instead of wanting to be with LO, guilty that my DH had taken on so many responsibilities, guilty that I wasn't immediately as good at my job as I was pre-LO (i.e. when I was actually getting sleep), and on and on. Mine eventually went away after a month or so and ever since, I've been really happy about being a working parent and I see it only as a positive thing. But take care of yourself if you have negative feelings at first and try to not get too caught up in them. For me that part was almost harder than the logistical stuff (since I had planned for that aspect).
Best of luck!
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@Cherrybee: yep! Last week I was a bit of a blithering mess but I've now got my childcare sorted so I'm feeling calmer! I wasn't actually sure I wanted to go back but the job pays well and it's part time and not an opportunity I'm likely to be offered again. The plan is to go to work then start trying for another baby in the new year...
@JoyfulKiwi: @looch: @MamaCate: @catlady: thanks for all the good advice! Fortunately I'm only working three days a week (twenty hours plus commute) so hopefully it'll be a nice balance and not too stressful for us all.
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