Planning for the return to work

For many of us it is a financial decision to go back to a job after maternity leave, but be reassured there are many advantages for you and your family.

For you…

You can continue in your career.
Being out in the workplace again can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Having some independent time makes the time you spend together as a family special and meaningful.
Employers are realising the benefits to all of a flexible approach to work, life balance and offering greater flexibility to working families.

For your family…

Children who attend good quality day care are generally less shy.
Research suggests that children who attend day care develop a strong immune system to keep them healthy.
Children who attend good quality day care are generally more sociable and go on to make friends easily
Children who attend good quality day care learn to share and behave considerately towards others.
Communication and thinking skills from the wide variety of activities on offer daily.
Income from working means your family may have more opportunities than would be possible otherwise.

Preparing for a successful return to work

In the weeks and days leading up to your return date it is quite normal to feel a range of emotions.

Some people feel a sense of sadness at time passing and your baby growing up already while others may feel concerned that a key-worker will become a special person for your child. Others feel a little jealous that someone else will be enjoying their baby, or guilty that someone else will be looking after their baby for part of the day.

Be confident that you have made the right choice of day care setting and try to remember that life with a child is all about coping with changes as they grow up. You may be glad to know that there are some practical things you can do to make the transition easier for everyone.

Before the day

If you have not done so before attend some mother and baby group sessions together to get your child accustomed to being around other babies.

If you have not done so before let your child spend time with a grandparent or a trusted friend. They learn that although you are not there, you will be coming back, and this builds trust and confidence.

Make use of the Nursery free ‘taster’ sessions to help you both get used to the nursery environment and to get to know the staff. This will help you both feel confident on the day. Some people use the free taster sessions as ‘trial run’ for getting everyone out of the house on time!

On the day

Prepare everyone’s bags the night before and lay out clothes ready, this will help you feel less rushed.

Arrive at Nursery a little earlier than you need on the first day to give you both time to settle in before you leave for work.

No matter how you are feeling inside – try to keep a happy face while you are with your baby. Babies are sensitive to your feelings and your child will feel confident about their new experience if they see your positive approach.

It is important that you know that you can telephone the nursery during the day to check how your child is doing if this helps you.

Remember that you have carefully chosen good quality day care for your child. Your child will be enjoying their day and looking forward to the special time they spend with you later.