SAHM and going back to work?

Question

When's the best time for a stay-at-home mom to go back to work. The daycare center we had our child in was dirty and neglectful, so I became a stay-at-home mom. It's not my life long career though. Do you think it's best to go back to work when my child is 4 years old or 6 years old? Is it a really huge CHANGE that's scary for me and child? Will my child be traumatized with going from all day with mommy to all day without?

Answer 1

We create way too much pseudo drama by worrying about "traumatizing " our kids when kids are resilient. Yes there are many perks for your kids having a SAHM but daycare has its benefits as well, the stimulation, challenges, new activities that cannot be provided in an at home environment. Most likely , you will be more traumatized than your kid will. Kids can deal with most anything thrown at them as long as they feel loved and secure so don't stress out about it. I was a working single mom for yrs, gor married had a new baby and went about 13 mos without working. I took a prn nursing job to help supplement income, plus it gets my baby a little more social interaction. Try about a part time or prn postion first to help ease YOU back into the work/daycare dilemna. I am 100% certain your child will befine, so stop beating yourself up.

Answer 2

i have decied to go back to work when both my kids are in school fulltime that way i know that they are being cared for. try going to preschool first and maybe even sunday school if you have one. my first child will be starting pre school this year.

Answer 3

I had a similar situation with my son - He was 4 and had never been without me...  but I knew it would be best for him to go to preschool and it was the best decision I ever made - for the both of us!!!  Yeah - it was hard at first and the first couple of weeks he would cry and scream when I left but he got over it and in know time at all he was having fun, making friends and playing with people his own size!  I say you shouild definitely go now - if you wait too long it may be more harder to adjust!!!  Good Luck!

Answer 4

Just vvhenever you are ready. I am a SAHM to a 4 and 2 year old and pregnant vvith out 3rd. I dont vvant mine in daycare and enjoy being able to stay home vvith them and vvatch them grovv. I am going to go back to vvork but after my children are in school. I vvill either go to vvork vvhen my oldest 2 are in school or after all 3 are in school, just depends on vvhats going on at that time.

Answer 5

I too am a stay at home mother & have been since my daughter was born-shes 4 now. Personally, once she starts kindergarten next fall is when I will be going back to school to persue my degree. This way she will be in school & Mommy will be done with her schooling once her school day is over. If theres any way you could work during the hours your child will be in preschool/kindergarten it would probably be the less tramatic for the both of you. If not, just ease into it.Try working part time at first if possible. Either way, It will be a big adjustment for you both. I wish you luck