How To Prepare Toddlers For Mothers Returning To Work?

Toddler

oi-Anwesha Barari

By Anwesha Barari

Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 18:20

Mothers who are returning to work need to train their toddlers to manage in their absence. This is easier said than done. If you are going back to work after having a baby then you need some preparation time for yourself and your baby. You have been working before you had a baby but now you will have to start afresh for striking a balance between work and family. This is because the tiny bundle of joy that has been added to your family is equivalent to ten people!

You child will claim all your attention. Whats more, your toddler is totally dependent on you for every thing. Your baby is not like husband who you can manage lunch at office if you get up late. Your toddler can't even express his/her discontent when their mother is returning to work! So you need to be very careful and make use of these tips for working mothers.

Parenting Tips for Mothers Returning to Work:

• If you are going back to work your toddler needs to be informed about it advance. You may think that this concept is beyond your child's comprehension but it is not so. Your absence from home is enough to explain everything to your child.

• Talk to your toddler about your interviews and expected work schedule in a language that they understand. Fairy tales can be helpful. Make up a story about how Mommy Ant had to leave Baby Ant at home so that she could go and collect food. These stories may be silly to you but it will impact your baby's thought process and help him/her accept the change.

• When mothers are returning to work there must be someone to take care of the child. It could be a nanny or a grandmother or a day care for babies where you leave the child. Start leaving your toddler with this person or play home a week before you join work. Our tendency as mothers is to keep the child with ourselves for as long as possible. But this will worsen the situation.

• The child needs time to get adjusted to this new schedule when you will be going back to work. There are bound to be tantrums and opposition from the child like there for all changes. But you need to push forth and make the transition as smooth as possible.

• Food is a big issue for mothers who are returning to work. If you are still breast feeding your toddler then stop gradually. As long as the child is on mother's milk they will have nothing else and it is important to change that habit.

• If you have to balance work and family with the added responsibility of a baby then you have to let a few things go. Don't get mad at the babysitter for minor lapses or lose your temper if the house is messy for your own peace of mind.

If follow these simple tips your job will be easier.