Going back to work

Kristina - posted on 03/17/2009

I taught kindergarten and first grade.  Before I came back to work full time I sent a few pictures and messages to the classroom.  I also went to visit the students so I could see how they were doing.  I took small groups out into the hallway to play a quick game.  While I was doing this, my baby was at day care for a trial run.  I also made sure I had a wonderful sub - she came in whenever I was out for dr. appointments before and after my maternity leave so the children knew her very well.  If you are pumping at school make sure you have a schedule and a room to pump.  If you are not make sure you get yourself ready so you are not in pain and leaking by lunchtime!  Bring a picture of your baby so you can look at it whenever you want to.  The day will fly by really fast and you will be home sooner than you think.  Also, seek out other teacher friends at your school who have young kids at home so you can have someone to lean on.  They will understand!  A reassuring smile in passing in the hallway can lift your spirits.

Kristin - posted on 03/15/2009

Quoting Jessica:

My suggestion would be (if you are able to) to do trial runs of leaving your child with the child care provider for an hour or more, whatever you are comfortable with, to help you become comfortable with leaving this new important little person and work yourself into leaving five days a week.

This time can be used to also help you get ready to go back to your students and get organized. Hope this helps some.

 

That's a great idea. My mom, lucky enough, is going to be the one watching Evan for me. So it will help if I leave him with her during the week sometime. My husband suggested I go get a massage and leave him with my mom while I do that (the massage place is next to her house) and that way I'm close, getting relaxed, and letting someone else take care of Evan in the mean time so I get used to it. Thanks!

Nikki - posted on 03/14/2009

I feel the same way!  This is my first child too, not that my students have been bad, but they are ready for me to come back.  I am going to try and just take it one day at a time, another thing I think wll help is that I am not going back at the begining of the week but in the middle.  That will allow me to ease back into the routine

Jessica - posted on 03/14/2009

My suggestion would be (if you are able to) to do trial runs of leaving your child with the child care provider for an hour or more, whatever you are comfortable with, to help you become comfortable with leaving this new important little person and work yourself into leaving five days a week.

This time can be used to also help you get ready to go back to your students and get organized. Hope this helps some.