Mixed feelings about going back to school

Melissa - posted on 08/19/2010

I always wonder about going back to school. It's tough to leave your kids. I'm working towards staying home with my kids (even though I love my teaching job), and I help other moms stay at home as well. Maybe, I could help you out. Feel free to e-mail me at kidsfirst6@yahoo.com. I feel I am still teaching since I am teaching others to do the same. Next fall, there will be no regrets at our house as I drop them off and pick them up and attend all of their activities and volunteer...the list goes on and on!

Pamela - posted on 08/18/2010

I totally understand your emotions. The thought of being a new mom and leaving your little one is tough enough but to be expecting another as well. You do have your hands full. Think about it. Money comes and goes. Love your job? It is just a job. You can and can always look to replace the job..(Family leave act guarantees your position while out on family leave and for the first 3 yrs you fall under this window...that is the law....)Not your whole career. They, the yr old and baby inside you are your family and cannot be replaced, Will you be able to make it without you teaching? How about part time? Do you have a GREAT daycare situation and home support system? If so, go for it with gusto and take frequent drinking breaks. Nursing can work. Your milk supply will be enough provided you drink plenty and rest as often as you can.... It will not be easy. You will be so exhausted but you will be ok. Good luck in your decision... Remember it is not quantity but quality. meaning not how much time you spend with your children but the quality of time you spend with them. If this is balanced you are doing a great job to them either way. If it is balanced to yourself and significant other (I never want to assume marriage is in your life so this covers that....) is balanced bonus.....

Claire - posted on 08/17/2010

I felt the same and still do esp. after summer holidays. My son will be 3 this September. But work is what pays the bills and gives my son treats etc. I remind myself that not many jobs will give you 13 weeks holiday, every weekend and home by 4pm. You just make the time you have special.

Tara - posted on 08/17/2010

I am in a similar spot with a 14month old that I dont want to leave. What has helped me is taking him to daycare a couple hours a day this week before I go back so he can get use to them and I can get use to being away. It has also allowed me to get stuff ready to go back. I think it is harder this year because he is actually interacting with me but I am excited for him to interact with kids his age. I know how much he grew and developed last year in daycare and am hopeful this year will go as well for him.
Another thing that is helping me is that we are setting a side a night for family time. No work can be brought home. Nothing but what my little guy wants that night.
Best of luck to you.

Tanya - posted on 08/15/2010

@Michelle I loop between 1st and 2nd, but this year I'll be teaching first. I'm actually looking forward to teaching first again this year and having a new group of kids. So sweet.
@Jessica My son is very dependent on nursing emotionally, though it might be an option to give him some milk when I'm gone (especially if my supply drops due to the pregnancy). I also have a bit of a frozen stash I've been building up. I think what I'm dreading most is a drop in milk supply. I've always had more than enough and thinking I can't pump enough is stressful. But it is good to remember that I can supplement with milk if that happens.

@Dara I've looked into nursing during pregnancy. Breastfeeding and pumping have been known to cause contractions, but they are usually small ones, even less strong than Braxton Hicks. Sometimes breastfeeding or pumping causes labor in full term or high risk pregnancy, but most people who nurse through pregnancy have no problems with premature labor. The most common problem is a drop in milk supply or a complete stop in milk production.

Thanks to all of you for your responses! It makes me feel a little better knowing others have mixed feelings, too. Hard to hear that it doesn't get easier as they get bigger, either, but I guess we're luckier than most since we at least get summers and vacations with the kids :)

Michelle - posted on 08/14/2010

What grade do you teach? I teach Pre-k @ a childcare center. I was nervous as heck starting pre-k again. Wondering how the new children were going to behave, the parents (dislike funny acting parents). I thought it was funny that I was so nervous. It's the end of my 1st week and I'm feeling much better (after a very tire'n week)

Dara - posted on 08/13/2010

I know the feeling. I went back to work when my first daughter was just about 1, and it was hard. Fortunately, I was only subbing, so I wasn't working full time with a full teaching load. I would find pumping incredibly difficult though! I am wondering how pumping works when you are pregnant. Doesn't it bring on labor? I have heard this, though I haven't researched it...something to look into. With my second child, I have opted to stay home until she is old enough to go to school, or at least preschool. I found teaching a full course load too much to balance with my family life. Right now I run a day home out of my home so I can still earn an income, but stay at home. It's a tough choice though, but many, many moms do it. I think balance is the key.

Ellenia - posted on 08/13/2010

i gave birth to my daugther on July 22 and I wont be returning to work till september 20 and I am breast feeding....I am a little nervous how that will go once I start to go to work...when I pump I am not getting that much maybe three in a half onces from both breast combined....I dont want to go back either but i have no choice.

Jessica - posted on 08/12/2010

I am also feeling the same way, my oldest will be 3 on the 26th (my first day back) and my baby was born May 24th so I have been of since then. It's going to be really hard to leave them, but I have to remember I get evenings, weekends, and vacations with them and I choose teaching because of the time off and great insurance. I am looking forward to socializing, so I may suggest your son switches to milk when he's one, that's what my oldest did.

Jeannine - posted on 08/11/2010

My youngest is 4 and I still have mixed feelings. Overall, I think it's the best of both worlds though. I have to work-and I love my job, it's great to be with kids ( I teach first too) and my kids get to be with other kids during the day. I am home by 4:00 and have lots of time with them on vacations and evenings. It's a tough balance though-you aren't alone! Good luck.