How To Handle Returning to Work as a Mother

As some of you know, I am a teacher’s aide at a public school. I had the luxury of staying home for the summer and getting paid throughout. It was a blessing that I didn’t know I needed. However, summer is coming to an end and I go back to work on Monday. This transition will be easier than returning from maternity leave, but not easy at all. I figured that I would create a post on how to handle returning to work as a mother.

Try To Stay Away From Your Phone

We all want to take as many pictures as we can. I know that I seriously need to do some decluttering of our photos. My advice is to try and be “in the moment” as much as possible. If you can, have your spouse or significant other take pictures for you. If there is no one else living with you, you can set up videos to take. I know it’s not ideal but the point is to be in the moment with your kids.

Get Your Sleep Schedule Back On Track

Let’s face it, I can be the first to say that my sleep schedule this summer has been terrible. It started out great – I was waking up at 5am, going to the gym, and starting my day bright and early. It is not ending that way though. My advice is to take the last week to get back into the motion of waking up early for work. By doing this, you’re getting your body prepared and you aren’t starting your first day groggy and instead, ready to take on new challenges. Self care is super huge in this aspect so I have linked my self-care essentials from amazon here!

Do What Makes You Happy

This is the most crucial one, in my opinion. As mothers, we tend to put our wants and needs on the backburner for our kids. This is your last week before you are stuck behind a desk, or on the road, or wherever you work. You should be allowed to eat out twice a week or take a spontaneous road trip or whatever you want. You won’t have as much time as you had while away from work so take advantage of it! If you have a partner or someone who can watch your baby, let them! Also, let yourself enjoy your freedom.

Start Evening Routines Special To You

I am big on having a routine in my home. Bedtime is crucial in my household because it gives us all time to wind down. Dito gets a bath, with time to splash, and then we collectively hang out in his room, read a chapter of Harry Potter, and destress from the day. It’s a small thing, but it’s big to me because I love connecting with him and taking the time to spend with him. I work all day and we typically don’t get home until about 5 or 6 p.m. and it’s nice to take advantage of the time that we have together before he has to go to bed.

Don’t See Your Job As A Problem

Huge disclaimer: I say this only if your job is not problematic. I’ve had my fair share of horrible bosses and career situations. However, I am in a position that I love and see myself moving up in my career. I am sad to not be with my son everyday but I am also excited to get back to my career. My career is a part of who I am just as much as being a mother. If you can relate to this, don’t let the negative thoughts creep in. If you love your career and are excited to get back, keep that excitement! You are allowed to feel more than one feeling. Once you’ve accepted that, go back and read the other tips too.

You Got This!

As a mom, I’ve learned a lot about motherhood as well as about myself. To read about my transition to motherhood, you can read it here. Above all, going back to work shouldn’t be this scary feeling. It should be a new adventure. Motherhood is only one hat that you wear and even though you wear it fabulously, you are more than just a mother. I hope you rock your first day back at work and I would love to hear all about it.