Returning to Work:(

I THINK HOW YOU ARE FEELING IS TOTALLY NORMAL. WE AS MOMS DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO DURING THE DAY WHEN EVERYTHING IS BUSY BUT AT NIGHT OUR MINDS WONDER AND WE THINK ABOUT EVERYTHING. WE AS WOMEN ANALYZE THINGS SO MUCH! MY KIDS ARE 8, 2 AND 1 AND STILL SOMETIMES I GET DEPRESSED BECAUSE I DON'T THINK I AM ENOUGH FOR THEM. GOD PUTS THEM IN OUR CARE AND IT IS OUR JOB TO DO THE BEST THAT WE CAN WITH THE KNOWLEDGE HE GIVES US. I AM FORTUNATE ENOUGH THAT RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO START STAYING AT HOME WITH MY KIDS INSTEAD OF LEAVING THEM AT DAYCARE. I WISH YOU LOTS OF LUCK AND JUST WANT TO REASSURE YOU THAT YOU ARE NORMAL!! :)

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

D. Mattern-Muck
The MOM Team
Raise your income and your rugrats at the same time!
www.formyrugrats.com
"The only thing that counts is faith, expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

Hi V.,
I'm sorry you are feeling depressed, is it because you feel like you have missed most of the day with your children? I am not there yet, but I'm going through the reverse of what you are going through. I'm just 2 months pregnant, but my husband and I are relocating to Longview in a month. I am quitting my job and hoping to find another career in Longview... however, I have my doubts about being able to find a good job while pregnant. I could virtually keep the job I have (I work from home) but it really hasn't been a good situation for a very long time. Our relocation is my opportunity to move on. However... to my point (remember, I'm newly pregnant and don't have a handle on my hormones yet!) I get so depressed when I think about "what will I do?" and "how will I ever become dependent on my husband?" and when the baby comes, "will I want to go back to work anyway?" I have a degree and have worked for major corporations, and all of a sudden, I feel so 'Lost.'

For you, I would say that your feelings are VERY normal. It just has to be so hard to leave that new baby in the beginning. I wish you luck in conquering the down moments. Hang in there... it will get better.

Good luck! M.

We can all relate to your feelings...you are totally normal. You actually have a great little time for yourself in the evenings. Find a great book that makes you feel good and read a little before bed. Treat yourself to a hot bubble bath or other relaxing acitivities. Keep a small journal for each of your kids that you can write a little note about them and include the date so you create a neat keepsake for them.

Hope this helps you find some ways to feel better.

You can only take it one day at a time. This is normal for most moms. I had it to after having to leave my son in the care of my mom and go back to school. I promise that things will get better. Just stay positive and only think good thoughts. You are a wonderful mo I bet and your kids are lucky to have you. Stay strong and if you need help call a friend or loved one to talk it out. It will be ok.
-A.-

Hi V.!

I remember those days! When I first went back to work I felt like I just wasn't myself and didn't feel like I could get it together. I know everyone is different, but for me I sort of had this light bulb moment when I realized that working has made me a better mom. I realized that picking my daughter up at the end of each day is the "highlight" of my day and I can spend the rest of the evening just being with her, playing, learning, etc. Each day I look so forward to that time of being together. I never want to be one of those mom's who stays home all day and when Dad comes in the door, Mom says, "Here, take the kid! I need a break!" That is why working "works" for me!

You say that things tend to get bad the end of the day when the house is quiet. Are you thinking or worrying about anything in particular or is it a general feeling of sadness? In either case, it might not hurt to try to talk to a professional. Talking to someone who is unbiased never hurts and a professional can help you sort through your thoughts, emotions, etc. in a very helpful way. Hope this helps! God bless!

I remember that feeling well. I used to cry on my breaks at work in the BATHROOM because I missed my little girl so much while she was at daycare. I was a single mom so I had all the responsibilities and NO time with her to boot...it just made no sense to me. SOOOO I started working at home...I sacrificed a little more time for a short period so that I could replace my income and I've done that several times over in the last five years. I can show you how to do that if you are interested. learn more about me at my blog jenniferbaird.blogspot.com or just message me and I'll share more info.

I went through the same thing, sometimes it helps just to go and lay down with them or hold them when you feel depressed. Try to say busy.

That is very hard. My heart feels for you. After our 2nd child, I was very fortunate that I now work part time. I don't know if that's an option for your career. (I do ultrasound and had to go from hospital work to a doctor's office.) Just a thought. My prayers are with you.

It sounds like you are one of those people who are so use to giving to others that you have a hard time claming "ME" time. I experienced that same thing when my youngest went of to kindergarten. It caused me to look into what do I (JUST ME) enjoy doing. I discovered that writing poetry (something that I had been doing all alone in greeting cards to family members)was a gift that I had not been exploring. I have since had one piece published. With young kids you probably don't have a lot of time for pampering your self. Quiet time is a great opportunity to endulge in rejuvenating from the effects of the day. Those quiet times will become rarer as your chldren began to get a little older. It also wont be long before time spent with friends, sleepovers,etc. will claim their time. So the quiet times are the perfect times to work on "What do I want to do when I grow up".