First day at Childminder - feel broken-hearted

[BlueberrySea]

Just looking for a hand hold and to hear this gets easier!

My girl (1yo) started with her childminder this morning - only three hours! I am going back to work after maternity leave next week and she will be going three full days a week.

I love my job and it's very important to me to carry on working, but I have loved my year of being with her every day and I missed her so much. I feel broken hearted that it's ending and someone else will be looking after her.

Does this get better?! 😢

Oh it is hard but you will both get used to it! I’m in the same position with my youngest and it’s breaking my heart to leave him crying at nursery every morning. However I can remember this passing very quick with my older ones so hang in there.

Honestly it does get better, have a little cry and then get stuck into something to try to distract yourself.

With DS I had to go back to work. I went straight in to conference and was so busy that I hardly thought of him all day (felt guilty about that!). He really enjoyed nursery too.

My DD was 17months when I went back to work. I do 2 full days a week, term time only. She's been going now for 4 months and loves it.
We did 3 settling in sessions in the fortnight before and she enjoys being with the other children. Our childminder does lots of things with them, so I feel she's getting different activities to the ones we do together. For us, a childminder works well as it's home from home.
I've enjoyed being back at work as well and using my brain again. I don't worry about her now, so know she's being very well looked after. I also have a nice chunk of time with my her as well in the week.
I'm sure it will get better for you both.

It’s 9 years since I left DD1 with the childminder for the first time. But reading your post brought it back to me like it was yesterday! I was absolutely heartbroken. It was just as bad the second time with DD2.

Yes it does get easier. The first day is the hardest. The first week is tough. The first month hurts. But it gets better. And your lovely girl will flourish in her new environment while still having all the love and security of her home with you.

My two DDs are still home loving girls. And they still go to the childminder’s 4 mornings a week for breakfast and the school run - and they love it!

to you OP. I know exactly what you’re going through.

My ds is 3 and has been with me all the time as I gave up work when he was born. It was his first day at nursery today (only 2.5 hours) and despite being very ready for a few hours break, yes I did sob all the way home. I too feel sad that this phase of our life is over, I will miss him!!

My DS was absolutely delighted to go & he cried when I picked him up .

Yes it gets easier. My third and last baby started with her cm yesterday. I’ve been through the tears with all three of them and had a cry with each one too. They do settle and you’ll be glad you kept a job you like once you have a 3yo who adores cm/nursery.. and eventually school! It’s hard when they are so little but it gets easier.. and easier again the older they get

I started back to work yesterday and for the previous month DS was settling in with the childminder 2 x half days a week and it was fine, although first day I did cry a little.
I think its so hard because you spend almost 24/7 with them and that maternity leave is such a special bonding time you never get back.
Now I am actually back at work, its hard because its full days and I am back full time :-(. I do feel ready to be back at work but also miss him so much! His Granny will look after him 1 day a week.
I just worry his routine will be disrupted and he might end up liking the childminder more than me!! I know its good for him, but I wish I was part time.
Anyway I am only back to work for 8 weeks because I am pregnant with baby number 2 and due a few weeks after DS 1st birthday lol so I will have him back at home with me once we settle with newborn.
After this baby I am definitely not going back full time.

Mine is starting next month
We are trying CM because nursery didnt suit him when he was younger
I am so nervous I might be sick

How did it go OP?

you sound a lovely mummy, im a childminder and had many a mum like you walk through my door , had them cry on my shoulder too and had them say to me a few months later that going back to work was a good decision , happy confident and very loved children , now to teach yourself and the little one that this is going to be more than ok !! start planning some lovely things to look forward too with your little one