How do I balance work and missing my baby? Not had to before…

[JKDcot]

Hi

I have a 20 month old son and since he was born when I returned to work I WFH. We have a nanny so he is out and about but I get to see him and spend time with him everyday. It’s one of the few blessing that Covid brought to me that hybrid working has become more acceptable.

I’ve just started a new job where I’ve committed to 2 days in the office. However the commute means I am out 7am-7pm. I assume this is normal life from how it would have been pre Covid, but it means I don’t see my baby at all for 2 days as he is asleep.

I am so not used to this and basically devastated at the reality of it. I couldn’t do
More than 2 days a week not seeing him at all??? I know this used to be normal but I want to please ask other mums how do you cope? I’m considering just trying to find a fully WFH job. But then stuck thinking how I do need to try and get some normality back for me.

Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks

You're right, this was life pre pandemic for working parents.

I missed my son loads when I was working full time, but I got used to it. We made weekends special and tried to keep them clear for family time.

It gets easier I promise.

Also as he gets older he’ll be awake a little longer. Our bedtime was always 30 mins after I got in so I would drink a cup of tea on the way so I was fully ready to go. Come home, bag off, wash hands and 30 mins of undivided attention and same in the morning. I would switch my phone off.
My mother who worked once told me that kids don’t need ‘quality’ time- meaningful stuff. They just need time. And if you are working don’t try to compensate. On the weekends etc just be there.

Also can your other half finish earlier on those two days? DH and I take turns even now (kids are 10 and 5) to finish early so the kids aren’t in daycare for long stretches.