On Monday....

[NewChoos]

feeling a bit sick. Don't want to leave him but don't think I have a SAHM either.
I'm sure the worry beforehand is worse than the reality? Someone please reassure me :)
Plans are all in place, work can be flexible re hours (at the moment) as I have loads of leave to take.
Public sector worker though (NHS) and so don't feel very secure in job. Can always retrain though??!
My mind is all over the place......

and he'll only nap with bf and on his Dad. How will nursery get him to nap?
I have tried PUPD to no avail.
Oh I ma getting into a panic now.

How old is your LO? I've been back properly for two weeks. My DD only naps with bf or daddy cuddles too. But nursery managed to get her to sleep. She also learned to take a bottle and a spoon when she refuses both from me.

She isn't all beaming and happy in nursery yet. She still cries when I drop her off. But I peep through the window when I pick her up, she's not crying. I'm sure she will get more and more used to it.

DS is 8mo. That sounds positive, hope your DD continues to settle well.

My DD is 8mo too. I do feel she's very young to be away from me . But I'm sure that's how every mum thinks, no matter how old the child is!

It's just so hard isn't it :( Are you working full time?

Yes

See how it goes . You can always give yourself permission to change your mind if things don't work out as you expect.

Nursery will find their own way with naps etc. Things will be different for your little one when you're not around, but the most important thing is that they are loving and responsive to what she needs. She may need cuddling or rocking to sleep in place of bf, or perhaps she may develop an attachment to a soft toy, or become familiar with a pattern of being put into a sleeping bag and listening to music in a quiet room. Or something totally different -some children need pushing in a buggy for instance. What matters is that they respond to her as an individual and keep in close contact with you about how things are going.

Good luck!

D'oh! I obviously mean he not she
Sorry

lilham you are doing your best for your family. I hope things seem easier soon.
MoTeaVate Thank you very much for the advice. I'm just worried they will think he's hard work. He's not, he's completely adorable but he does need a lot of entertainment and it is a struggle to get him to sleep. I'm worried they'll get impatient with him.

I'm going back to work on Monday too... Ahh! Actually it's a new job as my previous employer refused my request for flexible/part time working.

Is is terrible that I am really looking forward to it? DD is 17 months and I have loved being at home with her, but I know it is time to get a bit of the old me back (for both of us..) and I think that she will benefit from being at nursery. Her settling in has been a bit traumatic - she still cries when I drop her off, and intermittently during the day, but the staff have been brilliant. They seem to love all the little ones, no matter how challenging, and never get impatient.

Good luck on Monday and I'm sure it will all be fine.

Newchoos have you told them this worries you? Have you asked them how they intend to handle the situation and explained your preferences? What makes you think they might get impatient? These people are childcare professionals and you need to have confidence that they will follow your instructions, carry out your requests and have your child's best interests at heart just as you would. I know it's hard when you're at the beginning of developing a relationship with them, but you do need to feel comfortable trusting them. If you are not, then are you sure you've found the right childcare for your family? You are paying them, and should expect them to communicate properly and honestly about your childs needs and what they can and can't do for him. All babies are hard work . The behaviour you describe is entirely age-appropriate and normal. Tbh if they don't recognise it as such then I think you have wider concerns.

All nurseries are required by law to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. This requires them to work in partnership with parents and recognises each child as unique. A key person will be expected to develop a secure and loving relationship with your child, working in partnership with his parents with the aim of ensuring continuity between all those who care for him. It is full of statements like "Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them.". Your child is used to being breastfed to sleep. He will most likely need adult 1-2-1 help to go to sleep. This is normal.

How did it go? I hope you both had a good day

Sorry didn't get back to you this thread sooner. It's going ok although we have changed to my work nursery and so this means commuting with DS but we are going to trial for a few months. DS is only doing a few hours settling in at the moment, so we are v early days.
Work in itself is fine - although politics are the same! And the acting up woman now as a severe attitude now I am back...... I am just trying to adjust at the moment and not rush into anything. Am keeping options open, have heard of job possibility nearer home for later this year. Will probably apply if job is confirmed.
Thanks for the support!