excited about new job but sad about stuff like first day back at school

[BuiltForComfort]

I am thrilled to have got a job, what's more a term-time job, but I've just realised that when ds goes back to start a new year, have a new teacher, see friends again after long holidays I won't be there with him. Will have to be a grandparent (am a lone parent). I feel really sad about this, and really bad for ds - it is daunting going back to school and I want to support him. But that would mean asking for an hour off work on my second day!

How does everyone else manage these things? Do your ds mind / notice?

I know how you feel and have been there myself. I think you just have to accept from the beginning that once you go back to work you can't do everything. Your ds will have their loving grandparent there instead, think how special that will be for them. Family is there to support you, I'm sure they will love to help. Also it's much better that you will be working term time and can look after him and do fun stuff in the holidays .

Thank you - everything you say is true!

It's hard sometimes, but you can always give him support before the day itself and talk to him about it afterwards. He'll know that you care about him and how his day goes. If another family member can attend the special events with him, that's great - the three of you can talk about it afterwards. Congratulations on your job too!