is it normal to be this apprehensive?

[olivo]

i am going back to work after easter and am really fretting about it. my dd will be nearly 8 months and is starting nursery tomorrow, for some trial sessions. i know she will like nursery - she just loves sitting and watching the other babies at mum and baby groups - and a couple of my friends' los go to the same nursery and are thrilled with it. i think i'm being selfish as it is actually myself i am worrying about - how will i manage everything (i'm a teacher btw), particularly preparing and marking etc, as well as spending some quality time with dd and dh. i found out last week that as well as my usual, i'll also be teaching a subject i havent taught before which is going to mean extra planning and prep.

i guess what i am looking for, is someone to tell me it'll all be ok. tell me your positive stories ......please!!

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thanks dior. i guess deep down i know it'll all work out as it does for millions of other women, but still really scared!!

I know exactly how you feel. I returned to work last August when my DD was 10 months. I was full of apprehension on how she wouod be/ how would I be/ would our relationship be the same. Its all worked out really well. DD goes to nursry twice a week and loves it. I was changing her this morning and saud it's nursery today and she said "yeahhhhhhhhh". Good luck. You will be fine.

thanks micegg. dd has done a couple of hours yesterday and today at nursery and she was great. i'm gradually getting my head together on the whole thing. i see from a couple of other threads that i'm not alone!

I'm really reassured to read this. I'm due to go back to work at the end of May/beginning of June and am still negotiating hours etc. It's the whole going back to work thing that is threatening to ruin what time I have left off - I find myself really starting to dread it. It's not a bad job, and relatively well paid so if I can get the hours I know I will be really lucky. It's just that I don't want to go! I've had friends return and really enjoy it, and my DS will no doubt really enjoy nursery. So I take much encouragement from those posters who say that it does work out, and that I should remain positive for the time left!

Olivo: was just about to start a thread on returning to work after Easter . I'm nervous too but hoping feebly that all will be fine. Are you back on Tuesday?

swizzler, i'm back on monday 16th (that date has been torturing me since Christmas!!). have been into work to sort a few things and am dreading it once again.

wishing you all luck, who are in the same boat - come back and compare notes!!

Done it twice, when babies were 7 months and its not been too bad. Once at the desk I find I can switch off and focus on my job.

Its absolutely lovely to see them again at the end of the day though.

For me, working

Raises my self esteem
Makes me feel valued
Makes me feel respected
Gives me an intellectual challenge
Keeps me at the top of my field after years of hard work and studying
Gives me a sense of belonging within the immediate team/site/organisation
Enables me to be someone other than mummy/housewife
Gives me a varied social life both in work and outside
Pays for lots of nice things for the children and me/husband

Lots of benefits for the children too such as making new friends, probably doing more interesting things than they would with me in the day, learning new skills (social and academic), going on nice holidays and days out plus variety for them.

I'm due to return after a year off with my third next month and I am looking forward to it though there is also an element of apprehension but I know that won't last.

Good luck