Making going back to work easier on myelf ...

[likessleep]

... I start back in March, when DS will be 17 months old. I think psychologically, now we are past Xmas, it suddenly seems very close and I am getting nervous. I know DS will be fine at CM, she seems ace and I am confident in her. But I am starting to feel emotional about leaving him. I know this is totally normal, but I wondered if anyone has any tips to making the transition easier. The thought of it is bringing a lump to my throat, which sounds ridiculous and totally self-indulgent, I am lucky to have been a full-time mum for 17 months.
Any hints/tips? Or is it just a case of get on with it?
Thanks

Whoops, myself, not myelf

the build up to it is MUCH worse than actually going back to work.
honestly its never as bad as you think.
i used to get really teary at the thought of leaving my son (i went back when he was 14 months old) but 6 months later its all working well. hes is very very happy. and im earning the money i need to earn...

thank you madeindevon2, that is very reassuring. i hope ds doesn't take long to settle in. dh is going to do drop offs/pick up initially, so i don't start blubbing in front of ds!

thats a good idea! i drop off and pick up from my sisters (she takes my son to nursery and picks up due to my hours)
never any tears!
but i used to find it hard dropping him off before i started work (hes been going 1 day a week since about 9 months....)

I would suggest taking him the CM for a few days before you go back to work as much as possible. It will give you confidence in leaving him there with a dry eye. Don't worry about this leaving you with less time with PFB as you can get all the cleaning, shopping, washing etc so when LO comes back you have nothing to do but be woth them.

PS why not come and see us ont he support thread!

Thanks LoveBeingAMummyKissingSanta, I am sure I'll be a regular on here come March in floods of tears! You're right, we're planning on a settling in period ... for all of our benefits

tbh when I went back on mondya t wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. I'm on a phased return to ft, and was worried about leaving her for 4 hours FFS I've left her longer to go shopping!!!!!!!!!