thinking DS will be happier if I go back to work

[skinsl]

DS is 2.4, I have been SAHM and loved it. Recently we have discussed me going back to work, for money reasons. I am really against this, makes me want to cry every time I think about it. But that's just cos I would be sad not to spend that time with DS.I think he might be happier at nursery.
ATM we are having problems with eating, sleeping, tantrums, tv and just started potty training. I am seriously starting to think that if he was in nursery all day with more structure and with his friends then some of these problems might be sorted.

anyone any thoughts? I'm really struggling with this so apologies if I have upset any working mums or SAHM's.

It may be that he'd benefit from more structure and interaction, though that wouldn't necessarily need to be all day every day. It sounds as though you're having problems right across the board, which suggests you need to make some changes - is he bored/not getting enough attention/not getting enough consistency....? I would think about all those things rather than automatically assume that he needs to be in nursery all day every day.

One thing that strikes me: if you're really upset to the point of wanting to cry at the thought of work, that's perhaps transmitting itself to your son, which must be stressful for him. You're right - it is your issue about not wanting to work, nothing to do with your son, so maybe look at what it is that worries you do much about the prospect of getting back into the workplace. Try to rationalise it and be less stressed and your ds may become calmer too.

I think that whatever soloution you choose is entirely up to you.

For me, when I thought DD was starting to get ... bored just being at home with me I started her at a local nursery that ran from 9.30 to 12.30 for three mornings a week.
She got used to a bit more structure and had loads of fun and play. I got a bit of time to do the dull stuff at home and take a bit oftime doing things that I wanted to so I was picking her up having missed her and refreshed.

Could you do something like that for a short while and see how you both like it?
It may make the return to work call easier and feel less of a huge step for both of you.

Thanks ladies. Pagwatch,he goes to nursery a couple of afternoons a week. I did that because I didn't want him to be really clingy with me, and so that he would have some playmates. He loves it. We go swimming, we go to the park, we go to soft play. He is very active and never sits still. i think generally he needs more stimulation. I do try!
I think things have come to a head because when we are at home the poor child has been restricted to one room over the last couple of weeks because we have the builders in. He gets told off for going out of the room( cos its not safe or clean) and the naughty step is out of action! The problems aren't recent problems, they are just things that need to be sorted.eg he resists eating with fork and spoon and has reverted to eating with fingers!!
violet- i hear what you say about my stress transferring to him, but I'm generally very laid back with him, I think it's my stress at the bloody builders!!!

Would be interested to hear how people felt after going back to work?

I was dreading going back to work, really not looking forward to it, but glad I did. It wasn't so hard to do despite the emotional aspect. My baby enjoys it, and I know it's not a bad place for her to be - so much variety and interaction. So for her, I'm happy. But....

I'm having practical issues that are making me feel like giving up work, as much as my baby is loving nursery, she's always ill, so I've had to take a lot of time off. I'm hoping it'll sort itself out soon.

skinsl

DD was the same. I took her out everyday and we did loads but I still found a nursery for her in the mornings once she was two and a bit because she was just endlessly on the go.
She is 7 now and is still exactly the same - comes home from two hours gym and wants to 'make something'....