The Thing About Separation Anxiety - Addressing Your Parental Concerns.
So, you’ve been on this beautiful journey called parenthood for a little while, and now the reality is seeping in—it’s time to think about going back to work.
But the idea of being away from your child for long periods every workday, makes your heart race. You find yourself breaking out in sweats in the middle of the night just thinking about it.
The thought of handing over your precious bundle of joy to the care of strangers is enough to make you consider alternative work plans…or a complete career change (yes, even that career you worked so hard to build and once loved you much).
Separation anxiety isn’t something only children experience—a lot of parents struggle with it too.
The Thing About Separation Anxiety
Most children will cry the first time you leave them in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people—it’s quite natural and expected.
If you think about how much time you spend bonding at home with your child in their initial stage of life, this reaction is normal.
It doesn’t make you a bad parent. It’s a sign that you have a strong connection— a ‘healthy’ relationship—with your child.
And childcare professionals will be the first to tell you that children often settle down quickly after you leave.
It’s just that those first goodbyes are always the hardest, both for them…and for you.
That’s what makes stepping away feel so daunting at first.
The good news is, you don’t have to give up on your career, or make drastic changes to your lifestyle if you are not prepared to. Some strategies and solutions can help you and your child transition smoothly.
Addressing Your Parental Concerns.
As you get closer to returning to work, you might be thinking How will I feel? Am I really ready? Is traditional daycare the right choice for us? These questions are all part of the natural process of adjusting. No one ever feels fully prepared the first time they leave their child in someone else’s care.
So, how can you ease your mind and gain clarity?
Do in-depth research: Investigate childcare options available to you—whether it’s traditional daycare, family daycare, or alternative setups like co-working spaces with built-in childcare.
Talk to other parents: Find other parents who’ve gone through the same thing. Their experiences and advice can help you make more informed decisions about your own situation.
Take tours and arrange trial days: Some things can’t be fully understood on paper—it’s often about the atmosphere and how a place feels when you’re physically there. Visit potential childcare centres or co-working spaces and set up trial days to help both you and your child get familiar with the new environment.
A Flexible Childcare Solution
Finding the right childcare solution for you and your family will depend on many factors, including what you do for a living.
If you’re self-employed or have a flexible work arrangement with your employer, co-working spaces with built-in childcare will ensure you get the better of both worlds—a space where you can work productively while still remaining close to your child. Many parents who come to BubbaDesk tell us our setup has been a game-changer for maintaining work-life balance. Read what they have to say here.
The key to alleviating some of the separation anxiety you might be feeling right now is to start envisioning what life will look like for you and your child once you return to work.
And while the transition might feel overwhelming, remember that it’s part of creating a new chapter for you and your family.
You don’t have to fall in love with the process, but you can certainly fall in love with the outcome—watching your child thrive in a nurturing environment while you reclaim some professional balance.
