I have a 3 year old son Mashallah. I still have a year until he starts he starts his pre school officially. Due to some personal reasons, I will have to start working again. I did not work during my pregnancy and after my son was born.
The thought of being apart from him till 5 or 6pm scares me. I was a pre school teacher for a while. And it always broke my heart when working mothers had to leave their children to day care and school where some of them stayed till 7pm in the name of after school. It was hard to see them crying for being apart from their mothers and for not looking forward to their day in daycare. I cant imagine my son go through that. The very thought of this situation brings tears to my eyes.
Him going to regular school and coming back home to me waiting for him is one thing. Him being in school and staying there until i pick him up in the evening is very different.
I homeschooled my son until now. And I want to prepare him for Quran hifz in the future by the will of Allah Inshallah.
I do not have any one from family to help. My question is directed to working mothers of small children. What was your story?
Was it hard for you to stay away from your child?
How comfortable your child is/was staying apart from you?
How did you manage emotionally?
I will really appreciate some feed back on thia situation. I soon have to decide what and how to do it. It will be a big help to get some insight on thia situation.
Thank You
My son was 2 months old when I started working again. He stays with my mum and now MA he is 18 months old. My mums house is opposite to ours so during day time he asks mum to bring him to our house and sits in front porch for some time. He does everyday.
What broke my heart was few days ago after getting ready he asked me to call Nana and said bye to me. He is so used to not having me with him. But once I am hme he wants me to sit with him a nd watch tv.
I didn't know they keep kids in school for that long? Or is it only for preschools that double as daycares? Do regular elementary schools also do this?
I kept a nanny for my kids when I worked. I worked part time from the office and the rest from home. So I was gone 4-5 hours only. The nanny worked out perfectly MA as my kids did not have to leave their home and comfort. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
^ since you worked as a preschool teacher, why don't you try to enroll him at the same school you plan on working? my SIL does that with her daughter and has been doing that for the last 5+ years. her daughter is now in second grade.
Was it hard for you to stay away from your child?
Yes initially but once I got in office and busy with work, I was ok.
How comfortable your child is/was staying apart from you?
choose the place carefully where you believe your child will be comfortable. I think my kids were but then they have been going from an early age
How did you manage emotionally?
As I said, once busy in work, you may not focus entirely on what your child is doing but I have cried in initial days. As the time passes and you see your child happy when you pick them up, it is easier.
Every child is different but I think since your son has been with you for all the 3 years, he may have slightly difficult time initially (or may be not!!).
Choose the pre-school carefully. Have your child interact with the teacher and see how the teacher is with the kids.
My son went to a pre-school and there were 2 teachers in his class. One teacher would take in the kids just starting the school and were crying/sad. She was really good with the kids. Some teachers just have it naturally in them. The other teacher would be getting the kids ready for circle time or some activity.
Even if my son was sad he would go to his teacher and would be ok within 10-15 minutes. I know because I would stand outside the class and wait and make sure. It took him a month to get used to it and then I did not have to wait outside either. There were days when he would not want to go but again he would be ok after a while.
Also in case your son cries, once the teacher has taken him, leave the class immediately. The longer you stay to clam him down, which you might want to do naturally, more difficult it will be for your son to adjust. He may think that the more he cries, the longer you stay.
Visit as many places as you can and meet the teachers and then choose what you feel is best.