Tips For Working Parents: Infants to 3 Years
When your child is a baby or preschooler, you may feel especially guilty about working. You may blame parenting troubles on your job and think, ‘‘If I weren’t working, Johnny would have walked sooner, or behave better.’’ But all parents feel certain concerns whether they’re working or not.
Babies: 0–3 years
Babies are completely dependent on adults—for food, comfort, stimulation, affection, and security. It’s normal for parents to feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility and attachment for their babies, and you may be unprepared for the loss you feel when you and your baby must part.
If Your Hurdle Is...
Often the first hurdle parents face is leaving their baby with a child care provider. Even if you’ve checked references, observed the provider, and chosen well, it’s common to feel that no one could possibly replace you. And whether your baby cries or not, you get upset and have trouble leaving.
Train Yourself to...
To ease this ‘‘separation anxiety’’ always say good-bye directly to your baby, and say that you will return at a certain time. Even at this young age, your child will understand your reassuring tone of voice. This will help you establish trust, continuity, and a basis for lifelong communication.
Managing Child Care
Many parents worry that the child care they have chosen isn’t good enough. If you feel this way, close your eyes and imagine leaving your baby with the caregiver. If you can’t imagine yourself doing this, try getting to know your caregiver better so that you can develop a more trusting relationship.