After having been with the children for many years and after being a mother, when you turn to your profession, you have to prepare your kids to accept your nonpresence. Here are a few tips to prepare your kids when go back to work.
Bernadette Lemoine is a psychologist, psychotherapist, and consultant on separation anxiety for parents and educators. According to her, there are three magic words moms need to keep in mind: anticipate, reassure, and listen.
“Three weeks’ notice is not enough,” she says. “It’s too late. You have to anticipate it very early on, so the child has time to get used to the idea. Moms may not realize it, but it’s a major change in a child’s life.”
Second, and very importantly, parents must reassure their children at all costs. “They particularly need to feel their mother’s love for them more than anything else. For example, she might say, ‘Just because I’m not around as much anymore doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I will always be there for you, no matter what happens. Know that I still love you even when I’m not with you’.”
The third essential point: you must still be available for your child, and stay attentive to him or her.
“When I went back to work after a 16-year break, I was much stressed out,” says Emma. “I worked every day until 11 p.m., and sometimes on weekends. I couldn’t balance my work and family life.”
For Bernadette Lemoine, to keep a balance with your family and career do give time to your children. This kind of situation should be avoided at all costs, having time together is important for you and your family. Even if we work, we must not lose sight of the fact that children still need their parents.”