I’ve recently gone back to full time work with 2 x toddlers 2 & 3yrs old and I think we’re all struggling. My husband picks them up from childcare at about 4pm and gets dinner ready and says the kids are little angels…then I get home at about 6pm or thereabouts and as soon as I walk in the door the crying and carry on commences! Hubby says it’s like they do a 180 from angels to terrors as soon as they hear my car pull up. I generally dread coming home. Excited to see them as I miss them more than I can express, but the non-stop tantrums and drama until they are finally asleep is so taxing! On all of us. I personally think that after me working for only 2 or 3 days a week for the past couple of years that my going to 5 days a week gone from 7:30am – 6pm is having a major negative affect on them (and just quietly me). I’m 100% sure that they are vieing for my attention with all of the drama, and it breaks my heart that this is what they feel they need to do to ‘get mum’. It’s almost impossible to have 1:1 time with them with the dinner/bath/book/bed routine but I do read to both of them and they do get 10mins of 1;1 before bed, but it doesn’t’ seem to be cutting it for them…and I don’t blame them. I’m seriously thinking that I’ll need to find a new part time job (less money) so that I’m there for my children more. I can’t think of another way. But finding a new job, part time, and to stay in my area of expertise is not going to be easy. I’m sure there are lots of other mums who have been in this position and would like to know what you did that worked? Thanks!
5 Replies
Maybe don't take it personally that time of night is crazy in every household kids are tired and hungry
I could have written the same thing. I have two year old twins and one them is so emotional when I'm around and will burst into tears in the morning while getting ready to go to daycare and gets teary at night when I get home. It's reached the point where I go to work and my husband gets them up, dresses them and drops them off at daycare and he reports no crying and they happily do what he asks. If I'm there, they are crying especially the more emotional one and don't listen.
I have no advice other than I'm in the same boat and I was hoping it would be something they would grow out of.
You didn't mention if this is a recent change going full-time?My daughter did this for a while at first... I think it is their way of dealing with being separated from you. These days I dont even get a bye and what's more when I pick her up the exit takes 20 mims because she has to toilet, put her hat away, help pack up toys etc. Anything to stall leaving in general LOL! Is there some way to make daycare a bit more fun and a bit different? I enrolled my daughter in "happy feet" fitness/dancing and it just changed things up a bit. Could be worth a shot. Maybe they are just a bit bored?
6pm is a crazy time for most families. I study from home and I can guarantee between 5 and 7 pm is hard every night for my toddler and I am with her most of the day.
I work 25 hours a week and only have the one child who is 5, and I find that hard enough! No advice but just wanted to say you're awesome mumma!