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Home › Articles › For and About You › Moms At Work

Moms At Work

Making A Smooth Transition

By Mary Dixon Weidler

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Moms should also investigate shift work to make sure the hours they are at work are the ones that are best for them. Bookstore manager Paula Dundore of New Port Richey, Fla. prefers the flexibility in working any shift. "Sometimes I work a morning shift and am home by the time my children get home from school," Dundore says. "Other times I am gone evenings and not back until after they're asleep. I prefer nights at my job, but I do miss the kids."

A Smooth Transition
After setting up childcare, negotiating with your employer and setting a schedule with your spouse, you should focus on the most important step: making sure your child can readily handle this transition. If possible, take them to your workplace before your first day, so they understand where Mom will be. It's also helpful to allow your child a day or two at daycare or with the babysitter before you go to work. This may help avoid additional stress when the "big day" actually comes.

Explain your job to your children in terms they understand. If your attitude about work is positive, theirs will be too, which will go far in creating a good work ethic in your children. Emphasize that family still comes first by honoring "their time" as much as possible. Also let children that you are always attainable to them if they need you. If possible, arrange a time for a phone call during a break so they know you're just a dial away.

And when you're with them, make it parenting time, not a continuation of work. "When I'm with my kids, I try to shut other things out and spend time talking, reading, playing and cuddling," says Kim Meredith, a personal assistant and mom of two from Kennewick, Wash. "Even though I work, I do anything to let my kids know they're the most important thing to me."

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