TIPS FOR NEW WORKING MUMS

• Be open with your employer about what you want when you come back to work

– if you are afraid to ask for what you want no one will end up being happy. • Keep in mind why you are going to work – remember that by doing so you are

helping to provide a better life for your child. • Accept that grief and guilt will come into play when you return to work. • Allow a transition period for yourself and your child to help everyone to settle in

to a new routine. • Be flexible – sometimes you will need to work outside of your agreed hours and

have to make alternative childcare arrangements. • Don’t worry about your child being in day care. They will eventually sleep there,

eat their food and not cry when you leave. • Be an advocate for your family. Make it clear to your colleagues, suppliers and other business contacts what your working hours are if you are not working full time. It is also normal not to be doing work on your day off if unless it is super urgent. • Don’t judge other mums. It is ok to be a stay-at-home mum just as it is a working mum. All mums need support from other parents – not “judgey looks” for the choices they are making. • Finally, remember that sometimes you can’t do it all. Some things will have to slip or be deprioritised – maybe that means that your house is not as clean and pristine as it used to be.