Going back to work is always a hard decision, but as life gets more expensive, it is sometimes something that has to be done.  Bear with me and I will show you that having others look after your child is not damaging, as seen in my example.

I was at home with my first son until he was nearly school age.  He is smart, starting talking early, walking at 11months and I did enjoy being with him, but did find that he did pick up a lot of my bad habits, which I guess is normal too.  By kindy age because I did not leave him with others I found the separation difficult not only for myself, but also for him.  It took him a while to adjust, but he eventually loved going and I help make it seem exciting and cool.

Now with my second son, I had to go back to work when he was almost 2.  He had to go into childcare 3 times a week, as I do not have family who could take him.  Now 3, I do not see much of a difference between my 2 sons except that the separation anxiety was not as bad with the second.  He too is very smart and reached all his learning milestones when my other son did, if not earlier.  He comes home from Child Care singing nursery rhymes, talking about his friends and what he did.

I think the best advice I can give is make the time you do spend with your children quality time.  I read to them both before bed for at least 10mins everyday, make a big fuss and throw a party when they behave well or say please or thankyou - they even ask to leave the table.  I also found a wonderful child care centre that did not have constantly changing staff, great communication and helped cuddle and reassure my child.  I guess after looking back I am happy I had both experiences and learnt that even if you do go back to work early, it can make the time you do spend with that much more important. 

As for balancing both - prepare the night before, which saves hectic mornings and just remember that the dishes can always be done later - your children are very important and time with them beats scrubbing and cleaning anyday.

Hi, I know exactly how you feel, I work full time as well.... but I do work at home which means I see me 3 year old son regularly. From your sons point of view he wont care too much....he will be so busy with family and friends at day care (lets face it 3 year olds need to be entertained). Just make his bed time special time together....read a book or talk about his day together.

Don't feel bad you have to do what you have to do....he'll have a good time and you need to be able to talk to adults too. And when you get home you'll be so excited to see him, your time together will be special & happy.

Just think it's better than me... having my son at home every day bothering me every 10 mins for food or showing me his toys :-) and trying to pottie train him...some days can be really hard.