By April Littleton
At the Summer TCA Party in L.A., Homeland actress Claire Danes told UsMagazine.com she’s still “figuring out” how to balance her career with motherhood. “I was in my cozy mommy bubble. I was anxious about returning to work. I had all sorts of exaggerated fears, I think the biggest one being, “Oh god, will I ever want to work again?” Danes, who has been married to Hugh Dancy since 2009, often brings her 7-month-old son to set and the first-time parents take turns being their son’s primary caretaker.
When is it the right time to go back to work post-baby?
Cupid’s Advice:
Figuring out when you should go back to work after having a baby is probably one of the toughest decision you’ll have to make as a parent. You want to be there for your child, but you also have to be able to take care and provide for your little bundle of joy. If you’re not able to be a stay-at-home parent, Cupid has some advice:
1. Finances: Staying at home with your new baby might not be an option for you, in fact, for most parents it’s not a choice they have. Depending on what your partner does for a living, one income may not be enough with an additional family member now in the mix. Add up all of your funds and see if you’re able to living comfortably with just your partner’s money coming in, if not, find someone you trust to look after your baby. Start off by working part-time or work from home if your job allows it.
2. Emotionally ready: It’s very hard to detach yourself from your child, especially when he/she is first born. If you’re just not comfortable letting someone else watch your baby for a few hours out of the day, then don’t go back to work just yet. However, you’re not going to know how you feel about being away from your kid if you haven’t given it a chance. Don’t worry, you’ll miss them more than they miss you.
3. You’ve thought about it: Logically, you know it’s the best thing for you and your family for you to go back to work. Think about how many hours you’re willing to work. Maybe you and your partner can come up with a schedule where one of you is still at home with the baby. If you have thought about an arrangement that works best for the family, you’re ready to go back to your 9 to 5.
When did you know it was the right time to go back to work post-baby? Share your experience below.
