Returning to Work?

After taking time off from your career to be a stay-at-home parent you are now returning to work. Your children will be in school all day, so you don't have to worry about child care during the school day. Well, at least you won't have to worry about it most days. Of course, children get sick, there are vacations, and holidays. Ask yourself the following questions to find out what advanced planning you will have to do before returning to work.

• Where will your children go after school?

• What will you do if your child is sick and can't go to school?

• What will you do if your child gets sick in school and must go home?

• What will your children do during the summer?

• What will you do on school holidays and half-days?

• Who will help your child with his or her homework?

• How will you and your child feel if you can't take part in events that allow parent participation?

• If you have older children who can stay alone, are there a set of rules to which they must adhere in your absence?

Don't be discouraged if you don't know the answers to these questions immediately. You can get help and figure things out before you return to work:

• Ask other working parents in your community for advice.

• Find out if your school district has afterschool programs — many do.

• Investigate community-based afterschool programs.

• Network with some stay-at- home parents who you can count on in an emergency.