How Does Going Back to Work Change After a Second Child

Jennifer Landis - 14 Feb 19

After surviving bringing their first baby into the world, many moms believe that having their second and subsequent children gets easier. While this holds true in some ways, in others, the second baby brings their own unique set of challenges.

One such challenge? Going back to work after baby number two. The line on when to return to work after a second childbirth blurs, especially for moms who have children close together and now care for two younger-than-school-aged children. Regardless of when you choose to return to the workforce, you’ll note that returning to work after a second child changes things significantly.

Be Adaptable

Advances in technology mean the world of work changes in an ever-increasing pace. Women returning to work after a second pregnancy may discover that they barely recognize their work stations or many of their new coworkers. This holds particularly true when a woman takes a bit longer time before returning to the workforce due to caring for not one, but two tykes.

Career counselors suggest acting with more confidence than you may actually feel upon returning to the workforce. Due to unfortunate stereotypes, acting uncertain sends the message that you may no longer be up to performing your duties. Avoid this misconception by asking appropriate questions, but ignore the impostor syndrome by approaching all workplace interactions assertively and appropriately.

Investigate Flex Options

Fortunately, the same technological advances which bring rapid-fire changes can benefit moms trying to ease themselves back into the workplace. More and more industries have adopted flexible work arrangements to help employees balance work and home life.

Flexible work arrangements take several forms. Some employers permit at least some leeway in hours worked, so parents can set their schedules to report to work a bit earlier and then leave earlier to meet the daycare pick up time.

Other employers allow their workers to telecommute either all or part of the time. Moms opting for a telecommuting option save a lot of driving time that takes them away from their kids longer. However, remote workers should take care not to neglect their employment duties by caring for kids while on the clock, so do schedule uninterrupted work times when another adult is available to help with child care.

Select Appropriate Child Care

Nothing distracts working moms more than worrying about their children’s safety. Moms returning to work can assuage these fears by selecting a reputable child care facility for their kiddos.

When selecting a child care facility, speak up and ask the facility managers questions galore until your mind feels at ease. Inquire about the child to caretaker ratio. Is it a full day or a half day? Studies show that children who attend preschool for a full day have higher literacy rates than those who attend half days. Does the facility have an adequate safety plan in the event of a fire or other disaster? What other safety precautions does the facility take to protect their young charges?

Let Technology Bring Peace of Mind

Why not harness the power of technology to make checking in on your children possible any time of day so that your mind can focus on other things? Many daycare centers now provide cameras in all childcare areas which parents can access through an app on their phone to instantly check in on their children. Moms who have hired a nanny or an au pair can utilize nanny cams to make sure their child receives the best care.

Eliminate Mom Guilt

Finally, many moms suffer unnecessary guilt about returning to the workforce during their child’s formative years. Avoid falling prey to mom guilt by reminding yourself of all the benefits both you and your kids derive from you returning to work. Obviously, earning additional income helps, but quality daycare programs ease children’s sense of separation anxiety while offering a solid educational foundation for their early school years.

The decision of when to return to work remains highly personal. There’s no one correct or best time to make the transition. But by keeping in mind the differences between returning to the workforce with one child versus two, women can ease their children and themselves through all the changes.

Jennifer Landis

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