Returning to work after spending time at home with your little one can stir up all kinds of emotions - excitement, guilt, relief, anxiety, and everything in between. Whether you're going back full-time or just a few days a week, this change is big - for both of you.
If you’re finding it hard to imagine someone else caring for your child, or if you’re second-guessing your decision to go back - please know this: you're not alone, and these feelings are normal. Many of us at Milestones are parents too, and we’ve supported thousands of families through this exact transition. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be supported - and that’s where we come in.
Let Yourself Feel What You’re Feeling
This isn’t just a practical shift in your daily schedule - it’s an emotional one, too. You may feel proud of returning to work, while also grieving the closeness of those early days at home. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re human.
💛 Tip: Write down or voice-record your feelings, even briefly, before your first day. Acknowledging your emotions helps release some of the pressure.
Transition Gently, Not Perfectly
There’s no gold medal for powering through the first drop-off with dry eyes. If you cry in the car afterward - many do. If your child cries - again, normal. Transitions take time. What matters is that your child is supported, and so are you.
Tip: If you can, ease in gradually. A few shorter days at first can help your child feel more secure, and give you space to adjust, too. You can also plan a little self-care on those early return-to-work days, even if it’s just a coffee alone or a walk before your shift.
Our Settling In guide includes tips from real parents and educators to help you through those first few weeks.
Trust Grows One Drop-Off at a Time
At Milestones, helping children form strong, positive bonds with their educators is a core part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum. Our team takes the time to understand your child’s personality, comfort items, and routines - whether that’s a dummy at nap time, a special toy from home, or cuddles to start the day.
Tip: Create a simple goodbye ritual, like a high-five, a kiss on the hand, or a “See you after storytime!”, to help your child feel secure with consistency.
Your Child’s Safe Place (and Yours Too)
We understand how hard it is to walk away if you’re not 100% sure your child is safe and happy. That’s why we make child safety our top priority. Our Safety Commitment means every educator is trained in child protection, our centres have secure entry, and we exceed supervision standards at all times.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or raise concerns. You deserve to feel confident in your child’s environment. Bring our Childcare Centre Checklist on your tour - it’s designed to help you ask the right questions and compare options with confidence.
Stay Close, Even When You’re Apart
You might worry about missing milestones while you're at work. That’s why we prioritise communication. Our educators share updates, photos, and key moments during the day, so you’re never left wondering. Learn more about how we stay in touch.
Tip: Create a shared moment before or after care, like looking through photos together, or letting your child tell you one “favourite thing” from their day.
Practical Prep to Ease the Juggle
Feeling mentally organised can help ease the emotional load. Try getting everything ready the night before, so the mornings feel calmer.
Tip: Use our What to Bring to Childcare checklist to pack your child’s bag. And don’t forget comfort items, like a soft toy!
Meals are another thing off your plate - literally. Our Healthy Menu ensures your child gets fresh, nourishing meals that support their growth and energy for play.
Reclaiming Confidence - As a Parent and a Professional
There’s a quiet kind of strength in choosing what’s right for you and your family. Returning to work isn’t about leaving your child behind - it’s about expanding your world while still nurturing theirs.
💛 Tip: Remind yourself that being a loving, present parent and a dedicated professional are not opposites. They’re different parts of who you are.
We’re Here When You’re Ready
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you take the first step. If you're still exploring your options, we’d love to meet you. Find your local Milestones centre and book a tour at a time that suits you.
Our team will walk you through how to enrol, answer any questions you have (big or small), and provide a simple breakdown of child care costs, including how the Child Care Subsidy can help.
We’ll be here when you're ready, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.