Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Dropping Your Child at Daycare for the First Time
- Nadia Renata
- Aug 30, 2025
- 5 min read
As you pull into the parking lot for the first time in months, your heart may race and your stomach flip; and that is perfectly normal.
Returning to work after maternity leave is a milestone filled with pride, hope and excitement, but it also brings a swirl of emotions that can feel overwhelming.
Guilt.
Anxiety.
Sadness.
Relief.
Fear.
All of it is normal.
You might worry about leaving your child, juggling work, and being “enough” in every space. And let’s not forget the expectations around you from family, neighbours, colleagues and even social media can make you feel scrutinised.
In Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean, we have strong opinions about parenting. Remember: choosing what’s best for your child and for your own well-being is not selfish; it’s necessary
This day is about YOU, mom. Not your child. Your feelings, your mindset, your self-care and your resilience are just as important as your child’s first steps into daycare.
This is your guide to stepping into this transition with confidence, calm and self-compassion.
1. Name Your Feelings, Don’t Suppress Them
Acknowledging what you feel is the first step to managing it. Take a few minutes to journal, voice record or talk to someone you trust. Ask yourself:
“What am I really feeling right now?”
“What part of this worries me most?”
“How can I give myself compassion in this moment?”
Naming emotions reduces their intensity. Feeling anxious or guilty doesn’t make you a bad mom. It makes you human.
2. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally for Drop-Off
Your energy sets the tone. Children are sensitive to your mood, but even more important is how you feel about yourself. Start your morning with a ritual to centre yourself:
Mindful breathing or visualisation: see a calm morning, a confident drop-off and a smooth transition.
A short affirmation: “I am capable. I am calm. I am present.”
A grounding routine: a quiet cup of tea, a stretch or a few minutes in nature.
This isn’t indulgence. It’s essential emotional preparation for both you and your child.
3. Redefine What “Success” Looks Like
The first day back won’t be perfect. You may forget an item, feel rushed or shed a silent tear in the car. That’s okay. Success isn’t perfection. It’s showing up with love, patience and consistency.
Small wins matter:
You left your child knowing they are safe.
You handled your anxiety with intention.
You gave yourself space to transition without self-judgment.
Celebrate these moments. They’re building your resilience.
4. Use Your Post-Drop-Off Time Wisely
Instead of jumping straight into work, take 5–10 minutes to reset your energy:
Stretch, breathe or take a short walk.
Reflect on your feelings and acknowledge your courage.
Set a small intention for the day: “I will be present. I will manage my energy. I will show up for myself and my child.”
Even a few minutes of mindfulness can dramatically reduce anxiety and set a positive tone for the day.
5. Maintain Connection During the Day
If it helps, send a short, loving text to your child’s caregiver or a brief video message, just a word of reassurance. This lets your child know you’re present even from afar and gives you a moment to breathe and feel connected.
6. Seek Support and Connection
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Talk to partners, family, friends or colleagues about your emotions. Joining a support group of returning moms or simply sharing your feelings can normalize your experience and provide practical insights.
7. Reflect and Celebrate in the Evening
After work, take time to reconnect with yourself:
Ask: “What did I do well today?”
Notice how you managed transitions, emotions and responsibilities.
Celebrate your courage and perseverance.
Evening Ritual Ideas: light a candle, play your favourite music or sip a warm drink while reflecting. Treat yourself to a lovely dessert, a short walk or a few minutes reading, as a reward for showing up and managing the transition.
It’s normal to feel waves of guilt or sudden anxiety even after preparation. Keep a small journal or voice note handy to quickly jot down your feelings; it helps externalize them and reduces their intensity.
8. Remember: You Matter Too
Returning to work is not only about your child’s development; it’s about your own journey. Your career, your passions, your sense of identity and your emotional well-being are important. The calmer, more grounded and more confident you are, the more your child will feel secure, too.
"Returning to work is not just a step for your career. It is a moment to show yourself love, courage and resilience. Your courage is not measured by perfection, but by the love, patience and presence you show, for your child and for yourself." – Nadia Renata | Audacious Evolution
Courage, Calm, and Connection: Your First Day Back
Returning to work after maternity leave is a courageous step. By acknowledging your emotions, practising self-care and embracing patience and self-compassion, you step into this new chapter fully; ready to thrive as a mom, a professional and a human being.
Affirmation: "I honour my feelings, trust my choices and step into this new chapter with calm confidence. I am enough, just as I am." – Nadia Renata | Audacious Evolution
Download Your First-Day-Back Checklist
Returning to work after maternity leave is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between preparing your child for daycare and getting yourself ready for the day ahead, it’s easy to feel rushed, anxious, or like you might forget something important.
This First-Day-Back Checklist is designed with you, mom, in mind. It provides simple, step-by-step guidance for the night before and the morning of drop-off, helping you stay organised, calm and confident.
Using this checklist will:
Reduce stress and last-minute panic.
Help you feel prepared and grounded.
Support your emotional well-being as you navigate this transition.
Ensure your child’s first day back is smooth, while keeping your own needs front and centre.
Think of this tool as a gentle companion for your first day back, a practical, loving guide to help you show up for your child and yourself with confidence and grace.
Stay tuned for more articles, tools and affirmations to help you navigate your child's first days of school with confidence and purpose.
Enjoyed reading this and want more from Audacious Evolution?
Discover reflections, insights and inspiration across Body, Mind, Spirit and Community.
Follow Audacious Evolution on your favourite social media platform –
Comments