Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Mrs. Janzen is Back . . . TOMORROW!

Today is my last day as a Stay at Home Mom.  I go back for "new teacher" inservice for two days before the rest of the staff starts next Monday.  How do I feel?  Excited! And a little nervous that a wall of responsibility/deadlines are going to hit me square in the face and knock me out.  Ha!

I've truly enjoyed staying at home with Linnea.  She is so much fun but man am I excited to teach again.  It has been my passion and even my hobby since I was a little girl.  I'm a little nervous that I've forgotten how to teach but then I remember I've been teaching since I could talk.  Lining my baby dolls up for lessons in my bedroom and finding teacher's edition books at garage sales.  Teaching is in my blood and I haven't forgotten how to do it.  I might have forgotten how to get up early on a regular basis, be on my feet all day and constantly be working on school things (physically or mentally) but I haven't forgotten how to teach.

Jake is taking some parental leave/vacation over the next few weeks at least part of the day to take care of Linnea while I transition back to work.  He is staying home with Linnea two full days this week since her daycare doesn't start back up again until next week.  I am PUMPED about him staying home with her.  I wish it was longer than two days. I really want him to fully understand all the ins and outs of being a stay at home parent but as he mentioned yesterday he doesn't think he'll ever have as long of a mental to do list as I do no matter how long he stays at home 😉 (probably because his memory is awful).  Other than taking care of Linnea (which isn't a small job) he is also going to in charge of groceries, making dinner, running errands, cleaning the apartment and doing laundry. At least, that is the plan. I have to actually let go of all of that and let him do it (which is going to be easier said than done) and be okay with the way he does it even if it is different than the way I do it. I'm going to go ahead and say this last step will probably be the hardest part of going back to work.

Jake never put pressure on me to do things while he was at work.  He didn't leave me with a list of things to accomplish.  I did that to myself.  I'm not sure I'll be able do that, if I'm being honest.

Am I going to miss Linnea?  Of course.  But you know what? This last week I've cherished our time more than I have in a while because I knew our unlimited time together was going to be more limited once I'm back at work. I've been more present and mindful of our time together than I have in a while.  I know it will be hard being away from her but I know the time we have together will be really special.  Plus, she loves preschool and is going to have so much fun!
I feel like living in Stockholm I've been given the gift to choose whether I'd like to stay at home or go back to work.  In the US, teachers make so little and daycare is so expensive I feel like you basically work to pay someone to take care of your child (especially once you have more than one).  Daycare here is about $150 a month and it includes diapers, lunch and snacks.  Did I mention you also get a child allowance each month that practically covers the full cost of daycare each month? You can use it for diapers, food, supplies, whatever you need.  It is directly deposited into your account each month because the government understands that it is expensive to take care of a child.  My point is, I like that I can work if I want to and it isn't a financial burden on my family now that we have a child who needs daycare.

I'm sure the next month is going to be tiring, stressful and full of adjustments but I'm excited to be back in the classroom again.  I'll be making a difference in the lives of my students at the same time I'm able to be Linnea's mama!  Here's to a great school year! Mrs. Janzen is BACK!

2 comments:

  1. Lexi truly loved having you as a teacher, so I know those kiddos are in for a treat! Good for you for making a decision that makes you happy. Also, I love what the countries over there do for families. Good luck and have fun!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Cara! That means a lot. Lexi definitely left an imprint on my heart. I hope she has a great school year!

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