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Tips for Adjusting at WorkWhen a partner is home for parental leave, it isn%u2019t unusual for that person to do more of the cooking, cleaningand mental load. Often, this doesn%u2019t shift back without clear communication around expectations. It is vital toplan and develop a new routine. Everyone needs to be aware of their responsibilities, so the work is sharedfairly.Accept offers of help from family and friends.Create a back-up plan in case something unexpected happens. For example, what if someone gets sick or ifchildcare falls through?Give yourself more time in the morning to avoid that %u201crushed%u201d feeling for everyone.Prepare whatever you can the night before.Be deliberate about your time with your child. Think about how and when you will have rewarding time. Will it bein the evenings? Mornings before you go? Facetime when you%u2019re at work?A final word about %u201cmental load,%u201d also known as invisible labour - it is keeping track of what needs to be donewhen managing a household and family. It isn%u2019t the tangible, physical chores and tasks, but the planning aroundthose. Do what you can to account for this when you are dividing up responsibilities. An example may be thatthe person that plans the meals for the week is the one that makes the grocery list and does the groceryshopping, while the person that is responsible for daycare drop off ensures the diaper bag is packed anddaycare special events and activities are prepared for.Returning to Work After Baby is a booklet with helpful tips and informationwww.beststart.org/resources/wrkplc_health/pdf/Return_to_Work_ENG_Final.pdfTips for Adjusting Your Child to ChildcareTry a %u201cdry run,%u201d getting everyone up and out the door on time. Ensuring you have enough time in themorning, and having your child try out the new place before you return to work/school makes the transitioneasier for everyone!Sometimes bringing a special toy or blanket from home makes the transition easier.When it%u2019s time to leave, hand your child to the care provider, rather than having the provider take yourtoddler. This is more reassuring to your toddler.Say good-bye cheerfully and quickly. Let your child know when you will be back, and keep your bodylanguage relaxed, so your child picks up your positive energy.Don%u2019t have lengthy goodbyes, this only makes things more difficult for both of you, but avoid the temptationto sneak away, this can make future drop-offs more difficult. If you need to know how long it takes yourchild to settle, have the caregiver call you at work when that happens.Review the new routine with your child a day or two before. This helps to prepare them for change.There may be some tears when you come to collect your child at the end of the day. Children tend to getfussier when their parents return to pick them up. Don%u2019t assume they have been this way all day, or that theyare angry at you for leaving them.Make a list of emergency contact numbers for your childcare provider. Include your child%u2019s OHIP number,healthcare provider, and an alternate contact if you cannot be reached.