What about the mom who feels lost at the end of maternity leave?

My maternity leave is over, questions keep spinning in my head.: Should I return to my job and continue my career, or should I wait and stay at home until my child is three years old?

I admit that I’ve found motherhood extremely challenging, especially on the days when my husband works from the office.

My mind can’t stop thinking. I asked those around me, and they seem to fall into two groups based on their experience.

Some sent their children to daycare at an early age—they’re happy and confident in their decision. They see how much their children have developed, how they’ve made friends, and the parents themselves feel more at ease.

Others believe that children should stay at home with their mothers, especially before the age of three. They say young children don’t really need to interact with other kids at that age, they don’t even know how to play with them yet. All they truly need is love and the presence of their parents.

To be fair, I’ve also read many books that say children under the age of three should stay home with their parents, and what made me even more hesitant were the videos I saw on TikTok—those heartbreaking moments when children see their parents after being left at daycare. I cried so much watching those clips.

Looking back, when I used to work, I didn’t enjoy the typical 9-to-5 job. I was eagerly waiting for the moment I could stay at home, take care of myself and my home, and start my own business.

But more than a year has passed, and I still haven’t started my business. My days are filled with breastfeeding, changing diapers, cooking, playing, and dealing with tears. When he finally falls asleep, I’m so exhausted that I just take a shower and go to bed.

You might have noticed that my thoughts might seem messy in this article but it’s simply a reflection of my reality and what’s going on in my mind these days.

I still haven’t made a decision and my maternity leave is over. I would really love to hear your experiences on this topic. Maybe your stories will help guide me toward a decision soon.

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