I had read stories that upon returning to work after extended leave, others experienced the same lack of confidence. I remember thinking that wouldn’t be me, but even six months back on the job, I still sometimes felt that nervous knot in my stomach.

For new parents getting back into the flow of things can be tricky to navigate. Here are some confidence-boosting tips that could help you when returning to teaching:

actively plan your return

I made sure I arranged a time to catch up with my director before returning, away from the workplace. I asked if there were any changes to be aware of and the top priorities for me when I returned so I could be prepared.

If you work in early learning, you can take a similar approach to realign yourself with your role and any changes that may have happened while you were on leave - from new procedures to new faces. Meeting up in a casual, non-workplace environment with your centre director or supervisor allows you to ask questions and tackle those nerves you may be experiencing.

This meeting also helped me organise my first week back and set a clear goal for the first few months. I felt I had achieved something, which helped me return with enthusiasm and confidence.

be prepared to ask for help

Going back to work after a significant time away often goes hand in hand with not knowing what’s what anymore, as naturally, things change for a year. It’s normal to feel lost! So prepare yourself to ask for help, and don’t shy away from turning to your colleagues or director for clarity.

Acquaint yourself with the new staff in your centre and reconnect with those you knew before leaving. It’s a great way to set up a support network to fall back on.

embrace change

Try to leave behind your “this is what I used to do” attitude and focus on the present. Look at what’s stayed the same and what might be different. By doing this, you can identify what aspects of the centre’s management you may want to be involved in and what skills or ideas you can bring to the table.

Finding new ways to add value or build on your current skills will help grow your confidence as you find your feet again.

For everyone headed back to work after maternity leave, you will feel like second-guessing your choices, and you will need to ask for help and support, but that will open up more conversations and the ability to embrace change.

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