Here are some of the reasons it is important to help kids play outside more: 

You get natural vitamin D. Did you know 1 in 4 U.S. adults has low vitamin D (source)? We all need vitamin D to help with bone health, heart disease, depression,and even weight loss. While some people resort to taking supplements with Vitamin D, it can also be obtained naturally – by spending time outside! According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D cannot be absorbed from a window (source). 

Being outside decreases anxiety, stress, and depression. There is a direct correlation with time outside and a decrease in anxiety levels. If your children or teens are experiencing any feelings of stress and anxiety, encouraging them to go outside more could have a positive impact on their mental health. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “participants who took nature walks had a significant increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative emotions following the activity” (source). 

Time outside encourages children to stay physically active. This is important for their overall health and well-being. When children are outside, they are more likely to run, jump, lift, etc. This type of exercise is incredible for promoting physically healthier children. 

Time outside leads to longer attention spans. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you’re incredibly familiar with the (selective) short attention span of children. Sometimes it is incredibly hard to get children to focus and concentrate. Did you know that spending more time outside can help kids have better focus? According to the Attention Restoration Theory, exposure to nature actually helps us concentrate. Instead of fatiguing our minds with distractions from urban settings, nature provides a restorative role, aiding in focus (source).

How Do I Encourage Kids To Want To Go Outside

Volunteer Doing an Outdoor Event

From Great American Cleanup and community gardens to wildlife surveys and tour guides, there are an incredible amount of opportunities to help your kids want to go outside!

Plan outdoor events around good weather

This is a beginner tip to help encourage your kids to want to go outside. If going outside is out of your kids comfort zone, try planning your time outdoors around good weather to start! This is a fun way to remove a barrier and help them more easily enjoy their time. When the weather feels too hot or too cold, it may be harder for kids who do not enjoy being outside to have fun. Planning your outdoor time around mild temperatures is the best way to help your child begin to create a connection with the natural world, and even if they don’t want to go outside at first, they certainly won’t mind as much.  

Utilize outdoor facilities

From new parks to nature conservancies, there is an exorbitant amount of outdoor facilities to help encourage kids to want to go outside. Depending on the age of your child, they may be too young or too old to just go outside in play on their own, so this is a way to have more structured time outdoors. Some of my favorite places to take the kids outdoors include the zoo, parks (of course), and community pools. These, of course, will vary as the colder weather sets in, but bundle up and go for it! You can even try places like farmers’ markets and outdoor malls/shopping centers. Bonus: these places almost always have outdoor games and outdoor space for kids.

Make it fun with outdoor scavenger hunts

I’ve create a few nature scavenger hunts for different age groups! Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive nature walk guide complete with an outdoor scavenger hunt, or just an easy scavenger hunt to do in your neighborhood, I’ve got you covered. Check out these options on my Teachers Pay Teachers store!

Invite others along with you

I call this the accountability buddy! This is an especially helpful tip to encourage kids to want to go outside if you have an older child – invite others along with you! Whether that is other family members, neighbors, some friends/classmates, or even just a friend for you to chat with while you child plays. Inviting others along with you is a great opportunity to hold you accountable to make sure to stick to the commitment of getting outside.

Check out Social Media and Facebook groups to find play groups or groups with similar interests to your child

Use social media to your advantage by finding Facebook groups to find groups of people you can connect with on your journey to spending time outside. I’m incredibly new to using Facebook groups in this way, but I’ve found it so helpful! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures for young kids or just looking for things to do to get your kids away from sitting in front of a screen, Facebook groups can offer you a plethora of options. 

This summer, I recently connected with a Facebook group for toddlers 2-5. We went to new places we had never experienced, met new friends, and had so much fun on play dates with kids the same age as mine. Even though this example is for my younger kids, there are still opportunities for older kids through Facebook groups. Especially if your kids have a particular interest or hobby. Use that as a way to search for groups to join. Another great way to use social media to your advantage to encourage kids to go outside is to use the events tab on social media platforms and enter a keyword. You can also search using hashtags!

Create a reward at the end

This helpful tip works great for older kids and younger kids who don’t spend much time outside, but may need some encouragement to get outside. Is there something your child can look forward to when they get back inside? Or perhaps something you will do after your time outside. For example, perhaps after your time outside, your child can have screen time or play video games for a period of time. During the summer, I use the incentive of getting a cold treat. My children and I will walk to the nearest store and the reward is them being able to pick a snack at the store. If we’re doing an outdoor event, perhaps we’ll get icecream or an icee after the event concludes. 

Romanticize the time

I’m all about romanticizing my life. When I reflect back to my childhood, I realize my mom encouraged us by romanticizing the things we may not want to do, but we needed to do for whatever reason. Romanticizing is a great way to make a task that kids may not want to do, like going outside, more appealing and exciting. Here is how I would suggest romanticizing outdoor time to help kids want to go outside:

Use the 5 senses to talk about what the child will experience. What will the child smell when they are outside? What will they see? What will they hear? Will they be able to taste anything when they go outside? 

How long will your kids be outside? Perhaps you can mention that you will set the timer for 30 minutes, and when the timer goes off, you all will come back inside and move on to another activity. 

Talk about how your child will feel after getting outside. Use mental, physical, and emotional feelings they may experience.  

Dress appropriately for the weather/season

Whether you’re going to a nearby park at a local playground or spending time in a big yard, dress appropriately for the weather/season. This is especially appropriate for inclement weather such as rain, snow, extreme cold weather, etc. Although this tip may seem obvious, it is a simple idea that is often missed and can drastically contribute to why a child may not want to spend time outside. 

Last week, temperatures changed drastically, and we still wanted to go on a nighttime walk. My husband was going to let the kids go outside in the same clothes they had been wearing around the house. I knew that if they were dressed appropriately,y they would start complaining and want to head back inside before we got a decent walk in. So I took the time to dress them appropriately before we went outside, so everyone was more comfortable and could actually enjoy this time. Sometimes this means bringing “just in case clothes” that you may need to add or change your child into. 

Just sit outside

Okay, this is super low-hanging fruit. Literally, just sit outside. This is an effortless idea to encourage your kids to get outside. During my own childhood, I remember hating to go outside. Between the bugs and the humid Virginia weather or snowy Connecticut weather, I much preferred the controlled temperatures of indoors. To get me outside, my mom would just encourage me to sit with her. She would tell me to grab a book, grab a drink, and just come sit. Although I didn’t necessarily look forward to it initially, I eventually began to not only enjoy that time, but also look forward to spending time sitting outside with my mom. It usually turned into conversations, discussions, and a bit of a bonding experience. 

Take the inside, outside

Encourage your kids to go outside by bringing the inside outside! Here’s what I mean: if you don’t have outdoor toys for your kids to play outside, bring some toys from inside! Although it is always great to have toys made for the outdoors, you don’t have to have the latest swing set or picnic table to spend time outside. Bring the same items you kids play with inside, outside! 

Eat outside

This is such an easy and effortless way to spend more time outdoors. I find this especially helpful for older kids. Take your child out to lunch or on a coffee date and sit outside and enjoy your food. Even though this may not be a great outdoor adventure, it does allow your child to be able to experience some time outside a building and get some fresh air and (hopefully) sunshine! 

Unstructured Play

If possible, encourage unstructured play. Again, my kids are young, so I do have to be there to supervise a bit, but I like to give them parameters – don’t go past this or this, everything else is fair game. I sit back and let their imagination run wild! If necessary, I will introduce items like sidewalk chalk or outdoor toys, but usually I let them enjoy imaginative play. 

Kids can get so creative and imaginative if we give them to space to do so. I am fascinated by the way my kids will create their own rules and the games they create when I sit back and let them do their thing. 

If your child struggles to join sports (like me!) or participate in extracurriculars, unstructured play may be for them! Remember to try not to intervene too much and allow them to put their minds to work. 

Make it a family thing

Similar to romanticizing spending time outside, make it a family thing! Instead of your child feeling like you’re forcing them outside or forcing them to turn off their devices, change it into a “this is what our family does”. This may look like a routine – on Saturday mornings, we go for a walk, or after dinner, we have our dessert on the back porch. This can also look like once a month we go on a bike ride, or each family member gets to take turns picking an outdoor activity for the family. 

Encourage Your Kids To Get Messy

As an environmental educator, I always try to add fun to lessons and activities. This often includes water, dirt, and general messiness. While most kids love it, there’s the occasional kids who clearly were not allowed to get dirty at home and refused to do the activity or asks to wash their hands immediately after. 

If you’re looking for a way to encourage your kids to get outdoors, let them get messy! Turn on the house, go outside in the rain, make dirt patties, and let them enjoy themselves. Spend less time worrying about the mess and allow more time for self discovery and free play. 

Take a hike

There a bit of a difference between a hike and a walk. Hikes are a bit longer and can include changes in elevation. Hiking takes a bit of a commitment because it is typically a bit harder than a causal walk, but when I’m hiking I feel so much more submerged in nature and my natural environment. Get on some comfortable shoes or hiking boots, find a trail or nature park and get out for a hike. You can even incorporate games like scavenger hunts, I spy, twenty questions, etc. to make it even more fun. 

Take the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge (source)

Have you heard of this challenge? It’s an awesome idea to challenge families to spend more time outside and less time on screens. According to research, children are spending 1200 hours a year, on average, on screens (source). In order to help to match some of the times students are spending on screens, the 1000 hours outside challenge was created. 

Download the free tracking sheet and get outside! I love the idea of this challenge because it makes it a bit of a competition. How many hours can you do? Can you beat the amount of hours you did last year? Maybe you can even set milestones and rewards once you hit a certain number of hours outside.

Resources To Know About That Will Help Your Kids Want To Go Outside

Read Raising An Outdoor Kid In an Inside World

Get It Here

This in an inspiring book helping to encourage you to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. The author is both knowledgeable and motivating to help you create your own relationship with nature. Although the lifestyle of this author is unique and may not apply to everyone, the principles mentioned in this book still help to cultivate an appreciation for our natural world.

Try a Green Hour (source)

1. In an effort to increase outdoor experiences for kids and parents, the National Wildlife Federation creates new activities and tips each week to encourage kids to want to get outside. Although most activities can be completed in 15-30 minutes, it is encouraged to spend at least one our doing these activities, hence the “Green Hour”. One activity I’m loving for the current colder weather is how to look for signs of winter. I love this activity because it fosters curiosity and has so much room for expansion depending on the age of your child.  

Understand nature-deficit disorder

Nature-deficit disorder was termed by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. According to Louv, elements of our urban settings has caused us to have less time (or time!) in nature. He states this has occurred in both adults and children (source). Activities that have contributed to this change include fewer natural spaces, a car-focused culture, more screen time, changes in the perception of risk, less leisure time, and increased time pressures from work or school (source). 

Based on the lifestyle most of us live in, it is so easy for us to resort to spending more time indoors. However, this is why it is even more important for us to make sure we are doing our best to connect with nature and get outside! In order for us to have empathy to protect our environment, we must create our own relationship and love ofr it. 

For more information on Nature-Deficit Disorder, check out Last Child In the Woods by Richard Louv. 

Patience is Key

Accept that if you child currently doesn’t like going outside, this won’t be an incredibly easy task at first. Just like in adulthood, there are things we just don’t want to do. Sometimes in life, we have to do things begrudgingly.

Regardless of their dislike of going outside for whatever reason, it is still our job to encourage kids to want to go outside. Not only for the benefits of getting your child outside, but also because it is important to create a routine in which children feel a part of nature. 

Please leave a comment below to let me know your best tips!

Spoiler alert: the rumors are true! Cloth diapering is an amazing choice for your baby. By the end of this post, you’ll learn more about why I highly recommend cloth diapers. Cloth diapers can be beneficial for your baby, your family, and your wallet.

This post is all about the benefits of cloth diapers!

Benefit # 1: Cloth diapering saves you at least a thousand dollars

Let’s start with the big one, shall we? For my family, this is one of the top benefits of cloth diapers. Cloth diapering can save you at least $1,000! I’m not sure about you, but I could you use an extra thousand dollars.

If you’ve heard that cloth diapering is expensive, the reason may be because you will need to pay for the cost of your cloth diapers upfront. This is different than disposable diapers because most often, you buy as needed.

Here is a cost breakdown of cloth diapers versus disposable diapers:

• Disposable Diapers $70/month x 24 months = $1,680
• Cloth Diapers $40 (per diaper set of six) x five (sets of diapers) = $200

Although there are other supplies you may want to purchase for your cloth diaper baby, the total still will not be more than that of disposable diapers. Once the investment is made, there is no need to continue purchasing.

Benefit # 2: Cloth diaper sare more stylish and made with better material

Now, let’s best honest for a minute, one of the best things about having a new baby is the cute clothes! The onesies, the bows, the matching pieces. Cloth diapers are one more way to add style to your child’s wardrobe. Cloth diapers have vibrant colors, beautiful patterns, and cute messages. These adorable styles are the exact baby accessory item you didn’t even realize you were missing. While stylish diapers may seem small, it is one of my favorite benefits of cloth diapers.

Before you say you don’t care about the design of diapers, consider that even disposable diapers have designs. From Mickey Mouse and Sesame Street to cactus prints and farm animals, designs on diapers is not new. The difference is, cloth diapers have the most dynamic and irresistible patterns and colors for every occasion!

Benefit # 3: Versitilitiy

You don’t have to stick to one type of cloth diaper. Versatility and flexibility are one of the many benefits of cloth diapers. There are so many different types of cloth diapers! Yes, cloth diapering goes beyond the “old school” sheets and safety pins. As you can see from the section above, cloth diapers are so adorable! What’s more, they’re versatile. Here are the different types of cloth diapers:

Flats

• Flats are the traditional type of cloth diapers
• Pros: fast washing/drying and very inexpensive
• Cons: requires folding; you’ll need pins or snaps to keep it in place

Prefolds

• Prefold diapers are similar to flats, but they are …prefolded! Making it easier to get the traditional diaper shape before placing it on your baby
• Pros: fast washing/drying, very inexpensive, and easier to fold
• Cons: you’ll need pins or snaps to keep it in place

Fitted

• These are already in the shape of a diaper
• Pros: no folding required
• Cons: need a waterproof cover

Pocket

• These are my personal favorite! The outside is waterproof and the inside is stuffed with absorbent liners
• Pros: no folding, or extra purchase needed for absorbance
• Cons: diaper inserts must be “stuffed”

All In One

• The reusable disposable diaper
• Pros: no stuffing, folding, or pins
• Cons: can be more pricey; longer dry time

All In Twos

• These are all-in-one diapers with an extra insert
• Pros: extremely absorbent
• Cons: insert must be stuffed before the diaper is used and cleanup can be time-consuming.

Benefit # 4: Cloth diapers are better for your baby’s skin

Our baby’s skin is so sensitive. From the waxy coating that covers their body when we have them to the random burst of baby acne, we know that baby’s skin goes through so many changes.

In fact, approximately 50% to 65% of babies will suffer from diaper rash at some time in their life (source). According to research, there is a correlation between the type of diapers and the way that it impacts your baby’s skin. This study showed that traditional diapers, such as Pampers Pure Protection had a higher prevalence of diaper rash than more “natural diapers”, such as Honest.

Taking it one step further, cloth diapers are even more natural. When considering diapers, keep in mind one of the benefits of cloth diapers is that they do not contain the same amount of chemicals and ingredients as cloth diapers do. This is a great benefit of cloth diapers because it means that your baby has a smaller risk of exposure to chemicals.

Benefit # 5: Cloth diapers are zero waste

Have you heard of the zero waste movement? The EPA defines zero waste as a system-wide approach that seeks to maximize recycling, minimize waste, reduce consumption, and ensure that products are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled back into the environment or marketplace.

While I personally don’t consider myself zero waste, I make a considerable effort to reduce the amount of waste I produce. When you purchase your cloth diaper, it may come in some wasteful packing, but the cloth diapers themselves are zero waste. In addition, you don’t create new waste with each time you use the diaper.

For example, every time I use a disposable diaper, I’m adding waste to the landfill. According to research, diapers take approximately 500 years to break down. This means a diaper my child was in for two hours will be on the Earth for 500 years – unless it is incinerated. When you think about the fact that each baby uses at least 1500 disposable diapers a year, that’s a lot of diapers that will be around for a very long time.

Benefit # 6: Cloth diapring eliminates the task of constantly buying diapers

“As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.”

Have you ever found yourself out of diapers and having to make early morning (or late night) run to the store to get more? One of the benefits of cloth diapers is that it eliminates the urgency to need to go to the store and buy more diapers. However, this does mean you have to remain diligent with washing to make sure you have diapers available.

One of the greatest senses of comfort for me with cloth diapering is knowing that I don’t have to purchase another diaper if I didn’t want to. One of the most important aspects of being more environmentally friendly is reducing what you purchase.

Benefit # 7: Cloth diapers are better for the environment

Yes, cloth diapers are better for the environment.

This is personally one of my favorite benefits of cloth diapers. Using cloth diapers significantly reduces your waste. This is important because when we throw away items, such as disposable diapers, they are sent to the landfill where they never really break down (or will take hundreds of years!) and creates methane gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is contributing to our warming climate.

In addition, disposable diapers use up to 3.5 times more energy to make than reusable diapers (The Sustainablish Guide to Green Living).

Many people ask, don’t cloth diapers use a lot of water? Aren’t cloth diapers just as bad for the environment? Yes, using reusable diapers uses water. However, the use of water to clean cloth diapers does not make them less sustainable than disposable diapers. The environmental impact of disposable diapers far outweighs that of cloth diapers.

Here are some ways to make cloth diapering even better for the environment:

• Wash on cold
• Wash with other clothing
• Buy cloth diapers second hand
• Donate/giveaway cloth diapers to others when you’re done
• Don’t buy too many cloth diapers (over consumption is not good for the environment, even if it is a sustianble product)
• Air dry or line dry, if possible

Benefit # 8: Cloth diapering reduces your carbon footprint

Reducing your carbon footprint is another one of the benefits of cloth diapering.

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions (source). Currently, our average carbon footprint in the United States is about 16 tons per person while globally the average is 2 tons per person. One of the ways to help slow down the rate of climate change is to reduce our carbon footprint.

How much we purchase and how much we waste are major contributors to our carbon footprint. In addition, when comparing reusables to disposables, reusables show greenhouse gas emission savings and lower global warming potential impacts (source).

Calculate your carbon footprint here!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the 8 benefits of cloth diapers every mom should know!

Did you know about these benefits? There are so many myths and stigmas associated with cloth diapering. Before you reject the idea of cloth diapering your baby, do lots of research and understand the many benefits of cloth diapers!

Other Blog Posts You May Like:

• Ultimate Guide To Cloth Diapering
• The Best Ways to Deal With Poop in Cloth Diapers
• A Step By Step Pocket Cloth Diaper Tutorial For New Cloth Diapering Parents
• Tips for Cloth Diapering Beginners

If you’re anything like me you’re feeling elated, fearful, and severely anxious all at the same time.

After spending so much time on maternity leave with your little one, deciding to get back into the workforce is a big deal. I was ready to be an adult again. I craved the ability to have adult conversations, drink a cup of coffee in the hallway while catching up with coworkers, receive validation for the hard work I was putting in and the work I was producing, and do a job that I loved.

On the other hand, the thought of separating from my child for more than a few hours literally pained me. That being said, Baby Boy was not going to survive on breastmilk forever and I needed to help put food on the table for our family.

It was time to go back to work.

If you’re reading this, you’ve either already returned to work after having your baby or you’re anticipating (and probably dreading) your return to work.

Here’s the thing: for most of us, returning to work after maternity leave is not easy. Take comfort in the fact that so many of us do return to work, have a healthy transition, build new routines, and find ways to cope peacefully.

Maternity Leave Facts in the United States

• Out of 41 other countries, the United States is the only country without a national paid maternity, paternity, or parental leave. – The Guardian.
• California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia all have state-mandated paid leave plans in place. –PEW Research
• In March 2018, 17 percent of all civilian workers had access to paid family leave, and 89 percent had access to unpaid family leave. – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
• According to a 2018 study, paid family leave was available to 25 percent of state and local government workers, and 94 percent had access to unpaid leave. – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Seven-in-ten moms with kids younger than 18 were in the labor force in 2015. – PEW Research
• Mothers are the primary breadwinners in four-in-ten U.S. families. – PEW Research

I list these facts here, not to create a sense of guilt, or make you want to pack your bags and move to another country, but to reassure you, you are not alone in your feelings. There are many women who have been in the same position as you.

Here are some practical tips to prepare to return to work after maternity leave

1. Release Your Emotions

When you return to work after maternity leave, it is okay to cry.

I will venture to say there is a 99.9% chance you will cry at some point during your transition from full-time momma to working parent.

I want to be completely honest when I say this…when I returned back to work after my 12 weeks of maternity leave, I sobbed.

You know the kind of crying where you start hyperventilating a little and your eyes get all big and puffy?

Yeah, that was me.

I cried the night before I returned to work in anticipation of returning to work, on the way to drop him off that morning, on the way to work that morning, and I even shed a few tears on my lunch break while strolling through pictures of him.

I don’t want to sound totally sad and depressed or scare anyone into thinking returning to work after a baby is impossible, I only say this to be truthful and open.

What I’ve found is that it is okay to cry.

In fact, I think it is healthy to express your emotions.

According to research, crying helps to self-soothe, triggers the need for support from others, relieves stress, and aids sleep.

Admit to yourself that the transition may take some time to get comfortable and don’t be afraid to let those tears out. BIG GIRLS DO CRY!

Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed of your tears and emotions. Embrace them! Give yourself some time and know that what you are feeling with ease up.

2. Find Your Morning Motivation

For me, coffee is motivating. There is something about a delicious cup of coffee that makes me feel motivated, inspired, and ready to conqueor whatever the day has for me.

What is your morning motivation? A podcast? A fresh cup of tea? A morning jog? Reading a devotional?

In order to prepare to return to work after maternity leave, identify what brings you joy in the morning!

By the time we get back to work most of our sweet bundles of joy aren’t sleeping through the night. If you’re anything like me, you’re not getting more than three hours of consistent sleep a night.

Hearing that alarm go off in the morning to head into work when you’re used to determine your own schedule for the day can be difficult and put you in a funk.

On top of that, you have to show up at work with a smile on your face, energy to complete tasks, and enough social enthusiasm to interact with other adults who have gotten 6-8 hours of consistent sleep.

I began drinking a small cup of cold brew in the morning on the way to drop off the baby and when I got to work I would indulge in coffee in my reusable cup.

Whatever brings you joy in the morning – do that!

3. Purchase a Planner

New planner, who dis?! I bought myself a new planner and the stickers to go with it. Although I live by my Outlook calendar, I still have so much fun writing on a paper calendar.

Planning out my day allows me to stay organized and intentional about where I’m dedicating my time so I can maximize time with my son.

Planning ahead helps minimize anxiety and uncertainty. When preparing to return to work after maternity leave it is important to keep in mind that your previous schedule will most likely change dramatically.

Help ease some of the tension involved in your new transition by planning out your week.

4. Update your work wardrobe

Try to purchase (or thrift) a few new staple pieces for your work wardrobe!

Having a set work wardrobe helps to reduce decision fatigue and makes you feel your best. By week 12, I still wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be with my weight and body and couldn’t fit into some of my old work clothes.

Instead of sticking with the three pairs of pants I actually felt comfortable in or forcing myself to wear my too-big maternity clothes, I updated my wardrobe altogether.

I gathered all the items I knew I probably would never fit into again – these were the items I could barely fit into pre-pregnancy (am I alone here or do we all keep clothes that are too small hoping to fit into them someday?!) and donated them.

I then planned a shopping trip two weeks before I returned back to work to update my work wardrobe.

To make it special, we made a family day out of it! We drove up to Williamsburg, went to the outlets, went out to dinner, and made a stop at Williamsburg Winery on the way back. It was so much fun and I was actually excited about wearing my outfits back to work.

When I returned home, my closet was cleaned and organized from donating my old clothes.

Having an updated wardrobe really helped me find joy in my return to work after maternity leave. I completely avoided the frustration of trying on a bunch of clothes that didn’t fit properly when I was already sad, anxious, and in a hurry.

In addition, when you look good, you feel good. Physically being ready for work helps you mentally get on the same page.

Pro Tip: Pick out your wardrobe for the week on Sunday. Look at your professional planner to see what you have coming up for the week and plan your outfits accordingly.

You can even do this for the baby! It saves time in the morning and helps you mentally prepare for what is to come!

5. Rejuvenate your workspace.

Jazz up your workspace to feel happy and inspired!

Let’s be honest, most of us would rather be home cuddled with our little one than at work, but if we have to return to work after maternity leave, why not do it in a space that makes you want to be there?

Easy office update ideas:

1. Frame updated photos of your family, friends and of course, your little one.
2. Add plants or trinkets to give your office a chic flare.
3. Purchase a mouse pad with your favorite family pictures from Shutterfly.
4. Change the background on your computer to an inspiring quote, a picture of your baby, or even a goal you’re working towards like a trip to Disney or a visit to the mountains – literally whatever inspires you.

My favorite place to look for these items is the Dollar Spot at Target and thrift stores.

The smallest upgrades can totally elevated my desk space.

6. Do a Practice Run

As you’ve probably noticed throughout this post, preparation is key to help ease into your return to work after maternity leave.

Before you jump right into work, try doing a few practices runs!

Here are some suggestions:

• Take a drive to your job to remember how long it takes to get there (don’t forget to calculate traffic time)
• Drive to your child care provider and then to work to become familiar with the route
• Start waking up at the time you would be getting up for work. Get your baby into the habit of waking up at that time too.
• Do the whole routine, waking up early, packing the bags for work, driving to daycare, and then work – all of it.

Make yourself familiar with what is to come. This will help you mentally prepare and ease some of the tension you are bound to feel with your new routine. It will also prepare your baby for what is to come.

7. Incorporate Mommy and baby time before work.

To get more time with your baby before work, start your morning routine earlier!

For me, this meant that by the time Baby Boy was awake, I was fully dressed, packed up, and ready to walk out of the door. That way, the rest of the time I had in the morning was completely dedicated to him.

Those few extra minutes with him had a dramatic impact on my day!

How can you plan your day to make time for bonding before you go off to work?

One tip is to try to dedicate an extra 10 minutes or more to quality time with the baby instead of rushing through the motions to get out of the house. Rushing triggers anxiety which negatively contributes to our already overwhelmed mental state.

8. Try To Get Excited!

I know. This is a tough one. It is very possible you’re not only fearful to return to work after maternity leave, you may also be depressed.

Focus on the reasons you are returning to work and the positives of the return.

Getting through a tough time is all about perspective. Add some fun and excitement to the mix to lighten the situation and give yourself something to look forward to.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about how to prepare for your return to work after maternity leave.

Yes, you will probably cry. Yes, you will scroll through the thousands of pictures you’ve taken over the last three months. You may even feel some mom guilt. And all of that is OKAY! You are allowed to feel that way – just don’t dwell in it. Allow yourself to be excited about returning to work.

How are you preparing to return to work after maternity leave? If you’ve already returned back to work, do you have any tips to share?

Remember, you can do this! You’re not alone.