Yesterday, you could hear the wind howling outside, the sound shaking the glass of your windows. They said snow was coming. Though just a light dusting was in the forecast, the cold chill was a sign that Winter would soon be making its appearance.

Fall is not over, but October is at its end. The first week of November will fly by and then I will be facing changes of my own. I’ve been a single parent for a year now. The relationship between my son and I is very strong. He has developed quite an attachment to me, as he should because I am his mother, however, I will be starting a new job soon. With that comes separation. Our time feels short. 

Though I know that I need to do this full time career choice to be able to provide for us, I do not like the idea of seeing him for just a few hours of the day. It makes me feel like a bad parent. And I am curious to know how he will handle our situation. 

I know I am not the only parent in the world who has had to deal with this. I know it’s going to take a lot of patience and strength. I am trying my best to prepare him for the change in our schedule and our time together, while also preparing myself. I have been out of traditional work for over a year and half. I feel isolated from the adult world. And I hope I don’t have any issues transferring back. 

For you single parents out there who have had to face this, do you have any advice? My son is three, and already without a father figure majority of the time, how do I let him know that our relationship has not, will not, change? 

Is it normal to be excited to get back to work, but also feel a little bit of a mess because you know you’re going to miss your child? Am I making the right decision? Should I try part time first, and just go all in and see what happens? 

In the end, the conclusion is I want to be the mother I can be. I want to provide all that he needs, but be there for him in any way, for all things. Is that possible? 

I just don’t want to fail.