Not many know me personally but I really need some advice or maybe just reassurance for my situation.
I am 28 and the proud owner of my little man Tobey who is going to be 2 in December. I work full time as a social worker, but last July decided to go to Cosmetology school part time in the evenings and Saturdays. This worked fine because my husband was in college and therefore home at times during the day between classes and such, and also in the evenings when I had school.
My problem is that my husband moved out over Labor Day weekend (his decision) I learned about the news in July and froze my hours (stopped going) at school. So for the past few months it has just been me and Tobey. I already have noticed more anxiety in him- maybe because Jon is gone?? He currently has to be alone Monday-Friday from about 8:30am-5:30pm.
The complicated part and the part that I am most worried about is that I HAVE to finish school. I have about 1,100 hours done out of a 1,500 hour program plus my aunt paid the tuition in full for me so I would be stupid not to finish. I called the school and committed to coming back the first week of November. This will mean that Tuesdays- Thursdays I will be gone from 8:30am- 9:45pm. Over 13 hours!! AND most Saturdays from 8am-5pm.
Now I know LOTS of people post about being worried about leaving their little ones home alone for long hours. I've left him before and I know he will survive. However, I haven't ever had to do it for more than a day or two at once. (it will probably take me good 4 months to finish) My worry is that since this won't be just a "once and a while" type thing, that he will develop more issues being left alone so much. I don't know my neighbors, I can't afford doggy day care or to pay someone to come over and such. Luckily he is potty pad trained. He had access to most of the house- kitchen, living room, and then a few others if I leave the doors open. He doesn't cause any damage thank goodness!!
Ideas for me?? I am worried that he will develop issues because he won't have time to play outside as much and go for walks- therefore expending his energy. Obviously it is only short term. I usually only take him for walks after work, do you think a morning walk would help? He seems to have ENDLESS energy no matter how much he runs in the back yard or how long I walk him....
