With school holidays well under way and autumn looming, a lot of mums will be thinking about the prospect of their children starting school or nursery in September.

It can be a worrying time especially if it's your first child that you're sending off out into the world.

The First Steps - Nursery

It might be through personal choice to send your child to nursery so that they can experience some social interaction, or it could be more of a necessity so that you can return to work. Whatever the reason, you are bound to experience a range of emotions including fear, anxiety and guilt.

Try to remember firstly that you are not alone! Practically every mother goes through exactly the same range of emotions and it's perfectly natural to feel this way.

Secondly, don't let guilt become a burden. New mums worry very much about the guilt of leaving their baby but try to remember, that it is more painful for you than it is for your baby.

Having your child in nursery, even for a few hours, can be a good way to have some precious time to yourself so that you can become you again. If you're going to work whilst your child is in nursery then you will be fast adapting to another role of responsibility and being a colleague and employee. You may well just relish the chance to have a few hours to get some work around the house done or socialise with friends. The point is, that spending time apart from your baby isn't a bad thing. It gives you a break to do other things and gives your child a chance to encounter new things!

Moving On - School

Once children start school, many mums can feel a huge sudden gap in their lives. Where they once had their days filled with activity and purpose, they can almost suddenly feel redundant until the little ones return home again.

It can seem daunting to consider going back to employment if you've been out of the work place for five years. If you have to work or want to return to a job, then take some time to consider your options and your boundaries. Think about whether you'd like something full time or whether you'd only consider working for a certain number of hours. How far would you be prepared to travel for work? Brush up on your C.V. and put the word out to all your friends and family that you're looking for work - some things often crop up through socialising!

If you're lucky enough not to have to return to work for financial reasons, then this is still a perfect time to consider and remember what it is that you like doing and what your hobbies are. The hours that your child is away at school can be the best time to redefine you and your personality!

To find out more about dealing with changes in your life and for help in creating a life that you love, visit www.horizonsregained.com