Before your start date, map a typical Tuesday: commute, drop-off, core work block, pickup, and evening buffer. If the map collapses without a backup adult, fix that before you accept the hours.
Tell your manager early how you prefer urgent contact after hours. Many returners prefer SMS for true emergencies and email for everything else — stating it prevents silent resentment later.
In the first two weeks, ask for written priorities. After a long leave, informal office cues are harder to read. A short weekly list from your lead reduces guesswork.
Plan one mid-week recovery habit that is not optional: a fixed early finish on Fridays, or a protected lunch away from the desk. Energy dips in month two are common; design for them.
Keep a running note of tasks you complete. When appraisal season arrives, a returner with a concrete list fares better than one relying on memory of a blurred re-entry period.