Amber Johnston is helping her daughter Liz through a difficult transition.
In a clip shared exclusively with PEOPLE ahead of the Tuesday, Jan. 21 episode 7 little JohnstonsLiz shares her struggles with leaving daughter Leighton, who she welcomed in November 2023, at home with her mum Amber as she returns to work for the first time.
“I definitely know what Elizabeth is going through. You know, when Jonah and Elizabeth were born, they didn’t go to kindergarten,” Amber explains in a joint confessional with Liz. “I stayed home, but there were times when I would have to leave one of them. And it’s super hard because as a mom, no one else can do it like you. And no one can do it as well as you.”
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Amber and Liz also discuss why the transition is so difficult for a new mom.
“It’s hard, but you’ll survive, I promise,” Amber tells her daughter. “And as she gets older, it will be easier for her.”
“That’s the thing,” says Liz. “She is still a baby. It’s different when they’re a little kid.”
“But at the end of the day, that’s what’s best because you have to be able to work and have time to hang out, but also be able to provide,” Amber replies.
Holding her daughter, Liz cuddles Leighton and coos to her, telling her that everything she does is for her.
“Thankfully, you have to leave her here and not take her to daycare,” says Amber.
“It’s too risky for a nursery right now,” adds Liz.
Back in the confessional, Liz explains that she is very grateful for her parents’ support since her daughter has had several health scares.
“I mean, I’m so thankful that my parents are here to watch over her because I really wasn’t ready for kindergarten just because she’s smaller,” Liz says, adding, “I don’t want to be that obnoxious person who calls there every 20 minutes and asks is it good because i would do it.”
As she starts to leave the house, Liz has trouble until she actually walks out the door – despite her mom telling her it’s time to go.
“I expect a picture every hour,” says Liz. “I’ll be here on my lunch break between 1 and 2.”
“Even if she’s screaming, I’ll take her picture,” Amber promises.
“We got this. I have to go to work. Take care of your patients,” Amber adds as she and her granddaughter say goodbye to Liz.
7 little Johnstons airs Tuesdays at 10:00 PM ET on TLC.
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Source: HIS Education