I feel dreadful sending her to one when all her friends are at home with their mums, and am feeling so guilty, but I have to work . Will take a week off with her, but please rub my back and tell me I am not horrid mummy No 1.

You're lucky to have access to one. I don't know of any holiday club provision in my area that operates during the christmas holidays. If they did, mine would probably go in for a couple of days.

Dd's afterschool club do one, as do the soft play centre, so I am lucky, but she would be going to a cm otherwise.

Do not feel bad, there is a great atmosphere in those places come Christmas, they'll be doing loads of xmas crafts etc and eating chocolate, one week together is great. You do what you have to do, don't you.

Thanks bamboo-the soft play was great over half term, and there were only ten of them there, but may try the afterschool club one as she knows everyone there and loves the crafts they do. I just feel dreadful when parents that can stay at home look at me like I am committing mild child abuse-it isn't that I don't want to be at home with her or love her any less, and they have dh's to share the time off with.

I would have used them if our local ones ran in the Christmas holidays. My children like the holiday clubs anyway - especially the one in the local leisure centre. They do swimming, bowling, soft play, gym activities, craft, donkey petting (). Many the things they love doing but I'm not so keen on taking them to myself.

Don't feel guilty. if you have to work, then you have to work.