Considering an extra day at work

[Moomin]

I had dd2 1 year ago (it's her b'day tomorrow!!) and since going back to work in June I've done 2 days a week. I'm enjoying work - finding it tiring doing all the prep for me and the kids the night before and all that caper, but I really like being back at work on the whole. I was going to do 2 days until the end of July then 3 days again from next sept (I'm a teacher) but since dd1 started school f/t I've been considering upping my days.

It would mean dd2 goes to a nursery near to my work for the extra day and she would go to our normal childminder the other 2 days. She's not a clingy baby and is very chilled so I'm not too worried about that aspect of it. Just wonder if I'm getting carried away with the idea of another day before giving myself more time with dd2. Once I decide on 3 days there's no going back. If I decide to, I'll start the 3 days after christmas. Shall I hold my horses for a bit longer?

[Moomin]

anyone?

[HuwEdwards]

I started back 3 days after dd1 was born and then because it was heading into winter and I had no friends with young children I increased it to 4, because I was just running out of stuff to do with DD1. tbh, I've had no regrets, and now have DD2 and life is v.hectic.

But isn't the time up to Xmas one of the most tiring for teachers? If you're not desparate to go back and you're not desparate for the money, why not give it a year?

Do you enjoy your days with DD2?

(Happy Birthday to her for tomorrow btw)

[Sunnysideup]

Happy birthday to her for tomorrow!

My take on my time with my ds is almost the opposite to Huw's, I reduced my days to two and would have HATED to do more than that, I just wanted to be with my child as much as possible and for my child to have more days with his mum than he did anywhere else; I know that home is always a major influence on children, even when they spend their days at school, but when I had ds I strongly felt I wanted him to be more influenced by me than by anyone else. I felt that was my responsibility, having decided to have him!

However doing 3 days still gives you more time in the home than out of it....and your dd sounds like she would cope with it...so I think it's actually down to the way you think about it - if you want the time at home with her, then go for it as you won't get it back again; but if you don't feel too strongly,if you feel you'd get enough time the rest of the week, then perhaps go for it!

From a personal pov, now my ds is at school I go in for three days a week in school hours, and it is so much easier having another day rather than having to start things, do them, and finish up neatly on the second day!

[Moomin]

After I had dd1 I went back 3 days a week and that's what I've done ever since, til I had dd2. I thought 2 days would help ease me back in now I had 2 of them to organise, and I definitely felt like only working 2 days when dd1 was at preschool at only doing half days. But it kind of feels like 3 days would be ok again now - and usually I'm the world's worst and laziest when it comes to avoiding doing anything constructive, so I figure I might be ready. It would be an easier year then usual as I'd be doing lots of support with other teachers rather than tonnes of preparing and marking etc. and although we can survive on me doing 2 days, it would be handier going back to 3.

I think maybe I'll give myself another few weeks to make up my mind. I'm visiting the nursery tomorrow so that will also help me in deciding.

[Judy1234]

The money is useful. I always worked full time and was happy to. 3 and 2 is a big difference. It means you're working more days in the working week than not. Worth doing.

[Moomin]

After my last post I had a terrible couple of days, one of which involved work and I felt really pissed off with the place and found myself saying I'd stay 2 days until the end of the summer term..... But things have calmed down again now - and blips like the one I had don't happen very often for me at all, don't know what that was all about.

Anyway I need to make up my mind in the next few weeks, and then present it to the Head to see if he buys it. And then book dd2 into the nursery. Is it a terrible idea to put her in nursery 1 day and a childminder for 2? Will it be too confusing for her?

Sorry for rambling - I can usually stick to decisions I make and I go a lot on instinct but I'm lost with this one and would really appreciate some more input.

[Moomin]

The nursery was very nice btw, it had an 'outstanding' recently at its ofsted and staff turnover is very low. I'm just not used to seeing so many little ones all in the same place! But maybe now she's 1 a bit of socialisation with others might not be a bad idea? I don't know!!

[paddingtonbear1]

Moomin if you feel ready to go back to 3 days, then I would. If you're happy with the nursery I'm sure dd will be fine! I work 4 days now btw - used to do 3 until dd was over 2, then went to 3.5, only recently started with 4 but it's fine.