Reality of commuting from Tunbridge Wells with kids

[anotherbitofcake]

Hello
Looking for some info and advice from mums who commute into London and have children. Currently pre school though thinking ahead to school really. How do you manage it? We have no family nearby. Is it a nightmare or not too bad? We both commute. Me part time 2-3x week.
Thanks

[Panicmode1]

I had a nanny when I did it - she worked 7.30 am - 7pm which worked well. When I was travelling and had to work abroad, she would adjust her hours as my husband also travels extensively. Friends of mine who have children at school use a combination of breakfast club and childminder or after school nanny. When the children were ill, it meant that I didn't have to take time off - not the case with a childminder or nursery. Also, if you are going down the private route, bear in mind that some schools will do wrap around care until 6ish.

[LobsterQuadrille]

I'll have to be honest and say that I found it a nightmare but I'm a 100% sole parent and worked full-time, five days a week. My DD was six when we came back to the UK from overseas and I found that I saw her so little during the week, and was in such a bad mood when I did, that I looked into boarding schools!! In retrospect I should have had a nanny - but with two parents I would imagine it's more manageable. It did help, as a PP said, that DD was at private school. I only managed it for 18 months and have worked more locally ever since - and now that DD is at university, don't really want to go back to London anyway! Good luck.