Part-timers-opinion on whether should have DS in nursery 3 days in row or divide over week?

[clothaddict]

Hi there. I am about to return to work part time 3 days a week. I have a choice of days at the moment.

DS will go to nursery (he already there 2 afternoons at moment but will change to 3 full days). Do you think it would be better for him to have 3 days spread over week, like Mon, Tue, Thu or another combination? Or 3 in a row? It would probably suit me best to have 3 in a row so I can be in work-mode for 3 days then off, although having said that maybe a day break mid week would help me get house stuff prepared. Only combination not keen on is Mon, Wed, Fri as that seems a bit on-off.

What do others do?

Want best really for DS. Feel 3 days at nursery is long for him as it is!

Thanks.

[muddleduck]

how old is your DS?
If he is a baby then it prob makes very little difference to him. If he is a toddler then IME three in a row is easier for them to get their head around.
I have done both options and found three in a row much easier for me interms of being organised both in terms of work and in terms of keeping their stuff organised.
Also worth looking into local activities that you may want to do with him on your days off. For example I have always been off on Fridays so we can go to swimming lessons. Also worth finding out the days of any part-time friends that you want to stay in touch with.

good luck

[clothaddict]

Thanks, he is 14 months, so you think 3 in a row probably the best?

I do have activities on most days so on our days off will still be fine to have something on.

[babyOcho]

I think it's better to do 3 days in a block. They are more unsettled when it chops and changes.

[wobbegong]

I have a different view.
In my experience days spread across the week works for us. My DD started at 13 months and found it easy to cope- not unsettled at all. It means that I am more constantly in contact with my office and less work piles up in my absence- I feel more on top of things. It has also been great becuase if DD is ill one day then chances are that she is not going to childcare the next day, so I take fewer days off in total unexpectedly to care for her.
Also if you are at home/ office thinking gosh this is a bit boring- yay! tomorrow something different.

[HaventAClue]

I agree with 3 days in a row - mine is PT 3 days in a row and makes a nice clear distinction in the week between nursery days and home with mummy/daddy days, plus means I can concentrate on work fully for 3 days then switch off from work properly for 4, hope this helps.

[Chrysanthemum5]

Hi
Originally I had DC1 in three consecutive days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) as I felt it was better for him to have blocks of time either in nursery or home. However, those days did not work well with my work, and I changed to Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. This has also worked really well as the children enjoy having a day at home twice a week and then seeing friends the other days.

So, I think either is fine - might be best to consider your work pattern as well? I found leaving work on a Thursday and not being back until Tuesday meant people took me less seriously, as if I was always on holiday. Shouldn't be like that, but it was for me.
Donna x

[aGalChangedHerName]

I find it easier as a CM to have children on consecutive days tbh. I have had lots of children come Mon/Wed/Fri etc and they were harder to settle.

The mums seemed to enjoy work more as they were having 4 days off with their lo.

[clothaddict]

Thanks all, it's been decided I will do wed-fri. Nursery was quieter those days which I felt was good, a block time seemed by lot people to work OK, then we all get the weekend as a family and I still get 2 days after weekend just the 2 of us and alos to catch up on shopping, meals etc.

Only 3 weeks left off before start now, eek!