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3 days nursery at 6 months?

7 replies

ScaredToBeHonest · 20/02/2014 13:06

I am self employed and would usually work from home apart from the odd day when I need to go to meetings etc. I have had 6 months off with DS which is longer than I expected to have. As I need to start working very soon (my maternity allowance runs out at the end of May) I had begun contacting old clients to try to drum up some work.

I have been offered at least 2 months project work with them and I can choose to work between 3 and 6 days a week as they are that busy. It could possibly lead to anything up to another 9 months work, but they cannot say with certainty as it depends on the project.

I am in the process of arranging for DS to go into nursery for 1 day a week and sometimes 2 days. The problem is that the client has said that I need to be office based for all the hours I do for them. Any days I work DS would need to be in nursery for 9 hours each day. I know I was looking at 1 or 2 days nursery for him anyway but I would only have been round the corner (at home) and he wouldn't have had to do so many hours and would have had the flexibility to take him in a bit later if he was tired or anything (not sleeping through yet.) He has already had a settling in session at nursery and was happy as larry - he didn't even notice that I was in the room with him!!!

Financially, if the project only lasts 2 months and I work 3 days, by the time we have paid for nursery, for someone to walk the dog, and paid train fare, we will be no better off than me just receiving maternity allowance for the last 2 months. Obviously if the project does continue for a few more months then we will be a lot better off as maternity allowance will have run out. If I was to work 5 days a week, we would be a lot better off financially from the off.

The project is a really interesting one and it is very high profile. It will also be great to put on my CV.

My head is telling me that I should go for it because it could lead to more work and even if it doesn't do, it is a great project to work on, but my heart aches at the thought of leaving my perfect, smiley, gorgeous, squealy baby for 3 days. I describe him in this way on this thread because it wasn't so long ago that I didn't feel that way about him. Due to silent reflux and mild PND I really struggled with DS to begin with and didn't enjoy being a Mum but since Christmas, when DS was put on medication and is like a different baby, I have now really bonded with him and absolutely love being with him. He's just amazing.

I don't actually know why I have written this thread, I just needed someone to give me a virtual slap and tell me he will be fine and that 6 months old isn't too young to leave him in nursery! and that I really need to get a grip

OP posts:
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FromagePlease · 20/02/2014 13:16

It's natural to feel hesitant, but you know he will be absolutely fine! I strongly suspect that he'll come back after day one a very happy baby. Lots of babies are in nursery for longer from a younger age.

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FromagePlease · 20/02/2014 13:16

P.s have a friendly grip from me Smile

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Milkymickey · 20/02/2014 13:42

It can be a good time to start nursery as later on separation anxiety kicks in, and it is harder for a child to adapt.
But of course the real best time is the time that works for you both, and only you can decide.

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BackforGood · 20/02/2014 13:49

Whatever age you first leave them, it's a bit of a worry (more before you do, than after you've started, tbh) but 6months is fine.
I'd go for the full week and see how you get on - it's time limited if you decide, further down the line that you want to only work PT, but it sounds like an exciting opportunity for now.

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 20/02/2014 14:51

If it was 6 weeks I might have been a bit judgey but he'll be fine Smile

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ZuleikaD · 20/02/2014 15:33

Meh. I wouldn't, tbh. You don't get this time with them back and given the uncertainty of the project continuing is it really worthwhile?

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waterrat · 20/02/2014 18:32

Take the work / it will buy you flexible working later on - 3 days not so different to two - and can you cut childcare back later if you want to?

I left my son from six months and it meant I ended up with some really good part time work and now only have to work two days

For me more than 3 days is too much although its all personal

Remember toddlers are so much fun - if working now means more flexibility later you will always appreciate that time not just while they are a baby

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