Is it better to see dd before I go to work or have more time with her when I get home?

[mangolandin]

I'm going back to work in a few weeks when dd will be just over one. Unfortunately she's just started getting clingy which is worrying me a bit but she'll be with her dad as I'm working weekends so I'm sure she'll be fine.

My question is..I have just over an hour's commute so will be out of the house for most of the day but can be flexible with hours so could either see her briefly in the morning AND. before she goes to bed, OR leave before she wakes up and have more time with her in the evening.

Anyone have experience of either of these and which is better? Sometimes she wants a bf in the morning but I'm sure if she didn't see me she'd be fine (still feeds at night ).

Anyway I'm probably overthinking it but it's looming over me and I'm suddenly being a bit pathetic about the idea of being away from her.

[NapQueen]

I'd go for the evening slot being bigger. A brief few minutes will be fraught with trying to get ready etc.

I work 7-3.30 some days and it's so nice having from 4pm to bedtime with the dcs even though I don't see them at all n the mornings.

[crje]

I think I'd go with more time in the evening.
A tearful goodbye would be a rough start to the day for everyone.

[mangolandin]

Thanks both that was my instinct too, worth getting up in the dark for some relaxing time with her in the evening.

[Iguessyourestuckwithme]

As a nanny to 2 small children. I think early start and more time in the evenings. Remember trying to get ready with the kids hanging off your leg demailing attention or trying to get your head in the game before important meeting etc.

Then you can always rejig day time naps to make sure you see the kids in the evening. My boss is out 6.30-6.30 if she feels she hasn't spent much time with the kids then I give the kids a late nap so there's no rush to get tired kids to bed as soon as she gets through the door.

[whogrewoutoftheterribletwos]

I'm going against the grain, but with DD morning is better. By the evening she's so tired it's meltdowns and tears until bed. In the morning we chat and enjoy each other's company. Then she's not stressed about nursery because she's already been loved and valued

[chloechloe]

Do you need to decide already or can you trial both to see which works better?

DD is 18mo and I leave the house at 7:15 so get to have breakfast with her. I pick her up at 4. Especially at the beginning (at 12mo) she was super tired after a full day at nursery so it's not really the best time to spend with her.