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Original poster

Wfh during summer hols with young children

132 replies

Jeannie88 · 03/07/2024 23:13

At what age do you think being able to properly wfh can be done while looking after your children? Just curious as a few friends in whattsapp group. Some say it's fine as 5, 6, 7 year olds can amuse themselves, others say their 5/6/7 year olds need constant attention. The debate is should they put them into nursery, holiday clubs etc. They do have the luxury of parents being able to help and take them out, so not all day every day having to parent.

Personally, I have responded with alternating days, so a child free day get lots done, next day less. I did also point out that those who don't wfh have no choice and need to rely on childcare or family help if lucky to have it.

For those who have partners who wfh as well it can be managed but when DP out at work it's difficult and stressful.

What do you think would be the best option? I would find it taxing to wfh and look after DC and would certainly consider some days of childcare and willing to pay for it, even 2 or 3 days a week, or full steam working and take DC out on the evening and weekends for fresh air and exercise.

It's not easy these days with both parents working during holidays 😕

OP posts:
Maryamlouise · 03/07/2024 23:26

Depends, we both WFH but my DP is in meetings most of the time so couldn't do that with DC aged 6 whereas I schedule my own meetings and have a lot of tasks I work on alone so it is quite easy for me to partly WFH a bit using screentime for meetings and fitting other things around when they are occupied. Trying to do a full day of work isn't really feasible though and it only works because I can use holiday to reduce hours and flexibly work that including some evenings. Using some holiday clubs to allow for full days of work and for them to have good experiences

CelesteCunningham · 03/07/2024 23:26

My eldest is six, we've booked holiday clubs and annual leave. There will be the odd full day or afternoon after a club that's she's home while we're working but only a few over the eight weeks. I think she's too young to be left to her own devices on a regular basis, I'd rather she was out with friends at a club or else getting real time with one of us. And the only way to guarantee she won't disturb us when working is to use the TV.

LadyFeatheringt0n · 03/07/2024 23:25

DS is 4 and he often just plays while I wfh. During the holidays I wfh downstairs so I can keep an eye on him.

This is a bit sad. Either he isn't get the attention he deserves or your job isnt.

LadyFeatheringt0n · 03/07/2024 23:24

Upper primary. Y5/6, for a short/sch hours day on an odd day, not regularly.

It will depend on the kid.

Ozanj · 03/07/2024 23:21

DS is 4 and he often just plays while I wfh. During the holidays I wfh downstairs so I can keep an eye on him. Get a good quality headset for meetings, a decent mouse & it’ll be fine.

Singleandproud · 03/07/2024 23:21

My work state that you can only have children 10 and above in the house if you are the person 'supervising'. Children younger than this need to go to childcare just like they would if you are in the office.

When getting perspective on topics like this I think it's useful to think about how you would feel and why if someone other than you put your child in that scenario IE if a teacher or childminder left a child mostly unsupervised for several hours in a row over a matter of weeks. Most would be very unhappy if there child was left to their own devices just for the day.

TeenLifeMum · 03/07/2024 23:16

I’d say age 9 onwards. Before that they’re far too needy. Mine are now 12 and 16 and I can wfh and not see them all day.

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