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AIBU?

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Original poster

to think I can get by without childcare in August because work is quiet?

614 replies

isitPeri1 · 24/07/2025 15:44

Every August, work slows down massively. It has always been this way. There is barely anything coming in, hardly any meetings or deadlines, and most of my team is off. My manager and her manager are both away for the whole of August, so it is very unlikely anything urgent will come up.

I have primary school-aged kids and I am thinking I might skip childcare this year. I usually only have about one to two hours of work a day in August, and some days there is literally nothing to do at all. Anything that does come up, I can usually fit around the kids early in the morning or after they have gone to bed. I have proper annual leave booked for September when they are back at school, so I will get a proper break then.

Has anyone else done this? Just managed without childcare when work was super quiet?

OP posts:
Navigatinglife100 · 24/07/2025 16:10

So I care for my Dad 24/7 as he has dementia. I work about one day a week self employed and flexible when it's done.

I work when my husband is home so that I have literally no caring duties. Because of the volume of work this is easily doable and has very little impact on our lives.

Ineedanewsofa · 24/07/2025 16:09

I would but I would make sure that it was never mentioned at work and that nothing changed about my availability (or even my Teams background!) that might indicate they were at home with me - in a lot of places it’s a direct violation of policy and therefore gross misconduct if the employer chose to go there. I certainly wouldn’t leave the house with them when I was supposed to be working

AhBiscuits · 24/07/2025 16:04

Sounds fine. I have two primary aged kids. Even though my work is quite full on, I do the odd day of WFH with them over summer. They mostly watch TV, play games, draw and eat too many snacks. Doesn't do them any harm.

Ddakji · 24/07/2025 16:02

I think it sounds fine. Personally, I would research some kind of drop in or emergency childcare just to be on the safe side, even if you don’t use it.

Can you also line up some swaps with a pal?

You can presumably park them in front of a movie or get the Lego out or something that will keep them occupied for a couple of hours if needed.

Merryoldgoat · 24/07/2025 16:02

isitPeri1 · 24/07/2025 15:58

8 and 10

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8 & 10? Absolutely fine if they don’t have additional needs that would add to the challenge.

And I’m someone who generally thinks WFH whilst looking after kids is a swizz.

Original poster
isitPeri1 · 24/07/2025 15:59

Monvelo · 24/07/2025 15:59

Sounds ok actually. Is there a club you can put them in at short notice if needed?

Clubs need to be booked well in advance so I don't have this option.

OP posts:
Original poster
isitPeri1 · 24/07/2025 15:59

TheNightingalesStarling · 24/07/2025 15:57

If the shit was to hit the fan, would they be able to entertain themselves safely?

But you know your kids, you know your job. A few years ago when mine were 8&10 my mum had a stroke so DH worked at home for a week with them (full on 9 hour days). They were a bit bored but ultimately fine.

Yes I think they would be fine. I can keep an eye on them and they are ok left for short periods. I am aiming to get as much work done when they are asleep.

OP posts:
Monvelo · 24/07/2025 15:59

Sounds ok actually. Is there a club you can put them in at short notice if needed?

Original poster
isitPeri1 · 24/07/2025 15:58

Ddakji · 24/07/2025 15:54

Well, that sounds fine. How old are they?

Show quote history

8 and 10

OP posts:
TheNightingalesStarling · 24/07/2025 15:57

If the shit was to hit the fan, would they be able to entertain themselves safely?

But you know your kids, you know your job. A few years ago when mine were 8&10 my mum had a stroke so DH worked at home for a week with them (full on 9 hour days). They were a bit bored but ultimately fine.

Ddakji · 24/07/2025 15:54

isitPeri1 · 24/07/2025 15:50

Yes I can pretty much do most things on my phone. I always respond quickly to emails. I will do work before the kids are up and after they are in bed and check in every hour throughout the day to make sure nothing gets missed.

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Well, that sounds fine. How old are they?

Original poster
isitPeri1 · 24/07/2025 15:50

Ddakji · 24/07/2025 15:46

Yes, sort of. Depends how young the kids are. I wouldn’t do it with younger ones but if their 8 and 10, for example, I think you’d be OK. Can you access work on your phone if you’re out and about?

Yes I can pretty much do most things on my phone. I always respond quickly to emails. I will do work before the kids are up and after they are in bed and check in every hour throughout the day to make sure nothing gets missed.

OP posts:
Ddakji · 24/07/2025 15:46

Yes, sort of. Depends how young the kids are. I wouldn’t do it with younger ones but if their 8 and 10, for example, I think you’d be OK. Can you access work on your phone if you’re out and about?

NoweverytimeIgoforthemailbox · 24/07/2025 15:45

It will completely depend on your job.