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Original poster

Does anyone else regularly put their DC in childcare on a day they are not working?

105 replies

Hollythemolly · 04/03/2020 21:39

I’m in the fortunate position of being able to put my 2 year old into nursery on my day off, for some of the day.

I work 4 days. DC spends 2 days with my mum, 2 days at nursery.

Sometimes on my day off, I put DC in nursery for a half day or a “school day” (ie short day) to enable myself to get chores done or exercise. And also I admit I find a full day 6am-7pm with a toddler stressful

Then I spend the rest of the day doing something fun with DC.
Some weeks we do a day trip so DC is with me all day.

I feel so guilty, even though DC loves nursery and the most DC is ever at nursery is 3 days per week.

I was wondering if anyone else does this, or if you would it if were an option? (Realise childcare expensive so this is not an option for many, and realise I am fortunate to have the choice)

OP posts:

SlB09 · 04/03/2020 21:41

I do occasionally but not regularly, need it to keep sane!

MamaFlintstone · 04/03/2020 21:42

I also work 4 days and always have DD with me on my non-working day but every couple of months or so will take annual leave but keep her at nursery so I get a couple of days to myself. It’s ok to need a bit of time for yourself - looking after a toddler all day isn’t exactly a day off! You have nothing to feel guilty about.

pfrench · 04/03/2020 21:43

Last year I didn't work for 6 months. Child went to nursery/preschool 4 days a week. For her more than me really.

Interested in this thread?

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2 year olds Childcare & nursery Families

caffeinebuzz · 04/03/2020 21:43

I work 3 days, but have DD in nursery 4. It allows me to run errands, do chores, etc. It leaves me totally clear of obligations on a Friday so I try to plan something fun for us to do together.

Pollyputthepizzaon · 04/03/2020 21:44

Yep definitely. For all the reasons you said.

LatteLover12 · 04/03/2020 21:44

Lots of my colleagues do this. As teachers they pay for nursery 50 weeks of the year but are obviously at home for the holidays.

Lots of them use the days they are paying for and I don't blame them!

7salmonswimming · 04/03/2020 21:46

Not regularly, no.

It won’t harm your child, but the fact you’re asking shows it’s bothering you. Is the child’s father with you and the toddler on day 6 and day 7?

You say you find a full day with your toddler stressful. Maybe lower your expectations of what that day together should look like. Just spend it with them doing slow stuff with no time pressures or goals - just hang out doing whatever your child wants to do. Leave the chores for the weekend.

MushroomTree · 04/03/2020 21:46

Yes. I work 2 days, she goes 3. For all the reasons you list, plus I'm studying. She loves it and I get one whole day a week to do what I need to do without having to feel guilty that I've asked someone to babysit.

FirstTimeMummy1988 · 04/03/2020 21:47

I'm currently on Mat leave with DS2 who is 7 weeks. I've still been taking DS1 who is 21 months to nursery on his 2 and a half days

Impatientwino · 04/03/2020 21:47

I do this regularly to give myself time to catch up on house stuff and errands etc which we sometimes fall behind when our work is really busy.

I try and whizz round like a loonie for the first few hours and then spend the rest of it on my bum on the sofa catching up on a box set or a jig saw for some rest. Sometimes I'll meet a friend for lunch but I try to keep my day clear if at all possible. I have lots of stress in my life and I need a little time for myself.

I adore my kids but it's like they say on airplanes you have to put your own mask on first...

Idolovechocolategimmygimmy · 04/03/2020 21:48

If I'm off no, husband currently on 2 week holiday and I'm up every morning getting 3 year old ready and dropped at childcare before I go to work while he snoozes away!!!

Rocketinapocket · 04/03/2020 21:49

I don’t work and my youngest goes to nursery. Why not? Enjoy your time.

ParkheadParadise · 04/03/2020 21:49

Dd has attended nursery from 1yr old. She started going 1 full day. She loved it and we increased it to 2 full days. I got to spend the rest of the week with her. She now goes every morning, she starts school in August.

I'm a SAHM so she didn't have to go to nursery but I wanted her to mix with other children. I've never felt guilty.

Throughthegate · 04/03/2020 21:50

You say "some" but it would be more useful to know how many - every week? Every other week? One out of four? Etc.
It's not unreasonable of course but it's also time you won't get back once they are at school. You can plan stuff that isn't high octane in terms of parenting (park and cafe, soft play), or a big batch of CBeebies.

MuddyPuddlesAndPrettyBubbles · 04/03/2020 21:51

Idolovechocolategimmygimmy is there a really good reason for this or is your husband just massively taking the piss?

DH and I work shifts around one another, DS(3) goes to preschool twice a week, one of us is always at home when he goes. It's a total sanity saver having that bit of time. Don't feel guilty in the slightest.

justshutthedoor · 04/03/2020 21:51

I wouldn't do it personally

snappycamper · 04/03/2020 21:53

I never felt comfortable doing this. I worked part time when they were young, on the days I wasn't working I really just wanted to be with the DC. I could have afforded more childcare, it just wasn't for me.

goldenorbspider · 04/03/2020 21:56

Happy mum happy child. If taking that time means you're fully present and have more patience go for it op.

BedraggledBlitz · 04/03/2020 21:56

Yep. Or I did before he started school. I worked 3, he did nursery for 4. I'm a single parent and would get no break otherwise. Bloody loved it.

Original poster

Hollythemolly · 04/03/2020 21:57

Yes DH is around at the weekends (he usually spends one morning playing sport, but otherwise around).

Try to get chores done on day off to free up weekend for fun family stuff.

OP posts:

Mummymum38 · 04/03/2020 21:59

Why have a child?

eggofmantumbi · 04/03/2020 21:59

I'm currently on maternity leave from teaching.
Daughter goes to nursery art least 2 days per week most holidays, so that I can have a rest and she's been in 3 days per week now, while I'm waiting for baby.
She's perfectly happy there and I'm paying for it anyway....

Lazydaisydaydream · 04/03/2020 21:59

I'm a SAHM and pregnant with my second. DS is about to start nursery two mornings a week, will let me have a bit of a break when pregnant and once the baby is here means I can spend some time just with the baby and DS will still get to go and have lots of fun at nursery. I also do some work from home so will use some of the time he's at nursery for that, but mainly it's so I can have a break.

Have had a few judgemental comments from family members, but honestly full time toddler is exhausting and if we can afford it out of our own money I don't see the problem.

mynameisigglepiggle · 04/03/2020 22:01

*Why have a child?
*
There's always one

missyB1 · 04/03/2020 22:01

I work in a nursery lots of parents seem to do this. However I do feel sorry for the kids who are in nursery 5 days a week, usually long days, and we know one or sometimes both of their parents have a day off in the week.

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