I have done a few baby classes with my daughter since she was born late last year and mostly enjoyed them, though some were a bit naff. I am now on SMP, we haven’t yet had that first SMP payday yet. I know the amount but not sure what the reality of living on it will be.
Two of my friends have booked 3 or 4 baby classes per week but then when we try to make another social plan say they cannot afford to go out for coffee or to a park that charges for parking. It got me thinking in advance of booking them myself, but I don’t know if I am just being tight.
The problem is, these classes are £10 a time. I could drive further to find a free one but in my experience of the couple I’ve tried - they’re no good. I only have a few months of maternity leave left and really want to make the most of this time. I do also enjoy getting out the house and spending time with my mum friends, I think those connections are important. If we spent the £100 that my friends have spent on the same classes it naturally would be less disposable income. I.e I wouldn’t be able to randomly buy my daughter a new toy, take her to the farm as much, or visit a coffee shop for a coffee and a pastry to pick me up after a bad night. All things I enjoy in equal measure. Sometimes my little girl will sleep through the classes or just not be in the mood but sometimes she loves them and they do involve things I might not do at home. I perhaps stupidly feel mum guilt if I don’t book them because her baby ‘friends’ are going!
What would you do?