To have just booked my DD into a holiday scheme next week, even though I won't be working?

[muminthecity]

DD is nearly 7. I work in her school, so am currently on school holidays. We have been together 24/7 for the last couple of weeks, and while I have enjoyed my time off, and our time together, I am beginning to find it a bit much and feel like I need a break!

I have found her a place on a holiday scheme next week, just for 2 days, 9am-5pm. They have loads of fun activities planned for each day, and DD is very active and very sociable so I'm pretty sure she will enjoy it.

I just feel a bit bad for using childcare when I don't really need it. I could look after her myself really, but feel a break from each other might be good for both of us.

What do you think? Would you do this? Or AIBU?

Personally I would want to spend the money on a lovely day out together. But if it works for you that is most important.

Well to be honest, if you can afford it and you will both benefit from it, I can't see the problem, it's a win-win situation

YANBU, definitely. DD (11) does stuff lilke this over the holidays because it gets her out having fun with other kids and she loves it.

I am on maternity leave and have booked my older two 7 and 4 into kids club 2 days a week.

Yanbu.

I think it's a really good idea to have a break away. I have been with my DS 24/7 until today when he was invited to a friends house for the day and it has been bliss.

If the holiday club is something you know she will love then I don't think you ABU at all.

YANBU at all! Don't beat yourself up about it.

It isn't just childcare anyway, she'll be getting loads out of the activities and socialising, and you get a break and will enjoy her coming home.

I have school holidays off and I've always booked a couple of days/afternoons each week at a playscheme for my dd.
Don't feel bad.

Thank you for the kind replies.

Just to clarify, we have had lots of lovely days out together, we've been to the beach, 2 different funfairs, the park, the cinema, had dinner out with friends, visited friends and family etc. I have also planned a trip to Chessington next week, so it's not as if I'm not doing fun stuff with her already! I'm just really craving a day of pottering around, sorting stuff out in the house etc without having DD at my heels, chattering non-stop, moaning, or demanding I play with her!

yanbu!

she needs the social interaction, not just you need a break from her!

normally, she'd be with other people every day, so she'll feel bored anyway, surely!

it's not childcare, it's an activity that she'll enjoy - why not, eh!

Why not rebrand it?

Instead of "using childcare when you don't need it" your DD is "going to go and do some fun activities".

I was going to say that, I don't consider it "childcare".

Oh loads of people I know do this including a SAHM with a 6 yo. Another friend has hers in 3 days a week plus they are at grandmas the other 1 or 2 days and yes she's a SAHM!

Mine have been to a few summer clubs this summer mainly mornings, they enjoy them.

Your DD will have fun.

DD3 is doing a week long course this week - I don't need the childcare, but it's something she loves, she'll be making new friends, not hanging about annoying her sisters, why should anyone feel guilty?

OP, you're not BU at all!

In the days when I was a SAHM, my children always went to holiday clubs. Usually for 4-5 days out of the holidays.

They loved them. Made new friends and did loads of activities I couldn't provide (not having a sports field in my back garden).

They're not really there for childcare for the parents, (I don't think) they're there to be fun for the children.

Win-win situation as the parents will reap the benefits also.

If she'll enjoy it, what's the problem. DD1 has been on two day camps this summer because they were running activities that I am not able to offer her. She rates those days somewhat higher than some of the "fun" stuff we have done as a family.

My daughter is going to one in a few weeks for dancing activities, I didn't even consider it child are until now!

My two eldest are at kids club. Its a win win situation. They get to go on trips which I couldn't really afford to do. (leader very good at negotiating a block discount), plus I get time to put the house back together!
Today was a trip day, they disappeared through the doors and didn't even say goodbye!

YANBU - My DDs go to sports/dance camps and they love it.

YANBU - this is a treat for both of you. She will be with other children and doing stuff she wouldn't do with you. It would be different if you were packing her off to some place she hated.

I'm a sahm and my 2 kids have been at a kids club at the sports centre 9am-1pm 3 days a week for the last 4 weeks and will be in it this week as well. It has let me be able to get to my gym classes and to get to do food shopping without 2 moaning kids under my feet. It has given them something to do seeing as it's been raining so much.

Can't believe ours are back to school next Thursday! (Scotland)

Good God why not? Providing she's happy with it then you should.

YANBU. Your dd will have a good time and you'll get the chance to recharge your batteries. A winning combination I'd have thought and definitely not one to feel guilty about.

I send my 2 usually because they like spending a week with their friends. But this week Dd's drama was cancelled. And Ds refused to go. I don't work the summer holidays but 3 years ago it gave me a break as my gran had just died and I wasn't coping well. Then 2 years ago I broke my foot. Sometimes being with children 24/7 during the holidays can get too much.