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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To increase the amount of time DS spends at CM?

13 replies

IcouldstillbeJoseph · 17/09/2012 08:29

DS, 20mo, normally goes to CM for 2 short afternoons a week whilst I am at work.

However, I am off sick at the moment, after contracting severe pneumonia (week in hospital, blah blah). As part of my recovery, DH arranged for DS to attend CM full time for 2 weeks. We are now starting the second week...and I am absolutely amazed by how much DS loves it. Each morning, whilst sitting having a lovely cuddle with me I'll say "do you want to go to CM's now?" and he jumps up, starts clapping, runs to the door and tries to get down the driveway Blush. Comes home each day full of beans. CM reports he's having a great time.

So, I am considering increasing the time he spends there based on this reaction? AIBU? Is it novelty? Or has he got to the age when spending time with other children is more enjoybable? I do plenty of activity with him when I am well, we go to the farm, nature trails, playgroups, singing etc. But he just seems bored when it is just the two of us...

I should add, I am pregnant, so a bit more childcare wouldn't be bad thing for when No.2 arrives.

OP posts:
Kayano · 17/09/2012 08:35

What about 2 or three full days?

That way he will still love it but won't feel pushed out when no. 2 arrives

I would if he loves it so much and you can afford it Grin life is about raising happy secure children

CailinDana · 17/09/2012 08:36

Remember that it is the CMs job to cater to your son's every whim. Who wouldn't enjoy that? He loves you more than anything in the world, but of course at home he is naturally part of everyday life and doesn't get the attention or the interaction with other children that he gets at the CMs.

You are very lucky to find a great CM. If you need it and can afford it why not send him more often?

Goldmandra · 17/09/2012 08:37

You've obviously found a wonderful childminder!

At the moment things are going very well at the childminder's house and at home there have probably been a lot of changes, even small ones. He may be finding the consistency of the childminder's routine reassuring so he's enjoying himself there.

I doubt that it's about wanting to play with other children because he's a bit young still to do proper, cooperative play but it's possible.

He's clearly very happy and settled with this lovely childminder so there's absolutely no reason not to increase his hours. It will give you more time to rest and you'll be able to do more with him when he is with you.

If you add up the hours he spends with you and compare them to those he would be with the CM you'll see that it won't be so much after all.

Original poster
IcouldstillbeJoseph · 17/09/2012 08:38

Thank you, that's kind of what I was thinking - it just seems wrong to me that i would drop him at CM with no work to go to! Not that I can't think of things to do to fill that time.....

OP posts:
forevergreek · 17/09/2012 08:44

Yes maybe 2/3 full days

That way you get to rest during pregnancy and will be a lifesaver when baby is born as at least you can sleep a bit during the day when baby does

Starting now means it will be normal for him rather than upping when baby arrives to reduce jellously etc

BertieBotts · 17/09/2012 08:46

Yes definitely!

I think you have more than enough "excuse" as you're pregnant so good to create continuity etc for when new baby arrives and to give you time to rest, run errands, go to appointments etc without a toddler in tow.

Goldmandra · 17/09/2012 08:52

You're happy, he's happy.

It sounds like a win/win situation to me.

Enjoy the extra time to rest before the baby arrives.

bigkidsdidit · 17/09/2012 08:55

I would. My DS loves his CM too, races up the road to her house every day. They have a great time together

Think about when you have a newborn, all those clinic and GP visits and weighing etc etc - it would be great for DS not to be trawling along behind you for those. And you could nap with the baby in the day :)

Personally in your situation I'd put him in for 2 full days

Chelvis · 17/09/2012 08:56

If you can afford it, go for it! I'd try 2 1/2 days a week maybe, 1 1/2 days a week for housework and rest is more than reasonable when you're pregnant. You'll be better and able to have more fun with him when he is home, so it's win win! How lucky that you've such a great CM.

PiousPrat · 17/09/2012 09:01

Try looking at this in reverse. 'AIBU to keep my son at home? He loves going to the childminder and seems to thrive there. I have things I could be getting on with without him under foot and I find it difficult to keep him entertained all the while. I am also pregnant so he will start going more often in a couple of months. We can afford to send him more but I think I should keep him at home with me as much as humanly possible just because society says work is the only acceptable reason to send your child to childcare'.

shewhowines · 17/09/2012 09:06

YANBU

Personally I'd not sent him for full days though. I'd go for shorter days but more of them.

nannyl · 17/09/2012 09:09

go for it

whats the problem? (so long as CM is happy to increase his hours on a permenant basis)

Hope you feel better soon

poopnscoop · 17/09/2012 12:10

Speaking as a CM... I have part time kids that come to me when mum is home.. whether on ML or whatever. The kids are still sent as they love coming here and this also gives mum some time to herself... that's what my childcare service is all about... lot of fun for the kids! :)

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