To increase the time the dc spend at the childminders so that we get more family time?

[JemimaPuddlePop]

Currently the dc go to our cm on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (3.30 - 6.30 term time, 8.30-6.30 in the holidays) as Dh and I are both in work on those days. DH is off on Thursdays, I'm off Friday and Saturdays and we're both off on Sunday's - which is our only full family day together.

I've just been asked if I would like to switch my day off from Friday to Thursday every week.

This would mean both dh and I would be off on Thusdays and Sunday's together...in the holidays we'd have a whole extra day as a family to do day trips etc, and in term time we'd at least all be together from when the DC finish school - and DH and I would have 6 hours childfree together too, which also appeals!

However, this would mean an extra day at the cm's for the DC, as they'd have to go on a Friday as well as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Just after school most of the time but then a full extra day in the holidays.

The cost isn't an issue at all - I'm just trying to work out the best work/life balance. Is it worth them having to go to the cm an extra day just so that both dh and I are at home together with them an extra day? They love the cm btw and she is fab but I'd still rather they were at home as much as possible.

I have to give my decision to work on Monday and I'm (as is dh) completely torn. There will be no opportunity to change back if it doesn't work out, not for at least a year.

WWYD?

Yes absolutely it is worth it. Those two full days are a total bonus

Do it.

The DC like the CM, you and DH get a day alone together in the week, childfree.

How old are the DC ? It's amazing how quickly these years fly by and there is no longer any need to be concerned about childcare mother of 17 yo!

Why don't you ask your children which they would prefer?

I can see advantages either way. Would you miss the Thursday with just you and them if you swapped days?

The DC are 7 and 5.

We did mention it to them, and they seemed all for it...but they're young enough that I don't think they're grasping what it actually means iyswim.

I don't think I'd miss the Friday with them, as I get them alone every Saturday anyway, so having dh on the same weekday off would be a bonus.

I do wonder if DH would miss having them to himself on a Thursday however...it's generally their 'boys afternoon in' where they have pizza, pool tournaments (on their mini table) and too much playstation. He says not, he'd prefer it if I was home on his weekday off...but again, the reality may be different!

Well if you do swap, and he does miss boys time (sounds fab) you could always have some time to yourself to go to the gym/library/coffee shop etc

My DS is going to the CM tomorrow just so I can have a rest and go and get a facial

On a few occasions I have sent DS to the CM on days I have been at home.

In a few weeks my DH has got a week off work but we will still be sending DS to the CM for two days that week. One of the days will mean that DH has a day to himself and the other day will mean that DH and I can spend a day alone together.

Definitely do it

What about if your DH asked if he could switch his day off to Friday? Would that be possible? Would he/you/the boys like that?

I think it sounds like it could be a good plan. Although will your DH miss having a day off on his own? (I'm saying this as something I'd probably struggle with, not in any way implying he'd have less fun if you're not there!) I know you said he doesn't mind missing boys time but I'm thinking about when the children are at school and he has the house to himself?

I wouldn't do it. Extra cost of childcare would be an added expense without much benefit for the children, (I'd rather put that money towards a holiday) they would have one day a week in the holidays with both parents rather than a day with each parent. I wouldn't swop friday for thursday as I would much rather have a 3 day break.