To ask whether employers generally don't have a problem with parents working from home?

[SuperTrumper]

I'm on maternity leave at the moment and hoping to return to work in April.

I'm really starting to worry about how the childcare will work; I do have options and I'm sure it will be fine but I am guess I am just anxious about how it will all work until it's in action.

I'm remaining full time; my plan is to utilise MiL for 1.5 days of the week, nursery for 2 days and then I'm hoping to work from home for 1.5 days.

I work for a large well known bank and generally they don't mind home working. I haven't yet asked my boss if my proposal to work 1.5 days at home will be ok, ordinarily I know he wouldn't mind as he knows I work hard at home and don't just sit there in my pyjamas watching daytime tv, however now I'm a mum to a small baby, he might be dubious about how much I can actually get done with a nearly-1 year old

In your experience do employees understand that parents will work at home with their baby in the background and do they just trust that your work gets done?

If he asks me how I propose to look after DS and do my work at the same time I don't know what I'll say other than I'll make sure i work whatever hours I have to work to ensure my work gets completed.

Are there parents here of young babies or toddlers working from home on some days and do you/the employer just accept that there are some days you are just not productive but that you make up for it??

Ps I can't ask my MiL to come over on the days I propose to be home as she has SILs kids on the other days and can't cope with a baby on top

Glad you've seen sense, OP, but I understand why the thought crossed your mind, especially if it's your first. Sorting childcare is so hard, and for me it came with all sorts of guilty feelings, even though we found an amazing childminder. I agree with people who said it's up to your DH to help find a solution as well, though, not just you.

I WFH 3 days a week for a small company (we don't have an office). I really love it but there is no way I could do it if my DD was around. Not fair to her or them.

I did actually.manage to wfh with DD1. BUT she loved sleep and I could spent a good range hours just on work. She also played alone (wouldn't let me join in) so that gave me a little more time. With DD2 I couldn't have managed it with DH at home too. She hates sleep and wants constant attention as I expected DD1 to do.

Your boss probably won't like the idea of wfh to be honest. There were times that I had.to completely change my schedule at the last minute. I'd work late or early morning. Even now I have some late ones although DH being a SAHD definitely helps keep the late ones to a minimum.

Just realised that you've decided to rethink. Good choice.

We did end up opting for childcare 3 days a week but that was also for DD1 social needs.

Sounds like 5 days in 4 or 10 days in 9 is your best bet here - compressed hours.

Do employers really ask mums to prove they have childcare? Do they also asks dads this question. Sexual Discrimination springs to mind.

What? You're planning to have your child around while you work from home?

Gosh no. I work from multiple days. DS goes to childminder daily irrespective. Looking after your child isn't working from home. I can't even think how that might look.

RTFT. Glad you've seen sense!

Also consider half hour lunch breaks when doing compressed hours. Helped me finish half an hour earlier each day. Which made a big difference to us. I now work from home twice a week so 2 x 10 hour days and 2 x 7.5 hour days in the office. I don't work Weds. My DD is at school now so WFH is not a problem for us. Good luck with whatever you decide OP

Sorry. Should've said 2 x 10 hour days from home.

I agree with the points about your DH job. He needs to share the load.