AIBU to ask what the best working pattern is?

[Plughole3]

AIBU to ask what the best working pattern is once young kids are in school (eldest is 4)?

PT - 3 days a week (currently do this)
FT but term time only (plus 2/3 weeks)
A combination, eg 4 days a wk during term & 2 during school holidays

What works for everyone else?

I'm a teacher, so I work F/T term time only (well, go to school - I've got a massive list of things to do at home over the holidays....)

But I would recommend your 3rd option - some days at home without the kids in term time to get everything done, and ensure you have nice weekends with the kids (so you don't have to take them to the supermarket for eg)
And a few work days in the holidays for a break from the kids! - Mine are desperate to go to holiday club in the park

Yes I work in school support and for the exact reasons I think option 3 would be the best, need some kid free time. However negotiating it may be tricky!

My eldest is 4.5 and going to school in September. I currently work two days a week which isn't enough for me. So, I'll be going up to four days a week in September. Youngest (2) will be going into nursery/my mums 5 days a week so I'll get one day a week (Wednesday) to myself. I'm really hoping this works because currently I'm not mentally well at all.

I honestly don't think there is a "best". It's whatever works for your family right now - and this will change over time.

Also agree that there's a world of difference between deciding what's best for your family and successfully negotiating it with your employer!