To use my last day of annual leave for myself whilst DS is in childcare

[Rubberyduck]

I had 5 days annual leave to use by end of March. These were accrued on mat leave. I used one day for myself, this was actually the first day I had had without my son for 16 months as he stayed in childcare. I had lunch and read a book. It was bliss. That was 2 months ago. I have just used 2 more days to do DIY and worked like a dog (no time out for me AT ALL to ensure we had family time at the weekend) and one to have a day out with DS.

Which means I have one day left which I am taking next thursday before I 'lose it' via HR.

Am I selfish to use it for myself and keeping DS at childcare?? Especially so close to mothers day I feel mum guilt and I havent even done anything....

I should add that the childcare is paid for already.

Have a "you" day and do something nice/indulgent that you'd never do normally. Make the absolute most of it!

God only knows what I would do for the day

I've had one day like this and I tried loads of clothes on in any shop I fancied, had a gloriously quiet croissant and coffee by myself and then went home to read my book/nap in bed. My childless friends thought I was mad when I described it as one of the best days of my life

I did also do a couple of loads of laundry and make dinner.

Ignore your DH and Mum. You need a break and you deserve one. My Mother has always suffered from terrible guilt and puts everyone else first. It really upsets me sometimes and I do what I can to encourage her to put herself first sometimes. Often just little things like ensuring that she chooses the restaurant. I couldn't ask for a better Mother but I wish that she'd learn that she matters as much as anyone and that's it's ok to put herself first sometimes.

I wish I had a day left to do this

Omg go for it!!!! You deserve it. Zero guilt!

Do it! I have next week booked as leave just to use it up, DD will be in nursery for three days, I can’t wait! Netflix isn’t going to know what’s hit it.
I suppose you could always pick him up a little earlier than usual if that helps with the guilt!

I am a cm and o encourage my parents to do this. You are more than a mum.

I don't think you would be unreasonable at all to do this!

But, if it is going to make you feel guilty, this might impact on your day, so would you feel better if you had half a day with DS, and half to yourself?

Do it and don't you dare waste one second of your day feeling guilty! I mean it.

Dk it. You having a recharge means the weekend gives you a greater quality of time with your family as you are rested and relaxed for it.

I love husband- and child-free days!

Do it! We do this about once a year, take a day to spend as a couple, have a daytime date while kids are in childcare. Next one is scheduled shortly. Can’t wait!

I took a half day leave to see a film on my own once. Utterly glorious. No one stealing my popcorn!

I had Friday off work and spent the day shopping for clothes with my sister. It was amazing and I appreciated every minute! We took my DD out for dinner in the evening so still did something nice with her too. Enjoy your day doing whatever you want!

Do it!
DH and I are booking a day off for a spa day together while DS is in nursery - we never get time together any more. Can’t wait!

I am doing this on Wednesday. I love my DS but Mum's need a break as much as anyone

*Mums - stupid autocorrect

Do it.

Its exciting! I will have to have a think what I am going to do...

I used to work 3 and half days each week. Kids were in day care for 4 days. On my half day I'd drop them off at 7.30 and be finished work by 11.30 for that day then rest of the day for me - utter bliss. I really struggled when I upped hours and lost this time

My children are frequently in childcare whilst I’m home just so I can have some days to myself

Well, I say frequently but it’s more like theee times a month. Sometimes I engineer my shift to make sure I’m not working on days the children are in childcare.

I love my days to myself - I need them to rejuvenate!!

Do it! You're paying for nursery anyway and there is nothing wrong with wanted some quiet time. I'd probably just give dc a shorter day so no rushing in the evening.

Enjoy it and please don't feel guilty about it. I have a couple of days coming up where I'm off work and both kids are in childcare and I am definitely looking forward to having some time to myself. Having a whole day to do as you please without having to rush back is just amazing. I love my kids and miss them when I'm not with them but we all need some time to refresh. Although it will be just my luck that they get ill and can't go to nursery on the days I'm off

Yanbu!

I take occasional days off when DH is working and dd is in nursery, to have some me time. And DH and I also take odd days off together when dd is in nursery to spend time together.

I never feel guilty about it. We enjoy family time together and also enjoy time as a couple and on our own. It gives us a good balance.