To have a 10 month old baby in a nursery 5 days a week?

[Toomuchworkon]

Just been reading another thread where it’s generally agreed this is a lot / potentially too much and I’m all worried now.

Honestly, would you be judging me harshly?

Its entirely your decision. I put DS in full time for a bit and absolutely hated it so went part time. It was tight financially but for me and him and all the next DC it was well worth it as those years have flown by.

Mine was with a nanny from 6 months as I had to work. He's fine, we're really close and he's a really stable and well adjusted child - very easygoing and quick to make friends.

It's hard to leave them but as long as they're in a good situation with good care, they will be fine

The other thing for these nursery staff on MW is they have so much admin to do they can’t get on with the job of giving quality care. There is so much high risk in that job - you have to be so hyper-vigilant - yet you’re simultaneously expected to log everything when and as it happens. This is why my cleaning lady stopped working in a nursery. She earns far more now with far less responsibility / risk and she’s not tied to the woeful bureaucracy they have to do to cover their own backs. She said there is a culture of frustration and discontent in those places because they are so ridiculously underpaid and all the constant form filling holds them back from doing the direct work with the babies.

@5catsonthedesk

It’s a sad sign of the times that most women are forced to do this in 2021. No I wouldn’t judge you harshly at all, OP. I blame the society that forces mother’s to be separated from their babies who are instead put into institutions run by some of the lowest paid in our society. That’s the value put on women and the next generation. So much for progress.

Forcing women to work??? Really?

Nobody forced me back into work. I really despair at comments like these. .... so blinkered.

What about dads? Do you not feel sorry for them being forced into work??

My ten week old first child went 5 days a week snd so will this baby when she's a year old. Most people don't have a choice

If you have a DP is it possible for them/you both to adjust working hours so you get to spend some more time with your little one?