My DD is 14 months. I’m thinking about trying for another baby and trying to work out how I would balance work and childcare. Work wise, I own a business which is in another town, where my parents live. I tend to go into work 2 days per week and my mum has DD on those days. I still see DD a lot on those days as we have lunch together and I can often pop in during the afternoon too.
On the days I am at home, I can just about get by with working during nap times and once LO has gone to bed (I have good managers in place and I’m not needed for the day to day). I love working and definitely thought DD would be in nursery by now, but as time has gone on, I feel guilty for leaving her. I feel that whilst I can get away with juggling work and childcare myself, I should make the most of time with DD. (This is absolutely no judgement on anyone who does send their LOs to nursery by the way in case it come across that way).
I know that another child would make this balance a lot harder. I know DD will eventually stop napping, although I guess she’ll want to play more independently as she gets older. I’m also not sure my parents could cope with 2 LOs when I’m at work, and they are far away enough for it not to be worth driving there with just DD if I’m not going to be at work (it’s at least 45mins away and often longer with traffic).
DH works long hours - he would consider taking a new job with shorter hours (which of course comes with a reduced salary) if I really needed more help.
My MIL thinks DD should be in nursery as it’s good preparation for school, but I’m really considering trying to care for both her and a potential new baby myself and juggle work. I wondered whether instead of paying nursery fees, I put that money towards a cleaner / housekeeper to make home life easier, and/or maybe a nanny for part of the day or the week. I appreciate this will work out more expensive but feel it would give me more time with the LOs, although I don’t know whether it would just feel weird having someone else around! Has anyone done this and could let me know their experience?
I probably would aim to start sending DD to nursery part time from age 3. We go to 3 different baby groups at the moment and she’s really sociable and confident so I’m not too concerned about that. Given that my work is so far away, it would be hard to do nursery half days etc on the days that I go to work.
I guess my question is, AIBU to think I can do this? And I’d love to hear your experience of nannies / getting help around the house too! Thanks!