Would I be awful to put DS in nursery on a day I’m not working?

[Havanawinter]

DS3 starts school next September and we’ve decided to up his nursery days from 2 to 3 from January onwards to get him used to slightly longer weeks. The dilemma I’m having is which day to send him.

I work 3 days a week; on two of my work days DS is in nursery and the other he’s with DH. I can’t decide whether DS’s third nursery day should fall on his day with DH or on another day of the week when I’m not working. DH is being entirely noncommittal and doesn’t mind either way (allegedly)

wwyd?

When you're talking about guilt, do keep in mind you are also talking about ONE extra day a week for NINE months. 36 days, minus any holiday time you have, in other words. It's a blink of an eye in parenting terms.

I agree again that it's a good idea to keep DH's day because it's good for them to have that one on one time, so it's a bit of a no-brainier that he goes in on your day.

I was made redundant the summer before my child went to school, yes I did drop his days as I couldn't afford as many as we'd been doing, but I still sent him in! I dropped off a little later and picked up a little earlier, but it was amazing to have that time to myself.

oh please do and don’t feel guilty - if you can afford it and it works go for it. Having a bit of down time/slack and self care goes a long way to helping you be the best parent you can. It doesn’t all have to be a slog. And doesn’t mean you love him and less - more energy / focus when you are with him! Yes it goes fast, mine are grown now but I still remember how tiring it can be and wish I had carved out more time.

I don't think you need to do it to prep him for school at all but I also think it's absolutely fine to do it if you want to.

My DH has always done a day off with the kids and I really think it's a game changer for dads - DH is just a lot more competent and confident with the kids than he would be if he was full time. It will also mean he can do a day a week during the school holidays etc as well

So right now during the weekdays he has 2 days in nursery, one day at home with his Dad and 2 days at home with his Mum? If your Dh was home alone what would he achieve housework wise, what would you? That is the way I would look at it.

You could easily get quite a bit done but also with some lovely uninterrupted breaks. I was a sahm and Ds went to nursery 1 full day a week, he was previously 3 days when I worked 2 1/2 days. As much as I love him it was great to be able to devote time to shopping, cleaning, maybe batch cook and still have some me time too.

It is nursery, I bet he loves it there. I sent mine 5 mornings a week at 3 for preschool nursery to get them ready for that every morning routine of school.

I would send him on your day off, keep Daddy Day as it is! It'll give you a chance to get more done during the week, then they can have more quality time with both parents at the weekend.

If having a day to yourself is restorative and makes you happier, you should do it