To think 2 x full-time parents and no family support is quite unusual?

[bluepurpleangel]

I have read a lot of threads on MN recently where juggling life, work, childcare etc with both parents working full time and no family support seems to be the norm.

Is this really a reflection of real life? Thinking of people I know with younger children (say primary age or younger), I don’t think I know many two-parent families at all in this situation. In the vast majority of cases at least one parent works part-time and I also know quite a lot of families with a SAH parent.

Of those families where both parents work full time, they usually have some grandparent support with childcare or school pick ups etc.

Just seems a really sharp contrast to the situations I seem to read about on MN. Are my circles unusual or do others also find that 2 x FT working parents juggling everything on their own is quite rare?

Yes I think that’s how a lot of people manage. In fact, thinking about it more, the thread is not likely to be very illuminating, because people mean such a vast array of things by ‘full time’. It’s a phrase that’s annoyed me for a while actually, as it’s a bit vague but often used as a badge of honour.

we are a two parent family, both work full time in high earning jobs and have no local family to help. In fact even getting a babysitter from amongst friends is proving difficult! but it is much easier now the children are older, having 2 in nursery cost more than our mortgage! we manage, my parents have the kids for half terms and a week in holidays every year which gives us some time on our own and we do get babysitters every so often if we can. just means we have to do more as a family and that is no bad thing!

Two FT working parents in our house with no practical support from family. DSis had her hands full with her own brood, MIL helped with small sums but lives abroad. My own mother was too old, and frankly too unpleasant, to be left in charge of kids.

It’s been bloody hard work, childcare cost an arm and a leg, we took very few holidays. As a result we’re stuck in a tiny house. But we got through it and survived to tell the tale.

I would say there were a fair few in our circle although more with one parent working part time. They’re not all paying out for childcare though as some are able to balance the school/nursery pickups and childcare with both working different hours but it’s really tough going as not much time together or downtime.

I was a single parent to 1 with no family support working full time for 8 years.
now I’m in a relationship with two, 1 year n the way, partner works ft I work pt and still no other family support.
if you don’t live near your family that doesn’t negate the fact that you need an income. So not having family support doesn’t have any bearing on your working life. I am working pt now while pg, usually it’s ft. We have a 14yo, a 5yo and one due in March.

2x FT - no family help what so ever. Nursery, after school clubs and holiday clubs. Hopefully when they are a bit older it will be a bit easier.

its the norm for our friends- most have paid help

We both work full time, demanding jobs, no family around at all (they are all abroad). In our circle of friends and colleagues it's the norm so we don't really think much of it.

I have zero family support. My parents are still around and live 30 mins away but won't/can't/don't want to help or give any support. Just get on with it myself. No other options. I work 32 hours per week and a lone parent

We both work full time, we do get some help with the occasional pick up but the vast majority of the time it is the two of us. It can put pressure on our relationship as both get stressed when something happens like one of our children is ill.