To think this is a bit mean?

[Gingganggoolies]

My colleague leaves her DS in after school club until 6 when she could easily get him just before 4. I guess I could understand it a couple of times a week but it’s every day and it’s a lot for him (year 1.)

My opinion is not absolute rubbish. Children are entitled to down time too. They can totally be in the same room and doing their own thing, I didn't say she must be an engaging and amazing parent. After a full on day, everyone deserves time to unwind, more so children who haven't actually asked to be here and it's the least a parent can do.

In my opinion it's mean. If a child has no idea that they don't have to endure long days, then of course they will adjust and not find fault. Just because someone can, doesn't mean they should or have to.

@PinkLadyLove you said a parent that was in the room was automatically better than one who isn't. I dispute that. You are making a huge assumption that this child is unhappy and not having a good time at ASC. Numerous posters have told you their kids love it..mine had to be dragged out of their childminders house at 5.45. If this was the mum posting and saying her son seems upset, overstimulated, clingy, you might have a point but we only have a second hand account from a colleague and lots of first hand accounts of kids who are perfectly fine with "long days".

I didn't say anything of the sort. I said children are entitled to downtime.

I personally wouldn't brag about my child being dragged out of a childminders.

And of course people will defend that position, because that's their preference. I just happen to disagree and think it's mean. You will not change my opinion on the matter.

But to some children, especially only children, After School Club IS down time. They have done their lessons at school and then they get to play with their friends. For some energetic children, being able to run around and interact with friends at ASC is a much better decompressant for them than having to go home and play on their own or even play with mum. Or they may live in a flat, or a house with thin walls so can't run around and shout like they can at ASC. For some children, down time doesn't necessarily mean reading / watching TV or sitting quietly and playing Lego or whatever.

@PinkLadyLove you said pretty much exactly that in your first post. And yes I'll absolutely brag about being successful on future being a brilliant childminder who my kids adored and learned loads from. I let me, as a single parent work and put a roof over their head. Or I could have given up my teaching job, survived on benefits and added to the crisis in education. Is that better for my kids?

Think of all the kids in the world who are abandoned, neglected and abused. Although it doesn’t sound like the most ideal way to parent, this really isn’t something to be bothered about.

@RhaenysRocks I said no such thing in my first or subsequent posts. I said, in my opinion, it's a shit situation for children.
People can parent however they wish, and make childcare arrangements as they see fit. However, as I've said multiple times and still stand by, children enduring super long days constantly is horrible and will always be, no matter how you may try to spin the narrative.

My kids would have loved after school club they begged for years to go, they are (still) very high energy.
the mum could finish work have a dog to walk, cook tea, tidy up and then devote all evening to her child for all you know.

My DS loved after school club particularly when they were doing certain activities. I wouldn't be comfortable leaving him five nights a week though

@PinkLadyLove actually yes, apologies, that was a different poster. However, we are still on the opposite end of this so we'll have to agree to disagree. I don't think that spending every moment you possibly could with your kids is always, necessarily the best thing for them or the parent. Have you heard the expression "you can't pour from an empty cup"?

Imagine having a colleague who encourages strangers on MN to slate you like this over something that’s absolutely none of your business