To think I’m crazy to do this ?

[Needanadviceplease]

I have an absolutely amazing offer to work at a lovely pre school and to take my DC with me who is going to be 2 soon so my DC will be there 2 years. However, it’s based in central London so car or tube it will always be an hour trip one way …???

i have always wanted for my DC to be at the same setting as where I work 😫so this is like a dream come true, however the 1 h trip - I feel it’s not fair on him :/

Two hours of travelling each day would be hell for a 2/3/4 year old.

I used to work in central and used some employer sponsored 'backup days' at a nursery so my experience was definitely not full time! But we were also an hour out.

The commute was fine, mainly because DS loves trains (if he didn't it might've been a problem!) ~ also because both home and the nursery were near the end of the line so we usually got seats.

I'd suggest maybe doing the route with your child in rush hour before accepting the job and see how you find it!

Oooh I am torn on this one. When my eldest DD was 3 I started work in a Nursery and she was able to come with me to work and go into the pre-school class. I looked after the age below so wasn't in her class but was right next door and it was honestly so awesome being at work and knowing she was in the class next door so I get why you are excited by this.

However, only you can decide if your 2 year old will cope with the hour commute there and back as all children are different. Are you talking full days? If so you need to figure in the 'tired factor' for your child. How tired are they likely to be at the end of a day at the pre-school? What are they like when tired? Sleepy? Irritable? Liable to throw tantrums? In a car at least they can sleep if they are tired so I would chose this option for the commute if able as it would probably be best for them.

I would also say you could also trial it? See how it goes and if it doesn't work and you find its just too much or too difficult then you can give your notice in. Would this be an option?

We drop our DC off to grandparents 3 days a week before work, commute to them is 50 mins in car then it’s 30 mins to our workplace.

So our 2 year old is in the car for 2 hours a day, I’ve never had an issue and we’ve all got used to it personally.

The huge travel negative for me & such a small DC would far outweigh the positives, for me.

What are the working hours? 2 hours commute on top of a 3 hour pre school session or a 9-3 may be fine if DC enjoys travelling. Any earlier than 9 or later than 3 though would be too much IMO. It wouldn't be fair on him to have very long days and/or rushed mornings or evening routines unless it was absolutely necessary.

Going against the grain here. I would 100% do this. Assuming she can go in a buggy. She will get used to it. I have kids aged 5 up to 11 and have always traveled and they have all been fine.

You just have to be organised with snacks!!

and just anyone

Travelling a few times isn't the same as commuting at rush hour twice a day every single day. After a month with a young child it will be hell on earth.

I understand but at least he will be safe - I would choose to travel an hour but I will know he is safe rather than a 3 min walk to a nursery where he will be neglected as there aren’t any good nurseries around my area

Extremely normal if you live / work in London. Seems to take at least an hour to get anywhere.

I really like that I literally can see him or hear him from any room how he is doing