How many of you have 4+ children and a career? Does one exclude the other?

[allyfe]

This is in no way a judgy question. I'm asking because we currently have 2 Dcs, but are thinking about having another. There are twins in my family, I'm over 40, and so twins are a very real prospect if I get pregnant again. I have just been looking at some of the posts, and although I know lots of you have more than 4, I also spotted that quite a few are SAHMs, and I just wondered if 4 (they would be 6, 4 & 0) would make a career (I work 4 days a week) totally unrealistic. We couldn't afford for me to stay at home (I earn the biggest salary & OH is self-employed, so less reliable income). With a 3 & 4 year old, it is just starting to feel like I can have time for both of them. Any thoughts would be gratefully received. Thanks!

Can I ask those of you who do work, what do you do for childcare, do you have someone who picks up from school and looks after kids until you get home, or is no one here at that stage?

We have an aupair/ mothers help who is with the children from about 8am. She then picks up the youngest from school and stays with them until DH or I get home - usually around 6pm. One evening a week I try to get home for 4pm.

5DC here and have worked throughout apart from maternity leave, 3 days a week but well paid in a good professional job. It's been a bit of a juggle (ha! understatement) and I've learnt the hard way to be organised and not attempt perfection. But I love it!

Stripytee just saw your Q. Yes I have always had a nanny / au pair (both for a while) doing the school runs and afterschool shift on the days I work in central London, plus around for pre-schoolers and illness cover / attending assemblies / housework etc.

Just working "school hours" less the commute is incompatible with any quality work that I'd be interested in, but fine if you're not so fussy. Also trying to go cheap on childcare and housework support means you'll be knackered and have no energy left for the really important stuff of family relationships!

Thanks that's really helpful. I get home around six but thinking when I go back from mat leave that I will need au pair plus another pair of hands for four kids once my oldest are home from school. Doesn't seem like one person should be left to look after four....