My DD has been in nursery since she was 7 months. 3 days pw until she was 1 and 4 days since. I work when she is in nursery and she has a long day - 8-5. However she loves it and I am happy with the care.
She is now 3.5 and until now our 'day off' together on the Friday was spent on various activities. When younger, baby swim classes, later toddler groups etc. Thing is now, all my friends' kids are in school nursery and not available on Fridays so we have no play dates. It's just the 2 of us and tbh she is bored. There isn't much to do for her age group as all the toddler groups locally are full of well, toddlers! I have done the rounds of all the libraries, galleries, parks etc ad finitem and yes we do have fun but.....she has actually asked to go to nursery from time to time.
I was looking for a kind of stay and play for a couple of hours for her on the Friday to break the day up and keep her amused but then her actual nursery said they could give us another day at a discount. So she's starting this week.
I feel so guilty that I am not spending my 'day off' with her but am planning on putting her in for a shortened day 9-4 and often maybe just half a day if we can find something to do. TBH she is ready for school so I am sure she will be happy - I just feel so guilty!
Added to this I am pg and knackered and so the time on a Fri will be put to good use and I also have the chance for a bit of freelance work extra to my job on that day so the money will be goood.
I'm not a bad mother am I????????