Dithering - can't make a decision!

[Slinky]

I work part-time in a children's nursery - DD2 comes into nursery at the same time (not same rooms though).

She starts school in September and I'm desperately trying to cram "our special times" in together before she goes.

I'm thinking about giving up my job, therefore cutting back her nursery times. At the moment, we both finish at 2.30pm, then go and collect the other 2 from school - then onto swimming lessons/homework/preparing dinner etc etc, so DD2 and I are not getting any time together.

I know I'm fortunate enough to be in this position as I don't need to work financially and DH doesn't mind what I decide to do as long as we're all happy.

I know that come September I'll be left with no job and all the kids in school, but the school are always crying out for volunteers for Playtime supervision/arts and crafts/reading and stuff, particularly with Reception classes so I know I could help out in there.

Just read this back, bit rambled but typing as I'm thinking.....I just don't want to be in the position of regrets in September that I could have had this time with DD2 and I didn't. Today, DD2 and I sat together (with Baby Annabel and Baby Chou Chou!) on the beach watching the other 2 skimming stones - and she looked at me and said "this is nice Mummy". I was almost blubbing....

Can you take a career break, say for a year, then go back?

Nursery's and schools are always cryiong out for experienced staff so i'm sure you could return to work when she started school.

Is there any way you could cut back on your hours Slinky? Then you get to spend some time alone with your DD2 before the others come out of school, but you're also getting to do something you enjoy (sorry presuming you enjoy your job as it's not financial ).

I do know how you feel though. I want to give up work and be at home with DS2 (along with other 2 when they're on school holidays) as even though I only work 3 days I still feel like I'm missing out on so much That can't happen until DP has a job though. Anyone's guess when that will happen though

slinky, you nearly have me blubbing...what a lovely little girl to say something so sweet...if i were you i don't think that i could resist taking some time out to be with her more...know its a hard decision tho

Slinky, your dd sounds beautiful. She said those words to you when all three of your children were together, so for her special time isn't limited to those times when it's just you and her. Family life is seen from a different perspective by all children depending on their position in the family, and I bet there isn't a parent alive who doesn't have regrets when their chidren grow into young adults over lost opportunities for family fun and games.
Do what your heart tells you to do, as there is no real harm done either way.

Well....an update

Thanks for your replies - but after yet more dithering and driving DH up the wall, I have decided on the following:

Giving in my notice tomorrow morning - absolutely dreading it, never had to do it before!

Cut back on DDs nursery times. Will continue with my Tuesday mornings voluntary work in kids school (reason for this I will explain in a minute).

In September, I am planning to start an Open University course - still child-related but this is more geared to Reception/Key Stage 1 age group (which is where I do my voluntary work). The course requires some voluntary or paid work to be done in the "setting" so have spoken to Early Years Co-ordinator today to enquire about possibility of increasing my voluntary work in September. Almost bit my hand off as they are always desperate for volunteers.

So that's it Extremely happy now - get to spend next few months with DD2, have plans for September and beyond!