Do you feel guilty putting your children in childcare on days that you're not working?

[Lsquiggles]

I currently work two days per week and my DD is looked after by her grandparents on those days which is a huge help. My DD loves her days with them but she needs some interaction with other children (only child in the family and no spaces in groups local to me) so I want to put her into nursery for one day during the week. I think she'll love it as she's very social and wants to play with any child she sees when we're out

There are no extra hours going at my work so the day she will be at nursery I'll be at home not working. I don't know why but I feel really guilty about this, is this common? In one way it will be good for me mentally to have one day to myself to get on top of house stuff that I end up stressing about all week, but equally feel like people will judge and think I'm sat here watching TV all day instead of looking after my child.

@merrygoround88 agreed! I’m sure I’d feel the same

But OP only works 2 days a week, so I assume she spends the other 3 working days with her child. I would be slightly more judgmental if she wanted to use nursery full time and only work 2 days a week (but each to their own. I’d keep my opinion to myself ) but I think some nursery time and some child free time benefit both kids and parents

Omg do it! She will benefit massively, you will be able to rest and recharge. I was like you when my daughter was smaller, felt bad, but now I think its great for everyone.
My theory is it takes a village to raise a child, her being only w you and nearest family is lovely but she needs external interaction to be fully socialised. I didn't go to nursery until age 4 and I spent my childhood hating all sorts of childcare settings, whereas my daughter (5) went to nursery from age 1 and is super sociable. In holiday club today and next week even though I'm on mat leave but after months of lockdown she needs time away from home and with other kids her age. Not feeling guilty at all.