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Parenting

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Original poster

Is 7:45 - 5:30 every day too much?

27 replies

Tdcp · 12/04/2022 23:45

I start a new job in a couple of weeks, however it means that dd 7 will be in wraparound care every day from 7:45-5:30 every weekday. I'm now stressing that that's too much for her? I have no family or anyone else to have her but she does get tired generally. She's usually shattered after a normal week at school. I don't know what my other options are exactly but is this normal? Is that how much kids her age are in childcare? I'm not being precious or anything I'm just really anxious as it's a big upheaval for us both and I feel like she's getting the short straw here...

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Kanaloa · 13/04/2022 03:31

Many kids do full wraparound. When I worked at nurseries there were small kids (age 2) who did 7.15 until 6pm.

Yes, it seems a lot, and she might be tired or prefer to be at home, but needs must. I’m not unsympathetic but when you need to work and there’s nobody to look after her then what can you do?

When mine did wraparound I used to twice a week do a really easy tea like beans or egg on toast so they could get right into bed and recharge with an early night.

Kanaloa · 13/04/2022 03:33

But yes it’s normal - but also normal and lovely for you to worry about her too. At very least you could give it a go and see how it works out. A childminder is obviously another option but (in my experience) I would prefer before and after school as more reliable and likely to be with kids her own age from her school.

Saltyquiche · 13/04/2022 03:46

Talk to the wrap around care and explain she’s likely to be very tired.

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pittabread · 13/04/2022 03:54

@Kanaloa

Many kids do full wraparound. When I worked at nurseries there were small kids (age 2) who did 7.15 until 6pm.

Yes, it seems a lot, and she might be tired or prefer to be at home, but needs must. I’m not unsympathetic but when you need to work and there’s nobody to look after her then what can you do?

When mine did wraparound I used to twice a week do a really easy tea like beans or egg on toast so they could get right into bed and recharge with an early night.

That's so long! That's longer than a full time job... for a 2 year old.

PatientlyWaiting21 · 13/04/2022 09:04

Don’t stress, it’s horrible for many of us but it’s just the way things are. Everyone has told me it will be great for her development!

moita · 13/04/2022 09:09

I work at an after school club. We keep it fun and chilled out - it's not like being at school really. They don't do any homework (which wome parents moan about!).

Honestly she'll be fine. A lot of kids enjoy it

Februarymama · 13/04/2022 09:12

I wouldn’t do this if it could be avoided. I work in childcare, I see how beneficial it is for children… but it doesn’t get any more beneficial the longer they’re there for. It’s a really long day for her. I wouldn’t want to be out the house for 10 hours a day every day, even if I enjoyed the activity I was doing. Our setting is open 7:30-17:30 and I think the children who are there the entire time we’re open definitely feel it vs the children who do 7/8 hour days.

JengaTower · 13/04/2022 13:46

My DC did full wrap around and loved it as they're busy with other DC doing stuff

JengaTower · 13/04/2022 13:48

Or they can chill out there watch a film or play on the play station.
Great in the summer for them running around outside on the field etc

MrsKeats · 13/04/2022 14:33

Wouldn't consider this. Much too long.

Kanaloa · 13/04/2022 16:26

@pittabread

It was longer than our work days. We either worked 7-4.30 or 9-5.30 or 9.30-6.15. There were kids who would be there before I arrived and leave after I’d gone home. But at the same time if a single mum needs to work what can be done? People on mumsnet are quick to say ‘oh go part time’ or ‘get a nanny’ but those of us who have been in that situation know it’s not easy! Nobody is choosing to stick their kid in childcare for as long as possible because they just can’t be bothered, it’s about getting food on the table and clothes on their back etc. It’s maybe not ideal but it’s needs must.

Original poster

Tdcp · 13/04/2022 16:34

Thanks for all your input. I don't really have a choice other than to do this as I'm currently trying to leave a relationship and it's a good job that I never expected to actually get. I do worry for dd, I'd do anything to not have her in childcare for so many hours. I'm hoping that after I leave , her dad will step up and do morning drop offs or pick her up early a few days a week which will help her.

OP posts:

MrsR87 · 13/04/2022 16:41

Mine is at nursery from 7.15 until 5/5.30. He is 17 months. I don’t like it but he soon adapted and he loves it. He’s tired when he comes home but it grumpy. We have an hour or two together before bed and then he generally sleeps through!
I’m the same as you, no family to help so it’s the only option for now.

cansu · 13/04/2022 16:47

It is fairly normal for kids whose parents work full time. Yes, it will be an adjustment but she will adapt.

Vsirbdo · 13/04/2022 16:48

My DD went from doing 2 days of wrap around care to 4 days and I thought she’d be knackered but it hasn’t really phased her and from what she says if they want to chill out a bit then they can or if they want to do activities they can

cansu · 13/04/2022 16:49

Please ignore people saying that they wouldn't do this themselves. If you need to work to fund a home then that is what you have to do. Clearly, if you didn't need to then you wouldn't. I can't imagine many people would choose poverty over wrap around childcare.

PotteringAlong · 13/04/2022 16:50

@Tdcp my 3 all did 7.30 - 5.30 5 days a week from young and still do (all 3 primary age now). It’s fine. They’re fine.

User0610134049 · 13/04/2022 16:54

At age 7 I think that’s absolutely fine and there are quite a few at dds school her age (7) that do that. Please don’t worry.
Is it the kind of job that once you’re settled you might be able to work from home sometimes or have some flexibility? If there is flexibility and option to wfh in future then you can do longer hours some days because of no commute so you may be able to collect her some days. But I know that’s not possible with all jobs.
Sounds like it’s a great move for you and you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity. Go for it, it doesn’t have to be forever.

beattieedny · 13/04/2022 16:56

It is a lot for both of you, but she's clearly very very loved so she'll be fine! It's clear you would rather not do this, but need to, so I'd make peace with it, and give her lots ofyour time at the weekends.

Lacedwithgrace · 13/04/2022 16:58

Children are resilient she'll be okay. Hope everything goes well for you both x

Isonthecase · 13/04/2022 16:59

It's certainly not ideal but she will be fine and it sounds like in the long run she'll benefit more from the stability it means you can give her. Mine do this and they're much easier and nicer when they have a week or two off so if be prepared for that but they do cope ok.

SunshinePie · 13/04/2022 16:59

Have you thought about an au pair?

Cuppaand2biscuits · 13/04/2022 17:04

If you have to do it then she will adapt and you will both cope.
I really don't think you can compare wrap around school care with nursery though, as some posters have. Nursery is such a different pace to school and allows for naps, chill out time and is much lower child to adult ratio.

Heathofhares · 13/04/2022 17:05

My DCs are 6 and 8 and they love wraparound. We’ve cut back a bit recently and their dad does a couple of mornings now. But DD actually complains that she isn’t going. Likewise if I have to pick up early.

They enjoy playing with friends or choking on bean bags with a book or Chrome book. DS is hopeless at entertaining himself so he really likes having people to play with. They are tired by the end of the week though.

Sunnytwobridges · 13/04/2022 17:06

My daughter would be in care from about 6:15 til 4:30/4:45. But she actually loved it as she loved to play and socialize. She turned out fine. I noticed she wasn't the only one in care that long, it's just the fact of life for a lot of families.

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