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Original poster

Please help with ideas for 2 year old while working

36 replies

Sun90 · 15/10/2022 18:34

Hi I'm looking for some ideas to help keep my 2 year old occupied while I work.

I have had trouble with childcare since he was six months old and I am becoming the biggest let down to myself and others when it comes to work. I have found a Job cleaning a pub 3 hours a morning and I am a key holder so I do the job alone I took it because I plan to take my son with me I know I can help encourage him to help me but any tips and ideas would be great as it will be beneficial to both of us me keeping this job.

Thanks in advance ☺

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piglet81 · 15/10/2022 18:37

You really can’t do that…not fair on you or your child, and your employer’s insurance would probably be invalid if (god forbid) anything happened.

snowspider · 15/10/2022 18:39

Sadly this is not a possible scenario, too many risks and there would be no insurance and just not a thing you can do.

ploed · 15/10/2022 18:39

Don't!

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LizzieSiddal · 15/10/2022 18:40

Does your employer know you’re taking him with you?

Ragwort · 15/10/2022 18:41

Agree with others, you can't take your DC to work with you ... do your employers know you are planning to do this? Do you have a DH or DP ... a better option might be to go very early morning and leave your DC with DH.

DoodlePug · 15/10/2022 18:43

I applaud your desire to work despite difficult childcare situations.

Assume the pub are happy with you taking him? Can you take some playpen panels to ensure he's safe in a corner and not climbing on stools or going behind the bar? They might be happy for you to keep them there. Must admit I would be very wary of what he could find on the floor - broken glass, dropped tablets, even drugs.

As for keeping him happy presumably whatever works at home. His fave toys, mini dvd player/ipad.

SpottyStripyDuvet · 15/10/2022 18:44

I would ask your health visitor to check if you are entitled to 15 hours a week of nursery. It is universal for 3 year olds.but 2 years old can get it in some circumstances.

autienotnaughty · 15/10/2022 18:46

If you earn less than 16k u will get 15 hours funded childcare. Can't see how u could take a child to work.

ShoesEverywhere · 15/10/2022 19:05

If you could do you really early possibly have him on a sling on your back while he is still sleeping?

Pinkflipflop85 · 15/10/2022 19:08

Has this actually been agreed with your employer?

primeoflife · 15/10/2022 19:58

Unfortunately you need to find childcare

Original poster
Sun90 · 16/10/2022 08:36

Wow wasn't looking for critics to tell me the law just ideas for the 2 year old obviously on the wrong platform wrong kind of of people silly me thank you anyway

And the ones who say it isn't fair on my 2 year old that's good for you I never have had a teething issue a sleeping issue or a constant crying issue my son walks talks and sings the colours of the rainbow and counts to 5 at 2 and goes to school in April wow you peopleyou really focus on the wrong things don't you I'm young just starting out in this world and I can see why it's such a nasty place with adults thanks for nothing haha

OP posts:
Original poster
Sun90 · 16/10/2022 08:38

SpottyStripyDuvet · 15/10/2022 18:44

I would ask your health visitor to check if you are entitled to 15 hours a week of nursery. It is universal for 3 year olds.but 2 years old can get it in some circumstances.

That's the answer dump him with someone else that's the answer thank you!!!!

OP posts:
PortiasBiscuit · 16/10/2022 08:38

A bad idea is a bad idea OP. I don’t think anyone has been nasty to you.

PortiasBiscuit · 16/10/2022 08:39

Now I smell a troll.. no-one really thinks like this surely.

Sun90 · 16/10/2022 08:41

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SimonaRazowska · 16/10/2022 08:42

2yr olds take time to look after, so hard to combine with working

But if it's the only way, can you make sure he's nice and tired (run around outside first for an hour or so) then give him little jobs that take a long time (rubbing down furniture with a soft cloth)

Not as a form of child Labour

But at 2, kids love to do whatever it is their parents are doing

Original poster
Sun90 · 16/10/2022 08:42

PortiasBiscuit · 16/10/2022 08:39

Now I smell a troll.. no-one really thinks like this surely.

Sorry I don't think like everyone else sorry I'm thinking outside the box oh my God haha

OP posts:
Original poster
Sun90 · 16/10/2022 08:44

DoodlePug · 15/10/2022 18:43

I applaud your desire to work despite difficult childcare situations.

Assume the pub are happy with you taking him? Can you take some playpen panels to ensure he's safe in a corner and not climbing on stools or going behind the bar? They might be happy for you to keep them there. Must admit I would be very wary of what he could find on the floor - broken glass, dropped tablets, even drugs.

As for keeping him happy presumably whatever works at home. His fave toys, mini dvd player/ipad.

Thank you!! I don't use devices but the other ideas are helpful thank you°

OP posts:
Gobrookeyourself · 16/10/2022 08:45

Well. This escalated 🙄

PortiasBiscuit · 16/10/2022 08:45

Take a dose of whatever medicine you are obviously on and go back to bed. You will feel better.

Original poster
Sun90 · 16/10/2022 08:49

PortiasBiscuit · 16/10/2022 08:45

Take a dose of whatever medicine you are obviously on and go back to bed. You will feel better.

Nothing else to do for you I take it sorry I have to go to work now have a nice day and to the ones who helped thank you that's what I asked for I appreciate you

OP posts:
MumUndone · 16/10/2022 08:50

It seems he didn't get his intelligence or manners from you.

hopeishere · 16/10/2022 08:50

Using free childcare you are entitled to isn't "dumping" him on someone else. Its very purpose is to help people work.

Colouring in
Small jigsaws
Give him a cloth and bits specifically "his" to help with
Small sorting games.

You've not said if your employer knows you are bringing him. You really need to check that it's ok.

RedToothBrush · 16/10/2022 08:51

Sun90 · 16/10/2022 08:36

Wow wasn't looking for critics to tell me the law just ideas for the 2 year old obviously on the wrong platform wrong kind of of people silly me thank you anyway

And the ones who say it isn't fair on my 2 year old that's good for you I never have had a teething issue a sleeping issue or a constant crying issue my son walks talks and sings the colours of the rainbow and counts to 5 at 2 and goes to school in April wow you peopleyou really focus on the wrong things don't you I'm young just starting out in this world and I can see why it's such a nasty place with adults thanks for nothing haha

No one is bashing.

Everyone is pointing out that taking a child to a cleaning job (where you will have chemicals unsuitable for small children out as a starter never mind anything else) isn't compatible with actually doing your job.

You cannot both supervise your child and do the job.

Its a health and safety no no for starters.

The fact you are even considering it says a huge amount about you. You aren't taking the job seriously, nor are you taking your child's welfare seriously enough.

Whilst you might be desperate and struggling, this isn't a viable solution. You need to rethink. You can't just 'keep your child occupied' in this situation. Precisely because he's two.

Anyone I knew doing this, I wouldn't hesitate to report to employer / safeguarding.