If you’ve got child(ren) in childcare, are you planning on taking them out over Xmas?

[Fabregassed]

Just that really. If you’ve got your own annual leave coming up in the lead up to/during/after Xmas, are you planning to take your child(ren) out of childcare (nursery or childminder) too?

I’m torn. On the one hand I think it’s the right thing to do to have my LO at home with me between Xmas and NY. On the other, having a toddler is a job in itself and I feel like I might keep them in nursery for at least one of those three days just to maintain a bit of sanity.

The mum guilt is insane whenever I think about it though. So please share your plans.

For context, my nursery doesn’t close at all except for bank holidays so will be staffed as if DC will be there. I know some childcare settings close for the whole two weeks though.

Leave them in and don't feel guilty! You need the break and they won't know the difference. You've plenty of time for that when you can't escape school hols. We're keeping my one year old in this week - me, my husband and 6 year old are all off. Gives us some time to relax a little, pack for going away for Christmas and have some one on one time with my son which he doesn't get very often.

I know how you feel, but don't feel bad, it's a hard job and you deserve a break too! Xx

Leave them in, child has a fun and engaging day that you have paid for and you get to relax and do your own thing! Wish I could send mine somewhere!!

I call it by the day and sometimes do a mix. So I have AL on Fridays that I'm working through but ds is in nursery as it's the same price for a 4 as a 5 day week so we're paying for it regardless. Sometimes I'll drop him in as usual in the morning and get my housework done or do things I get to get done and then I'll pick him up early when I've finished and we'll go do something nice. He loves nursery and it helps me feel like I've a bit of balance so I don't feel at all guilty. Why not put him in for the morning and get him early, or just use your space for the day since you're paying for it anyway! Nothing to feel guilty about just use it in whatever way works best for you. Happy mum happy kids!

There is no "right" thing to do and I hate the guilt that bestowed for mums for actually wanting to use childcare to get a break. I think making time for yourself where possible is absolutely essential to allow time to rest and recharge so we have more to give as parents. I've absolutely no time for mummy martyrs who make you think you should devote absolutely every free second to your child.

I'm doing a mix and will have my toddler at home some days and in a few days so I get a break! Zero guilt here, in fact I'm looking forward to the time to myself! He'll be happy and stimulated the days he is in nursery too and he'll be with me more than normal too.

Mines in if it's open. I have to pay for it and she gets a lot out of it.

Ours would close for a week over the Xmas/NY period. I was a sahm though so whether I was working or not wasn't relevant to whether DC attended.

Thank you for all of these replies. I completely agree that I (we!) deserve some
downtime, and I also know he enjoys being there and actually eats more there too! But I just feel like I’m being shit since it’s Christmas and it’s family time and blah blah blah.

The thing is, I know that if a friend asked me the exact same question I would absolutely tell her to not to give it a second thought and just enjoy some R&R. But I’m not always the best at taking the advice I would give to someone else.

Enjoy your upcoming break! X

I think it’s good for the child to stay in nursery if they are open, a bit of normality for them amongst all the chaos of Christmas! DC1 was in a nursery that stayed open and we sent them in when we could (usually one day or two max due to BH etc). DC2 is in a nursery that closes so I don’t have that option this time.

Mine is in term time only to save some pennies so be home with me. However if I was paying for it, I’d defo use it even if only for a half day, shorter day.

I took a full day to myself on my birthday this year and it was amazing! A real treat to myself

DS’ nursery shuts between Christmas and new year, but I have purposefully booked extra annual leave before and after to enjoy some work-free, toddler-free time. It’s probably the thing I’m most looking forward to!

We are away so will be taking them out but we have days off throughout the year when they get sent in. We usually pick them on a little bit earlier especially if the day off has coincided with grandparents arriving for a visit.

Last year we were at home for Christmas and she was in until the last day even though I had a couple of days off to sort out life. Sometimes you just need time without a toddler. There's no need for guilt. I have toddler things to do and grown up things to do. Toddler things go much better when I haven't had to try to do grown up things with the toddler! For me child care goes beyond somewhere safe for them whilst working

I don't understand the whole 'mum guilt' thing. You're paying for nursery, seems silly not to use what you're paying for. They enjoy it, probably more fun than being at home. And you get to chill

I'm on maternity with 7 month old. Toddler still goes nursery twice a week around 8-5.45. I don't pico her up any earlier on maternity than when working. And before baby arrived if I ever had an early finish or no work (self employed semi seasonal work), I'd still utilise nursery and relax!!