Is 4 days work with a 1 year old a lot?

[Colliewobble15]

I currently work 3 days a week and have a 17 month old. I have been offered a new role at work with a pay rise however the job is dependent on working an extra day. Is 4 days a week too much to leave a 1 year old?

I want the opportunity to give her a better life but feel so sick at the thought of loosing more time with her. I could never afford to be a stay at home mum and don’t have this opportunity. She absolutely thrives in nursery and has no issue on drop offs however I’m scared of her loosing a bond with me as silly as it sounds. What’s everyone’s experience with this have you left your child this age for 4 days a week?

I’d think it’s pretty standard tbh

id like to work less but can’t afford it !

I use the 1 day in the week to do amazing things with my kids - we always pack up and get out for the day and it’s amazing ! We are usually only home by tea time

We went to the science museum today and next week we are at the natural history museum, following week I have tickets for an exhibition in the British library!

I think this one day in the week makes up for the days I’m at work and I still get the benefit of getting to go to things off peak during the week

5 days a week for me.

dc are adults now and are all well balanced happy people with loads of friends and - to answer your question - a great relationship with me and with dh.

You won't lose any 'bond' even if you were working 6 days a week.

'A lot' is a subjective term. Objectively, it is less that 5 but more than 3. I'm not sure what you want us to say, as obviously you know that.

Congratulations on the new role!
Majority of mums I know do 4 days, 3 days feels properly part time but 4 days is often a compromise particularly in professional roles.

I was glad I had grandparent help one day as mine was never a super fan of nursery, but if they love it then I wouldn't worry.

Sounds like it's your current organisation so hopefully won't need the headspace of a totally new job and you know the culture/hours required.

Would you like more children? Would be nice to have higher wages for mat leave if so

Go with whatever works for your family.

If it helps to reassure you, I work 5 days a week and haven't lost any bond with my children.

I did 4 days a week but for my own health. My daughter did 5 days a week from 12 to 15 months and then 4 days when I dropped to 4 days a week.

This is definitely how I would like to spend my time ! The 2 days a week I have I can’t afford to do many things like this so therefore the extra money would mean we can go out and really make the most of that day off together.

Thank you for your reassurance 😊

Thank you! It’s reassuring to hear that a lot of other people do take on 4 days a week too. We have a grandparent helping for 2 days and nursery the others so it’s a nice mix of play and relax at the grandparents too! It’s the same organisation so not too much more to take on mentally, and the maternity pay in the future is also a great mention too. Thank you for your reply 😊

That’s great to hear , thank you😊

Very reassuring to hear thank you. I think nursery definitely helps with social side of their life and works out in the long run for them like you have mentioned 😊

I worked 5 days with twins in childcare at 20 weeks. They were perfectly fine. As the main earner I didn’t have much choice sadly

I always did 5 and never reduced even when I had the option as I would still have done 5 days work - but with less pay and holiday. Dd is 21 and has just graduated. I found being more advanced in my career better when she was teenager as I had loads more flexibility for homeworking and managing my own hours. Little kids have simple needs, older ones it gets more complex.

It s fine.
5 days is fine
Outsource cleaning etc