How to work around my small children!?

[mommyandmore]

We have a 2 year old and a baby due in the Spring. I'm currently a teacher but will be stopping work as will need more flexibility and I want to spend more time with my children. I do still however need to earn some money whilst they are little. What do other parents do? I'm super flexible regarding what it is I do just as long as I can have some financial independence! DH and I live a good hours drive away from family so sadly they are not an option to help. Any advice or suggestions hugely appreciated! X

I continued in the same role and profession but very part time and used nursery, then wrap around care and holiday clubs.

Flexibility isn't just about school holidays though. If they do holiday clubs they are relatively easy to cover. It's never being able to take a day off in term time. You are accepting you will never see your child's nativity or sports day, you can't be the one to pick up sick kids or if their school closes unexpectedly as you can't leave your classes unattended with no notice. You can't cover inset days as schools don't generally co-ordinate them even in local areas or with feeder schools. You are pretty much not allowed to be sick unless it's bad enough for a doctor to sign you off so you will spend a lot of time horribly run down and ill but not ill enough to go off sick. It's very inflexible. Yes some jobs are more so but if you are looking for a family friendly job role you can find other term time only roles that are much more flexible. (Thats my experience anyway, in secondary in an optional subject, other ages/subjects you might have a different experience.)

I do now, actually, yes! After 20 years of teaching. I’m a different person now. I’m actually happy and not stressed.

I do now, actually, yes! After 20 years of teaching. I’m a different person now. I’m actually happy and not stressed.

Train as childminder?