Part time child care two days in a row better than separate days?

[Belly]

Hello,

I am returning to work soon. My work has offered me two full days a week. My work wants me to work Mondays and Thursdays. I have booked my child into a childcare center for these days. My husband is not happy with the idea of Mondays and Thursdays. He wants me to work two days in a row (Mondays and Tuesdays). He says it is better for my daughter because it is more of a routine for her. I like the idea of separate days because it means less time away from my favourite little girl. My work is very easy going, so I could ask for Mondays and Tuesdays if I want.

I want to know if anyone out there has their child in care for separate days in the week or works part-time days together? Could you tell me if it works and why it works? I'm not sure what is best for my daughter and need some advice.

Thanks
Belly

[Kirsty Stewart]

Hi There,

Well I have worked in Childcare for 7 years and i am know a SAHM. So to answer your question.

It is up to you having the day's more spaced out generally means her routine is more in pattern as in home for 3 days care for 1 home for 4 days care for 1. you know what i mean. sometimes being is such a bulk and then having a longer gap is a little harder to adjust to in the initial settelling in period.

In saying that if your child adjusts to routine and changes really well then just do what suits you and your husband. Once your in if you feel it isn't working talk to the group leader and Director they will always be there you and do what is best for your child.

Once your child is setteled in though she will adapt to whatever works for you bot.

Enjoy
Hope it helps
Kirsty
Mum of Lachlan 16/5/04

[xkwzit]

Hi Belly
I'm so glad that your employer is understanding, I've also had two v understanding employers who were happy to work in with my plans for part time work. I know that others aren't so fortunate (although we all deserve to be).

I found for me that WORKING a split week made me feel like I was at work all the time and not having good quality time with my DD1 (and now DD2). When I would work say Mon, Tues and Thur, I would be think about working while I was on my day off with DD1 (and I HATED that). Now I work Mon, Tues, Wed and find this feels much better. I'm into the swing of work on those 3 days and then I have my Mum time. My working week finishes on Wed and I'm able to turn off until the next Mon (mostly!). But really you just have to give something a try and be willing to change it if its not working. Believe me, I tried about 3 different arrangements before finally deciding on this one! (God bless understanding employers ).

Best of luck with it!

[Chickadee]

Hi Belly,
When I first started back to work part time I actually wanted half days, but getting daycare like that seemd impossible. So I worked Mon to Wed and then a long long weekend. The long weekend should have been good, but the consecutive days away from work were causing problems - Emails or phone calls late Wed evening or early thurs morning wouldn't get answered for days and was ****ing off clients. Work wasn't getting done by others because I wasn't in the office to check up on it. I'd find myself feeling guilty about being home and checking email on my days off and working from home just to avoid a pile up on my desk and angry clients on monday. Clients and co-workers all had my mobile number and used it regularly on my days off.

Plus, (hard to admit this) at the time I was struggling with juggling work and motherhood and her dad away, and being alone with dd for 4 days in a row left me exhausted and stressed.

So now I work monday, wednesday and friday. DD enjoys her days in care and I enjoy my tuesdays and thursdays with her like a holiday and don't feel guilty about missing something at work since it will only have to wait a day. My clients are happier, I can check co-workers progress more regularly, and my bosses are accepting that I can make part-time work.

But like xkwzit said, you just have to try something, try something else if necessary, and find what works for you & your situation.

Good luck!

[Belly]

Thank you so much for all the advice.

It's nice to know that working separate days can work. I'll keep an open mind and see how it all works out. I'm so excited about being back in the workforce and I am very very very lucky to have such an understanding employer.

Thanks once again.

Belly