SAHM's and partners away.

[KJEmum]

I'm just wondering if those of you who have husbands away and little ones who aren't old enough for school .. be they babies or 3/4yo's.

Do you get time out at all ? Do you put your child into occasional or daycare or have them babysat by a friend so you can have a few hours or a day where you can be you and not a mum ?

[mummyof5]

I do as of this year. My eldest 3 are in primary school, and the 2 youngest have one day a week where they are both at preschool, so I end up with about 5 hours to myself each week...(which I use to madly race around doing shopping or housework usually:o, not really me time!).

[banana]

hi anna

when hubby was away and kids were 1yr and 3yr, eldest had a day in childcare once a wk and i just had the youngest with me, so that gave me a little break.
but for me time, i would drop the kids off at the in-laws on a saturday after swimming and have the rest of the day for myself. i so needed. even though it was only a couple of hrs some times, it just relaxed me so much.
i love my kids deeply but some time away from them is so treasured.
would highly recommended some me time if your able to get some.:thumbsup:

shana.

[samsgirls]

My DD1 goes to daycare twice a week, as it is great for her and it gives me some time with my DD2. If i have an appointment, I can ask my friend to watch them or they go to occassional care. But I don't really spend a lot of time by myself.

[rellebelle]

Hi Anna.:wave:

I don't get any help nor do the kids go to childcare.

K goes to school so i'm lucky there but as H is only 3 months old it's all good. He's a pretty cruisy baby so i don't feel overwhelmed as such or need to have the time out so to speak. Yet, that is. The booby boy has to go wherever i go anyhow.

The only time i get to myself (and i'm quite happy with) is after 8:30pm every night. Kids are tucked up in bed and i can relax.

Ask me this again when H becomes mobile then i might tell you a different story.;)

[zera06]

My hubby is away for 6 months at the moment

i got a new job so my son is in daycare 4 days a week at the moment

i get time to my self if i really need it i ask for help from family. other wise i just contuine on normally with him in tow he is only 21months old and full of beans :)

[KJEmum]

Narelle, yes I'm sure I'll hear you cursing when Hamish is older and toddling around but you have a great support network up there. Everyone looks after everyone elses kids when they need it. It's so different down here.

I have two friends who have offered to look after Eve if I need and will take them up on that offer if I'm desperate but I think I need to make this a weekly thing but then it comes down to cost.

zera06 With you working 4 days, you're having your break from children. You've got a nice balance going. I know it's not 'me' time but it's time to build up your mental strength for the next session of your 21mth old lol.

banana - thnx for your input shana. I bet you miss not having the inlaws around eh.

mummyof5 That's just sooooo normal doing household things like shopping but you would still feel the sense of freedom and enjoy it more. You could stop for that coffee in the shopping centre without 'i want's and can i haves'. Even doing shopping alone is great therapy and a mental recharge.

samsgirls At least you have the options there.

I think I'll definitely have to do some looking around for a good occasional care place or daycare. It would only need to be fortnightly probably on a friday after payday.
Jess would go into daycare on thursdays when we lived in Cairns but she was about 2-3yo. I think by the time I get off my **** and do something Eve will be 2yo .. she's 19mth old now.

Thnx for your replies :)

[Wright4kidz]

Hi Anna,

As you know my eldest 2 go to school but DS 3 goes to occassional care at Rockingham Children's Services (Occassional Care). :yelclap:

I still have bubby but it still gives me some time to do the shopping, clean the house...etc

I book him in up to two months in advance (just so I can guarantee payday day) but I am able to change/cancel as long as I give them 24hrs notice. You also do not have to pay for sick days as long as you give them notice. Its is a great service because I have had a few appointments over the time and I was able to change days as I needed.

My eldest boys went their in 2003 (during our first stint) and alot of the same staff are still there, which is amazing for a CCC.

I am a qualified childcare giver and I am very particular about where our children go...I think it is FANTASTIC facility....

It's worth a look if you are looking for some time out...They also do half days and 3hr blocks of care.

Good Luck

Elisha (Wright4kidz)

[Navywife]

Hi,
I was in a similar situation, I had uni and was 3000km from any family and DH was away so i know how it feels to need even to shower or do the dishes with out kids pulling your pants down.
This may sound stupid but DCO cairns has an occasional daycare 2 days aweek for 5 days a week. have you checked with your local dco?
Time away is priceless and if you go with a accredited childcare you get a discounted rate because of Childcare Benefit (CCB). not to mention that it is regular so seperation is easier on both of you and you are able to plan things better, like days for appointments etc.
Definately do it if you can.
Alex

[zera06]

i gave up my new job and my son is day care 3days a week :) im now offically a stay at home mummy

My son kept getting sick at day care so i felt bad and my work kept rostering me on hours i couldnt do.

and my hubbies deployment has been extended and its time my son saw one of his parents :)

[MilkOnTap]

I'm just wondering if those of you who have husbands away and little ones who aren't old enough for school .. be they babies or 3/4yo's.

Do you get time out at all ? Do you put your child into occasional or daycare or have them babysat by a friend so you can have a few hours or a day where you can be you and not a mum ?

I used to have Jedd in daycare one day a week, but I cut that out about 4 weeks ago. I wasn't impressed with the daycare facility and he was never... 'right' when I picked him up. Countless times I would go to pick him up and there would be a random child screaming somewhere, covered in tears and no one would go to them. The thought that THAT child might have been Jedd a some point upset me too much.

I now have a babysitter who I can call on when I need them. She is the daughter of a good friend of mine, and I trust her completely. Its much better now that I have a reliable and trustworthy babysitter who can dedicate their entire self to taking care of Jedd when he is in their care. I feel much more comfortable with it this way :)