anyone not see their DC during the week?

[ArabellaBeaumaris]

I've accepted a job which basically means I will be out 7am-7pm during the week. My DC go to bed about 7.30, so I am trying to get to grips with the idea of just not really seeing them during the week. Is anyone in that situation? How do you manage?

[grabaspoon]

I am a nanny - and my boss often does this.

Will it be long term? How old are your kids?

[ArabellaBeaumaris]

They will be 5 & 2, it's a 2 year contract.

They will be with their dad or with my mum, so I'm not worried about them enduring a long day in childcare or anything - I know they will be fine without me - I'm just worried about me missing them really.

[CaptainSweatPants]

Is there a possibility of working 4 days or some time at home?
Those hours sound horrendous , I know I would burn out but I'm a wimp
I work 20 hours

[stella1w]

You get up early if they do and put them to bed at 8.

[ArabellaBeaumaris]

I hope so, certainly in theory although don't know if actually in practice. It's the commute that's the problem - it's minimum 1.5 hours each way, so although it's a standard 37 hr week that's going to really add on to the day.

I've been a SAHM for the last 5 years so it is a massive change that I am obsessing over

[grabaspoon]

Whilst they won't be in childcare perse - it doesn't mean they wont miss you.

I have been in my job for 4 years with a 5.6 year old working for a parent who often doesnt see their child during the week due to work and whilst my charge found it easier when he was younger, now that they are nearly 6 it is beginning to be an issue.

Will you be able to call from work? Or will there be the possibility that you disapear out of their life as such if theres a busy week at work etc.

My piece of advice would be carry on being consistant I am sure there will be a lot of mummy guilt but the children need things to stay consistant and know that even if youre in and out of their life [or seeing them for half an hour a day] that you will still expect a,b,c and do d,e,f etc

[NiceTabard]

The 5yo might be ready to go to bed a bit later - maybe 8 which will give you an hour. You can get in and straight away do bedtime story and tuck-in for the 2yo.

What time do they get up? If it's 7 and you leave at 7 then you can wake them up at 6.50 or something for extra big morning mummy cuddles before you go.

Try not to worry too much, they are going to be looked after by family which is a real bonus (and a lot less work for you if they are being cared for in your home!). Congrats on the new job - you must be excited going back after being at home for a while - I know I was - and I love it

[NiceTabard]

Sorry didn't read OP properly.

So you can see them in the AM for first thing cuddles, and then have a fair crack at them when you get in - you could do bedtime for the 2yo at 7.30 have some time with them and then do the 5yo at 8 so they both get some time with your full attention on them.

It will be fine

[motownmover]

Arabella - Congrats on the job!!!

I had a job like that for about 2 years from when my baby was just around 1 years old. But I managed by doing later bedtimes and having an hour in the morning with my baby.

I found it really hard and you have to be super organised. Also if your childcare is fab then that is really great and helps you as you will not have to worry.

I'd suggest you plan all your clothes say on a sunday for the week ahead so you don't waste precious time in the morning getting dressed when you could be having cuddles.

I still bf my baby which I was glad to do but I didn't get much sleep.

I also found my social life was non existent as any time not working was spent with my children and as a result I do feel quite lonely now.

But I never ever felt any guilt - you just have to do what you have to do.

I am now looking at working 3 days a week where I will be out from 7am to 7pm but it is the only way I will get to see my kids more.

What I would say is that you do really appreciate any downtime not working. I did it for 2 years to keep my career established and I managed.

Best of luck!!!