Juggling childcare and work
Last September I made a decision to be a stay at home dad two days a week. It was a very easy decision to make as my wife and I wanted to be the ones to take the girls to and from nursery.
The girls started their local state nursery in September . The nursery is located in the primary school which they will eventually attend so we both felt it was important that they had us as their security blanket.
Most of my work as a painter/decorator thankfully is very local to where I live so it only ever takes me a few minutes to get to work and the bonus of that is that on a Monday and Tuesday morning while the girls are in nursery I am able to start my main job of the week and this then shortens hopefully the time it takes to do the job.
Unfortunately every now and again I end up working away from my local area which then elimates Monday and Tuesday morning.
One such job has happened this week which is half an hours car journey away. I have been recommended to them by one of my regular clients so it’s difficult to say no, also with unavoidable circumstances over the weekend I have three days to finish a massive job. To be honest I wasn’t holding my breath. My plan was to work Sunday to complete the job, but the day before I started it I was informed it was Mother’s Day. So my other option was to work three 10 hour days without a break.
I certainly don’t regret making the decision to be home with the girls two days a week, but I never realised the pressure it would put on my work. The reason I don’t regret it though is because I know this time is irreplaceable. I can’t ever get it back and my bonding with the twins is fantastic and I love the time together.
This past week has been difficult, but another example of juggling childcare and work. A very hard balance to find.
6 Comments
Jeremy Barnes
March 5, 2016 at 4:12 pm
I think the key is to just be thankful that you have the opportunity to be able to make these decisions yourself. We've also been pretty fortunate as to our work flexibility. Your priorities are definitely in order, and that all that matters. The girls are lucky to have you
Sarah Howe
March 5, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Those kind of weeks are so tricky and exhausting!! You want to do well at work but don't want to miss out on family time. Hope all got completed ok and next week is a bit calmer xx #justanotherlinky
Mrs Tubbs
March 5, 2016 at 8:49 pm
Good luck with finding a balance :). It's so hard
Life-As-Mum
March 7, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Oh bless you. It is hard to balance it out isn't it?
I feel so lucky to be a SAHM now, but I know in a few years I will be out working again but right now I am enjoying working from home and looking after my girls. x
Thank you so much for linking up to #justanotherlinky
Debbie Roberts – Debs Random Writings
March 8, 2016 at 8:20 am
Working three ten hour days must have been tiring, but worthwhile. Enjoying time with the children while they are young and want you round is important as like you said that time is irreplaceable. Finding a balance in anything never seems that easy.
xx
Something Crunchy Mummy
March 10, 2016 at 8:29 pm
I think it's amazing that you made the decision to be a stay at home dad got two days a week and even with the tough times sounds like your making the best of it! Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx