I was wondering if any of you out there use daycare just so that you have a bit of time to yourself?
I put my babies' names dowm for childcare when I first found out I was having twins as I planned to return to work.
A day a week has come up (for them both together on the same day as DS) but I have decided not to return to work for another year.
Do I send them anyway and do some stuff around the house/stuff for me? (sleep??) It feels very decedant and I feel quite guilty about it.
They are not old enough to have separation issues yet, and the centre and carers are excellent or I wouldn't even consider it. But still...
What do you think??
Mill.

Mill. (mother to Scout,4, Indie and Shari born 4/11/04)

I went back to work for a break when my girls were 6 months old (not joking! I call my 4 paid work days my "days off"!! - much to the disgust of my workmates) - but if I had stayed at home any longer, and I had the opportunity, I would definitely have used a day at daycare. I think it would be good for you (and therefore for the whole family) for you to have a day to yourself. I say go for it!!

Maree

Eleanor 1/8/03
Harriet 1/8/03

If it will help keep you sane then go for it. A friend of mine does this one day a week and I quite often wish it were me but like you I feel guilty about it and can't justify the cost when I'm at home.

Take care,
Mel

DD's Katherine & Rebecca
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby2/040416/3/14/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

hi all

yep i send all my children to daycare!!!
first my pead recommended it because they were a little behind as i was not exposing them to "educational activities" but now I recommend it because i can see big benefits (for me and the kids)
there was NO way i was going to pull out the paints and let them run loose in the house (and trying to get them to sit at a table hhhmmm not my kids)
even playdoh seemed like a big deal (i have relaxed a bit) so daycare REALLY helped introduce these things...
first it was 2 days, now it is 3 days for Blake and Dylan, Corey goes 1 day and Kade goes 2 days. mondays and fridays i have all kids at home so we have pj days and they show me what they have done at daycare (i just adapt it to make it less messy)
i cannot rave enough about it and for me it is bliss..
the house is cleaned top to bottom on tuesdays and shopping is done (if i get off the computer LOL) and we once again have a happy wife and mummy!!!
good luck to everyone
kylie

Hi Mill, why not take them to the centre and see what it's like. If you organise it with the staff you can often take your kids along for a trial session or two. You stay with them and are legally responsible for them- but you can see how they respond to the environment. If they like it then you can start giving them a day there and giving yourself some time. I started looked into this when I was pregnant and my twin boys were two and I was thinking I was going to go mad- but I got through it and I'm out the other side now (or maybe I've just gone mad and don't worry about it anymore!?). But I get help from my in-laws and so can have time away from the kids- plus now the boys go to three year old kinder for four and a half hours a week.
I'm proud of being a stay-at-home mum and I'm lucky that we were able to make this decision; but I don't think anyone should be judged for using child care.
You have to look after yourself as a happy mummy makes for happy kids. Take care,
Maycee

Maycee (35)
DH (33)
Twin boys (4/12/01)
DD (7/10/03)

Hi there...I don't have twins, but I saw this thread and tought I'd reply!

I went back to post graduate study when my son was 6 months, but quit it a few months after as it was all too stressful. However, I kept my son in daycare 2 days a week because a) he enjoyed it, B) my DH works away a lot, so it can be very full on for me sometimes and c) For me to get some chores done and to have some "me" time!

My son is now 2.5yo and still loves is two days with the "kids" (as he calls it!), and I know I am a much better Mum for it too, as I am well rested (especially seeing as I am preg again), better organised around the house, and although I love the me time, I just can't WAIT to pick the little man up at the end of the day!

Give it a go, and see if you and your little ones like it!!

I do something similar, only not in a day-care and only for 3-4 hours a week. I have a babysitter come once a week to look after my two girls. She is great and the girls love her. I like the idea of them forming a bond with just one other person, rather than numerous/changing people. Plus it is only slightly more expensive getting a babysitter.

I used to feel guilty, but not anymore. I was going crazy at home all day, with no break (they don't sleep much during the day, so didn't even get nap time to myself). DH is not that thrilled with the idea ($$ issues) but he recognises that I need some me time. I spend about half the time doing some cleaning at home, and the other half out and about going to appointments or shopping or occasionally even the gym!

Narelle

I would DEFINENTLY do it - if it is not too expensive and if you can afford it - as i know how much childcare for 2 is!! I am back at work 3 days a week and as nakigirl said i also went back to work for a break - and i love working as it really is so much easier.. but it also helps to appreciate being home with my boys. I love seeing them at the end of the day and my days off are great fun because they love to spend it with me.

Rach :-)

Rach (26) & BJ (35)
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We started one day of daycare when the boys were 18months old...more so to give DH (who's a sahd) a chance to catch up with everything that needed doing around the house-basic stuff like vacuming/lawnmowing/cooking etc....stuff thats really hard to do with 2 babies around and no family/friends to take them off your hands for a few hours.

When they were 2 1/2 we went up to 2 days-its great for their socialisation-one thing we really wanted as they dont have much interaction with other kids....it also means that we now get 'a day' where we can have some us or me time.

Honestly I think for them and us its been one of the best things we could have done (especially since we only have the 2 of us to take care of the boys)



Caz Joel and Cam at 2 1/2years old-now 3 years old

I say, if you can afford it, do it. My girls are in day care one day a week when I'm at work. They love it and I think its great for them too. Like the others have said, I go to work for a break!

I think it would be great to have a day on my own every now and then to 'catch up' around the house or just have some time to myself - so much so that I've decided to try and organise a day off work when the kids are in day care every couple of months to do just that. It was actually my boss who suggested it - how good is that?

Nicolie
DDs Paige & Hannah (23/09/03)

I have twin boys 2 1/2 years old. I send them to chilcare twice a week it's still costs me much on my husbands percertage but i need the break.
It's a great thing for the kids to learn new things and learn to Socialize with others.
I dont work as i'd be paying way to much for childcare but also my twins were diagnosed recently with Autism Spectrum Disorder and trust me chilcare is a godsend..

[color=Teal]What is it with mothers and guilt?!?! What ever happened to trying to stay sane?!?!

If it's going to make you happy, while also introducing the kids to new people and things, then I see it as only a good thing. Go for it!

Vanessa

Thank you so much everyone for your supportive comments.
As a result I decided to give it a go and see what happens. They started with 2 hours yesterday and did not even notice I was gone so that is a good start. I went to an appointment with the accountant! Exciting stuff, but I am already planning what I will do next Thursday with my hours off. I will probably go home, take one look at the bed and think 'that looks comfy... I might just lie down for a minute' and wake up in time to pick them up. Sounds great!
Thanks again!

Mill. (mother to Scout,4, Indie and Shari born 4/11/04)