Leaving Child in Creche

[mats01_99]

Hi all. That horrible time is about to hit us where my 8 month old daughter is about to start Creche and my wife is due back to work. I posted a question about a year ago about me looking after her full time but that hasn't materialised. I have no problem with the thought of Creche, in fact I'm sure it's a good thing from a social perspective for the children, however my problem is the length of time she'll be there. As things stand currently she'll be dropped off at about 7.45am and picked up at about 5.45pm. The thought of this is heartbreaking. Is this too long?, I would feel much happier if it was even 9 - 5.

[ganesh]

Don't understand your question really,if the extra 2 hours is too long for you then don't do it,but I doubt if it will make much difference to an 8 month old.
I don't agree with the 'good thing from a social perspective'at all especially for a baby or toddler,and I believe in a parent looking after their children, ,but if your wife has to go back to work then she has to ,and I'm sure it will be fine when you all get used to it. I should imagine the early drop-off time suits most working Mums,but if it doesn't maybe you can negotiate with the creche,or find another that will.
Good luck.

[mats01_99]

Ok, maybe I waffled a little but my question is do people think leaving a child in a creche from 7.45 - 5.45 is too long to leave them without seeing their parents?

[ganesh]

Maybe I waffled a bit too,but I think leaving your child all day with someone else is always too long and I didn't do it because I didn't have to. I don't think an extra 2 hours will make any difference,so I would'nt worry.See how it goes.

[TopCat1]

Hi there, I'm quite lucky I went back to work part-time and my daughter goes to my mums. But i have quite a few friends that have to leave their little ones in creches for long periods of time. I think, the ones who where started creche at a young age, it didn't affect them at all.

Unfortunately today, many parents don't have the means to stay at home and look after their children, the government seem to do a lot to allow parents to go to work, but don't help the ones who want to stay at home and look after their children, yet some parents who can afford to stay at home critise the parents who dont.

One thing I can say though, is, ask your wife, to look into part time, it doesnt necessarily mean her wages cut in half. Deduct the cost of childcare as well, and it might work out a bit cheaper, and easier all round, as the little one will in in creche a lot less. Hope this helps.

[ganesh]

I agree with TopCat, I wish more help and encouragement could be given to stay-at-home Mums,rather than ones that work.
Although I firmly believe in being there to bring up your children at least until they go to school,
I wouldn't criticise those who have to work or even choose to .Yet I was often criticised for wanting to stay at home with my kids,with the usual comments like'you must be so bored,and 'what do you do all day?leaving me defensive about a job which should be more 'valued'!!!

[mats01_99]

I think the part time work option is the best bet and as my wife earns more than I am happy to do it if work will allow.
It is very frustrating that more help is not available. Our creche costs �900 per month, a sizeable amount to any couple. If another child comes along which it hopefully will then there's no way I'd pay �1800 in creche fees against a full time take home income of �2400.

[TopCat1]

mats01_99 I wasnt on a very high wage, as Im a receptionist, when I was full time, but when I went back to work part-time, it worked out only �2,000 a year less, but once my working tax credit kicked in and child benefit, I actually came out with nearly the same monthly. So, it definately might be worth looking into.

I really wish you all the best. And like you ganesh, I wish I could stay at home with my little girl also, but my husbands wage wont cover the bills, but I do consider myself lucky that I finish at 1pm every day, and my mum looks after her, some parents arent that fortunate.

[ganesh]

Part-time work,shifts,work from home,and job-sharing should be more attainable than they are.I hope things are better now than they used to be when I was younger. Part-timers didn't get the 'perks'that full-timers did such as pensions and sick-leave and even career promotions were hard.
But if you can get something like that sorted,I think that would be ideal,900 euros ? Do you mean �s or are you Irish.Doesn't sound much for 50 hours a week!

[TopCat1]

Actually ganesh, I work Mon-Friday, 9am-1pm, and get all the perks that full timers get, I still get the same amount of holidays, a pension, sick leave, and I'm pregnant again, and I will be getting 6 months full pay, Gosh, I knew I was lucky, but boy, didnt realise just 'HOW' lucky I am. Then again, my employer is great:-) But I do think sick leave, and hols are law now. But I could be wrong.

[ganesh]

Glad to hear it,my last job was 16 years ago and in a building society where Part-timers were definately considered to be not so 'serious about a career' and were therefore overlooked.They were paid by the hour and not entitled to any pension.
I should imagine your'e right about the legal changes,and I bet the financial work-places were the last to change!
Sorry,mats-for hi-jacking your question.
Good luck!

[Le Chat]

Make sure you or your wife are able to take a fair amount of time off work when your baby starts at the Creche - she'll be riddled with illness like colds, flu, fevers, sickness, diahorrea and conjunctivitis - until she adapts to all the new germs floating about. Unfortunately, many people send their children when they really are not well and should be at home - such is the pressure of modern day living.
My heart would break sending my baby too!