| Posted by jennyshelley On Friday 23 March 2007 Quote |
Back to work - Hey ho. Once your youngest reaches twelve it's back to work you go and don't count on welfare benefits. Most of us do work in some shape or form, and we are lucky if we have flexible employment that can take some account of school times. But what I want to know is, if single parents are back in a nine to five job, are there enough grannies and grandpas to go around? And do they have the strength to look after energetic young teenagers throughout the school holidays? Or are we supposed to leave our kids home alone or hanging around on street corners with their buddies? |
| Posted by anniem On Monday 30 April 2007 Quote |
Jenny, No there are not enough Grannies to go around and if you have your children late in life there is more chance that their own will not be. My Daughter has no Grandparents to step in and help with childcare. However, I have a longstanding brilliant childminder who is part of our family. I think Mums have to be realistic when making the shift to go back to work that it is a compromise and that childcare costs, summer clubs and activities say dance school for a week have to be part of parcel of making it work for everybody. I am a firm believer that a child does not suffer by having time away from its parent to learn socialising skills and have extra time to spend on a hobby they enjoy. Often children that have been used to letting go of Mum are more confident in their approach to life. Allow your children to grow and if you have to work or just want to work then please do not feel guilty -find what works best for you. None of the options are cheap unfortunately -I wish there were more activities subsidised for those parents who do not have the financial choice not to work. Even as a freelancer clients will not want you to have all the school holidays off. So bear that in mind should you opt for this instead of a regular 9-5 position. Lets face it we cannot all be teachers or work in the school office or canteen! |
