my daughter started school in reception last week and I took the first three days off so that I was there to see her off and pick her up. I feel really guilty though because this week she will be starting breakfast club as well as after school club and I feel guilty as I feel like it’s such a long time for her. I’ll be starting work from 9.30 – 5pm next week so it will just be after school club after that but I was just wondering if anyone was in the same boat? I worry that it will affect my time and bond with my daughter and I feel bad that it’s a long time for her and we won’t havw much time together in the week. I dropped working Mondays too so that will help I just feel quite alone in this, anyone else have the same? Xx
I’ve always felt bad at how long my kids days are in childcare, even when I was married. My kids childcare has increased since I split with their dad, as I had to increase my working hours. Thankfully my daughter likes before/after school club. She’s been going for 2 years now and it’s meant she’s built relationships with kids in other years that she wouldn’t have otherwise – she reads with one of the older kids, which they both love and has really helped with her reading. I’ve explained to my kids that I need to work the hours I do to allow us to have our life and stay in our house, that means they have to go to nursery / school club. My kids have accepted that and generally don’t complain about it. We don’t have family close by so we don’t have any other options.
I hope your daughter settles into school and after school club, and enjoys it 🙂 The long days exhaust them.
Ah thanks for your reply hun, I feel so reassured knowing it’s not just me. I’m hoping my little one will understand as she gets a bit older too. She loves after school club which takes a bit of the weight off really, I don’t have many friends and am quite isolated where I am so it’s nice to have replies from people like you, thank you xx
I think it’s very common now for kids to go to both before and after clubs. And I’m sure she will get used to it…just means the time you do have with her you both will enjoy it as you haven’t seen each other all day…so make the most of the time you do spend with her.
Hi Clobo, my son went to afterschool club from reception too.
He loved it. He’s an only child and after lessons, he was able to tear around letting off steam with other kids. They became his little tribe.
my son has started secondary school this term. He’s happy & well balanced, I honestly think it benefitted him, so don’t feel guilty. I’m sure it will be fine
.
.