With 2 kids at home all day (aged 2 and 6mos) and a 9yo at school, having time to do things for work can sometimes not be easy.

My one and only tip... daycare!  y kids go one full day a week.  This is the day I schedule important phonecalls, run all my errands in town, can sit in front of the computer for a few hours and basically achieve alot in one day.

It means being organised to make the most of it.  For me that means making sure my housework is all done Wednesday night so I don't have to 'waste' my only full time work day mopping the floor when I could be making a sale, booking a meeting, etc.

Good tip for a Mum running her own business!!

I think it's good for the child too. They get to interact with other children their own age.

There is always a way to find a balance.  People should not knock daycare.  I think what you are doing is great.

I totally agree. Each parent definitely needs to make their own decision with regard to daycare.

I would LOVE to have my 4yo daughter home, this is my preference, and if  I could put together enough at home work to fund that i'd be very happy. This is the plan anyway.

She currently goes 3 days to daycare, usually collected by 3.30 which isn't so bad, and goes to nana's for monday and friday mornings only which is really nice for them and her. The biggest reason for going to daycare this year in particular is she will start school next year and we feel it's important for her interaction with other children.

We have kept her home full time till 3 years old which was financially a sacrifice but that doesn't matter now, and the great thing is both my husband and I took turns so she has an outstanding relationship with her Dad.

The balance is working for her which is the main thing, if it wasn't I wouldn't go to work. I feel it's the only thing that is important with babies and toddlers that the #1 relationship they are building and bonding with is Mum and/or Dad especially at a very young age.

So Kelly, I commend you on your current schedule, I think it's fantastic and if anything a change of scenery for the children too just for a day.

Carmen

I think you used a key word Carmen... BALANCE!

Well done Kelly, I have worked outside of home since my children were 4 months old. I only worked part time then 15 hours a week, and some days my husband, who works shifts was home with them, so they have established a good relationship with him as well.

I did feel guilty sometimes, and the expense was sometimes quite hard, monetary and little things I missed out on.  But both kids are now in high school and have a very mature outlook on life, and are quite independant, so I know if something did happen to me, they could still manage to look after themselves.

Daycare is great, and don't listen to the knockers, you need to have some freedom and an interest outside of the home, and work is great for getting you to think of something other than what's for tea tonight.

Have fun and well done, you have a balance that suits your life.  We should all be able to achieve this, sometimes it just takes a little organising, and planning.  It can be achieved, just wish some people would be alittle more encouraging and positive, and live in the real world.  It is very hard to make ends  meet on one income, especially if its not a high one, and noone should be made to feel guilty about the choices they make in life.  After all, it is your life!!!

Hi Ladies,

I agree, Putting your child in care for whatever reason is a real personal one.  If you have them at home you think... "Maybe I should put them into care so they have other children to play with, Learn how to share and social skills"......... If you put them into care you then think...."Mabe I should spend more time with them at home",  Am I doing the right thing?

You just have to do what is right for you and your family.

Kell

I agree that daycare is essential to a WAHM. I do much of my work in the evenings after the children have gone to bed but my 3.5 yo also goes to pre-school two days per week. I find it very challenging to work with him at home. If I do try and work, I feel guiilty that neither he nor the client are getting my full attention.

As Kelly said, being organised is the key to achieving balance.

i put both my boys in daycare only to get ready for school the next year and they didnt like it i had to take them out and you only really got 5years of there life before they go to school to really enjoy with them