Leaving Children To Go Work...?

Question

Can anyone out there give me any factual knowledge, as to whether it is harmful for mother's to leave their children to go out and work?

I've not worked since my first child was born but am planning on going back to work 20 hours per week (4 hours per day) and my youngest who is 22 months will have to be left with a childminder for this time. My eldest is 4, and is at nursery most of the time, though will have to have two sessions with the childminder, and obviously all sessions during school holidays etc. He starts school in September, so he won't be at the childminders at all after then. I still intend for my youngest to start nursery when he's 3, so he'll still get to mix with children as he normally would....but I want to know about the psychological aspects for him!? He's a very confident and sociable child, which is why I'm even considering it....my eldest was always very shy and clingy.

Answer 1

In my opinion 20 hours is ok, anything after that and I can`t see the point in having kids to go and stick them in a nursery full time.

Answer 2

I can understand you being a little apprehensive. I'm sure everything will be fine once you all get into the swing of this new venture. It will be good for you to be out working part-time. I hope you will enjoy your time out. Your little ones will also benefit. I wonder if you know your childminder well? Does she look after other children? Children need to interact with other children, just like we Mums need time with other adults. As you are only working part-time you will still have plenty of time during the day to spend with your children, and mqybe you will all appreciate that time a little more.
If your children do not already know the childminder, make sure you all spend time together, so they will be used to her before you do leave them. It may take a little while, but they should soon happily adapt. Good luck with your new work.

Answer 3

I think it does your own mental state and sanity the world of good and both you and your children independence. I work 25 hours for my sanity and my sons!! He's gone to nursery for 2 afternoons per weekFrom 7 months then upto 3 afternoons from 18month. He is really sociable, fun and intelligent, I do alot ith him at home cooking, painting, playing etc but I know nursery has done alot for him, plus we appreciate our time together and I don't get stressed with each others constant company (he's 3 in end of May with, baby no:2 due end of June, and yes for my sanity I will return to work 20hours or so April 2008).

Answer 4

It's all about how you manage it.

I've been a childcare provider for six years, and I can tell which parents spend time with their children when they're not working, and which ones don't.

Kids who's parents don't spend time with them tend to have more behavioral problems and be more clingy, even get sick more often. (This is just in my experience.)

The parents who take the time to bond with their children after work have much more well-adjusted children. Overall, they seem more happy, active, and far less acting out.

You've just got to figure out what does, and does not work for your individual family.

Good luck!

Answer 5

It depends on which school of thought you are to believe on whether it's harmful for children or not for their mums to be working, I have worked in the past when my children were younger, and I have now given up.

No one can make the decision for you and you should consider all your options, and do what's best for you and your family. You know your children better than anyone.

Good luck in whatever decision you make.

Answer 6

its not harmful to your children hun,as there going to be going to school\nursery anyway they wont see much then ,its best for young children to interact with other kids their own age, so your not doing anything bad hun your thinking of your children's future good for you

Answer 7

There is good and bad in both. One of my neices is in 'daycare' and my other neice is at home with my sister.
My neice in daycare is more socialable.
My neice that isn't in daycare isn't nearly as willing to go to people that she doesn't know very well.
My neice in daycare is well behaved, but doesn't stop when you say 'no'.
My neice that isn't in daycare is very well behaved and does listen and stop when you say 'no'.

It has advantages & disadvantages, but you have to make the decision yourself.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

yes, i do believe so. Although you must find someone trustworthy of watching over your child.

Answer 9

I would suggest you speak to a child psychologist, who can point you to some research information. Don't rely on a bunch of strangers on the internet regarding the welfare of your child.