Looking after children a juggling act
I returned to my shift-work job when Nell was born but when she was eight months I had to call a halt to that part of my job and eventually I got a desk job.
This allowed me take parental leave, but February 2006 looms and I need to go part-time.
When I was growing up I had a stay at home mother and I benefited from her care. I have a wonderful childminder but I am not at home so truly it doesn’t make me feel any better.
I was very impressed by your articles. As much as my parents are involved in our children’s lives I truly do not believe it is their job. My children are minded in their minder’s home - my eldest had his minder for three and a half years, and when I then had two she couldn’t take my next on. So I then had another one for four months who didn’t work out.
We then got an amazing lady who had the boys for a year and a half, but she couldn’t do school runs so we got the lady we have now. She’s young and we have been with her for the last three years - my little lady loves her and the boys don’t mind going to her after school or activities but it’s a juggling act because my eldest is in after-school stuff and my Wednesdays off are for the swimming run and dentist appointments.
It is only so often you can ask your stay-at-home friends to collect or help out. I try very hard not to ask and if I do I always pay back if I can on my Wednesdays. I shall finish by saying thank you for giving me a voice.
Dearbhla Mescal
Maynooth
