My son starts Kindergarten next year and I’ve got so much guilt about sending him to before and after school care from day 2. I’m a single mother who works as a teacher 40min from my sons school (our home). I don’t have a support network so I know I’ll be using OOSH from the get go. He’s used to being in care and the OOSH is on site so I’m not worried about that, it’s my guilt.
Can anyone suggest ways they made this easier for themselves if they were in the same situation once.
8 Replies
Because every child I know LOVES oosh. The rare chance I get to pick up my nieces and nephews from care (and I spoil them rotten) they really don’t want to leave oosh. Just 5 more minutes, just a bit longer!
Nothing to feel guilty for. It’s like an after school play date!
My son loves it. That said, he's had a rough start and I changed my work hours to get regular contact with his teacher. If you need that, put him in your school or the primary school near you if you're highschool. But otherwise, relax. It's fun
Yes - the fact you work and support your family AND the fact you can pick hin up before 4 and even afford takeaway dinner and a nice few hours together.
Many kids stay at oosh until 6. I pick mine up at 330 our neighbours come home after 6. Its a huge difference.
Once you start youll find that extra 40 minutes before and after really isnt a big deal.
Oh and you get to be home in school hols and public hols and christmas hols. It will work out so that youre really thankful for the job you have compared to others.
I’m in a similar boat for next year.
I’ve managed to find a Mum near me who’s happy to take my son after school for 40 minutes, provided I pack a snack for after school. - bigger bonus, I’m going to Be dropping over a box of chips once a fortnight to feed both our children an afternoon snack. Both happy with that, but I feel guilty about the 2 hours before school.
So, after speaking with the educators and other mums, I’m packing a second breakfast, and a health snack, a book, and a ‘work book’ ((Peppa big or bob the builder ones)) as my child can do some of it himself, some with assistance and some Is just fun.
Apparently, they have the TV’s on, one channel on abc kids, and one Channel on the big kids cartoons for the kids that just want to chill before school.
So pack extra and don’t feel guilty, I’m trying not to!!
My situation was/is similar. My LO has been in OSHC/OOSH since she started Prep last year. She's at school from 8:30ish till 6ish 4 days, with hubby dropping her off and picking her up after school one day per week due to his day off. Since she'd been in long day care full time for 6 months before, I knew she'd be okay, but I felt super guilty to start with. Our OOSH is amazing though, and she thrives there so I quickly got over it.
It will get better. You're doing the right thing.
My sister is a teacher, she sends them to the school she works at. They go a couple of times a week when she has meetings and some days they just hang out in her classroom. I don’t think you would feel so bad if you knew they were close by.
I’m in exactly the same situation this year. I felt terrible! But oshc is his fave time of the day! Asks to stay longer!!