kid in elementary school - which PT work schedule?

[Anonymous]

Hi, my child is entering kindergarten in the fall, and I also have a baby. I work part-time, and am trying to decide what work schedule would be preferable. I think I could work 4 or 5 short days, and be home afterschool each day, or I could work 3 longer days, with fewer days of going to work. For me, I think the fewer but longer days would be better, to cut out several commutes (50 min each way), and to have some time at home w baby while big kid is at school. But it may be better for my kindergartner for me to be home afterschool everyday, rather than in an afterschool program a few days a week. And it also affects whether the baby is in child care for fewer long days or 5 short days.

I'm interested in hearing how others have scheduled things, and what has worked for you. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I work 4 short days (8-2) so I can be home with my kindergartener after school, but she is in a full day program. My younger daughter goes to the same day care program she did before I went part time. This gives me flexibility - I sometimes drop her off there for lunch and nap on my "off" day so I can volunteer at my older child's school for a couple of hours. This has worked well for us all year. Many summer day camps run 9-3 so this schedule works equally well for us in the summer.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

PP here. I too have a long commute (same as OP's), but since I manage people, being in the office nearly every workday was preferable to my employer and allows me to provide support to my staff on a more regular basis. Also keep in mind you may need that 4-6pm window open if your child does sports or affterschool activities. This window of time will also become increasingly important as your child gets older and homework demands increase. On the days we don't have activities, it sure is nice to have some down time before dinner needs to be made and baths given. Just my two cents...

[Anonymous]

I work from 8-2, Mon-Fri-but do take off most Fridays. I'm keeping this schedule when my son starts school-because I want to be there when he gets home. And for his activities. I really enjoy the shorter work days-they go by fast and love having the afternoons for walks or swimming.

[Anonymous]

I've done both and the 4 short days schedule has worked better as my kids get older. By picking them up when school gets out (3:30), we can then go to music lessons or sports, and we especially enjoy the days we are free to just go home, get the homework done, and sit down to a nice early family dinner. The 3-day schedule meant three nights of getting home at 6 or later, and the rat race that goes along with it.