One for the parents among us....

[DodgyAgent]

Society wants to make sure the parents choices are not detrimental to the child, that's all.

I absolutely approve of a system where the child's well-being is more sacrosanct than the parents' privacy. Of course the implementation of such a system is very hard, but this idea that "they're my children, I'll do what I want with them" is not beneficial. They're not interfering to prevent your choices, but to prevent your children being damaged by your choices.

Some children are better off being apart from their children during working hours and some are not. You can spend all day with your kids or you can spend a couple of hours with them, it is how that time is spent that is important. It is not for you or any government to impose any one size fits all based on "what seems to work best".

[cailin maith]

You can spend all day with your kids or you can spend a couple of hours with them, it is how that time is spent that is important..

Holy Mother of God - has hell frozen over? I'm finding myself agreeing with DA

[d000hg]

You'll find I never stated anything about how much time parents should spend with their children. You're taking my general statement and combining it with someone else's opinion to put words in my mouth.

FWIW I don't think it has to be all day but a minimum amount of loving time is needed. Children aren't the same as adults (well some adults anyway). Children need parents to be there. I think that's compatible with working IF you prioritise them in the evenings and mornings, sandwich their day with your love and attention rather than kiss them on the way out and then put them to bed as soon as you get home.

CM none of this is pointed at you

[doodab]

Some children are better off being apart from their children during working hours

So basically you force your child slaves to breed and then snatch their babies away? That's horrific, even for you.

[SimonMac]

I intend to be a burden to my children.

BBC News - Bernard Matthews' villa legacy thwarted by children

He had left three wills and in one he bequeathed Villa Bolinha to Ms Marteyn outright, Judge Strauss said in a written ruling published on Wednesday following a hearing in July.

"He was aware that, by French law, his children were entitled to 75% of Villa Bolinha on his death.

"He hoped nevertheless that his children would not exercise their rights, and left a letter to that effect.

"While George respected his wishes, the adopted children did not, with the result that Odile could only inherit 43.75%."

[cailin maith]

CM none of this is pointed at you

Ta

However, I think it's hard not to get defensive when someone (seemingly) critisizes (sp?) a choice you make with regard to your child, particularly if you have agonised over making that choice.

For us - it's not the money, although it's nice that it's more to save but it was about baby's wellbeing, getting socialised with other kids (all my family are at home, so no cousins etc here) and a bit about my mental wellbeing too The structure of working helps me focus my free time on what matters most. Family.

[BrilloPad]

BBC News - Bernard Matthews' villa legacy thwarted by children

I was shocked too. But surely he has read or watched bleak house? And why not just give it to her outright?

I suppose its too late to do anything now.

[doomage]

This is the sort of fascist presumptuousness that so many women have to face from ignorant bigots

What? I was replying to his ignorant bigoted dig at our lifestyle choice, which was a typical Spod response to any forum member not in his clique. I respect his right to do so, but also reserve my right to reply in kind.

In fact I have a lot of empathy for working mums. There is also facist presumptousness with regards to mums who choose parenting over careers. Children are hard work regardless of circumstance. I am grateful we can afford to make the choice we did, what saddens me is that many cannot make that choice, which for me boils down to the economic and societal pressure to get on the housing ladder.

We recovered a child from autism. It is about the most emotionally and financially stressful projects a family can have to deal with. You should have seen the tears when he started year one.

Anyway, I hope you all support your schools' PTA whatever your circumstance.

[BrilloPad]

We recovered a child from autism. It is about the most emotionally and financially stressful projects a family can have to deal with. You should have seen the tears when he started year one.

very strongly agree

[psychocandy]

ours went back on Tuesday. the teachers I know are already complaining.

That gets me. Same with my kid.

Start of term monday 3rd september but hang on inset day for staff training on 3rd so first day back is 4th. Not being funny but didnt they have time in their 6 weeks off to fit in one day of staff training!!!!