How many days is too many?

[sunshine 11]

I should start by saying I know lots of people would LOVE to be able to be 100% SAHM - but after three years almost 100% SAHM with a very lax DH, I need to do something for myself. My DH is rarely home before 6:30pm, and often works both days on the weekends. I do all meals, change all nappies, baths, do all the cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing, gardening etc (with a bit of help from the lawn mower man!) and put them both to bed 95% of the time.

As of this week, I am working in our family business on Monday and Tuesday. My almost three year old has been going to daycare two days a week since Jan 11, so she can play with other kids (she's very social and chatty), as well as giving me a break (DS was born early last year).
My problem that is keeping me awake at night as how many days to put my DD in for daycare this year. I asked in September (we have to decide that far ahead) for four days a week, but now I am stressed it is too much and my DH hates that she goes to daycare at all so discussing with him isn't an option.


My problem is that I am due to have bubs #3 in late June/early July and I am terrified I won't cope with three kids under 3 without DD spending time at daycare. My almost 1 year old DS goes to my Mum's on Monday/Tuesday, as of this week, but otherwise will be with me and when I stop work, I imagine he will be with me 100% of the time.

QUESTION - If my 3 year old DD goes to daycare Mon-Wed, then home with me on Thursday for Mother's Group, back to daycare on Friday - as long as she isn't upset, do you think this is too much? I would love to be able to put her in three days a week and get another day mid-year but this isn't an option, daycare places are designated at the beginning of the year and are snapped up quickly if days become available. Any advice welcomed!

[Beach Mama]

TBH if it is a place she is familiar with I think it would be fine! I stress SO much over cc as well, and then one day I realised that if it doesn't work I will change it! You could try it for a while and if you think it's not working then pull her out of that extra day later. That way you won't miss a place either! So tricky juggling everything - good luck with it all! xoxox

[Cass72]

DS2 is in chidlcare 5 days a week and he loves it. He started at 7.5 months and hasn't looked back. I struggled with mummy-guilt for the longest time, but in all honesty now he actually seems to get bored with being at home on the weekends and looks forward to Mondays! That being said, my childcare centre is in my workplace so I can go and see him anytime I want and, he (and his little friends) pop into the office on occasion (usually rain-days) with their carers for a visit - everyone converges onto the hallways when the babies and toddlers are going past!

Next year he will be going to an early childhood school: preschool 2 days a week and "playschool" (aimed at 3-5 year olds) the other 3 days.