Taking time out of work

jimmers23

I'm trying to figure out what is the best option to take. My little guy has special needs, developmentally behind. Physically he is fine.. he is generally a happy little fella. He is going to a specialist playschool next year to meet his needs, 2 days a week. I am considering taking carers leave for the next year or two from my job to be home more. Has anyone any advice to give? Ideally I'd love to do 2 days a week at work but that is not possible.. Money wise it would work out the same, with carers benefit and savings on childcare.. Any opinions either way to offer??

jlm29

jimmers23 wrote: »

I'm trying to figure out what is the best option to take. My little guy has special needs, developmentally behind. Physically he is fine.. he is generally a happy little fella. He is going to a specialist playschool next year to meet his needs, 2 days a week. I am considering taking carers leave for the next year or two from my job to be home more. Has anyone any advice to give? Ideally I'd love to do 2 days a week at work but that is not possible.. Money wise it would work out the same, with carers benefit and savings on childcare.. Any opinions either way to offer??

I have no personal experience, but I suppose it depends on the nature of his difficulties. Are they likely to still be an issue at school age, or is it hoped that he would catch up? Do you think it’s possible that you might need the leave more when he starts national school?
I have a seven year old who really never cared who minded him when he was smaller, but now he loves the days I can collect him, and I do find that it’s great to be able to help with homework etc now.

shesty

Are you working five days now?And what sort of prognosis is there, do you know?Due to circumstance I have only started to take parental leave now, but my eldest is in her second ECCE year and I am glad I have the leave later because I want to be around for the school stuff - drop off, pick up, birthday parties etc.But in your situation, I don't know.Would he need you more at an older age do you think, would you need that leave more then?Could you get away with a 4/5 day week?Or could you work the two day week and just view it as a way to keep yourself in the workplace and something for yourself, without thinking too much of the financial side of things for now?

jimmers23

I'm working 5 days at present. I'm a secondary school teacher. But with a core subject which is 5 days. It is most likely he will go to a special school when the time comes. I'm thinking I could organise it for when he is in school to work primary hours for collection and drop offs.. He has been a bit unsettled of late in childcare so I'm just assessing my options. He would be at specialist preschool 2 days per week and then mainstream preschool 3 mornings a week. I have a younger child too, with no additional needs

fits

I’m in a similar position. It’s so hard to know when you will need the leave most.

jimmers23

I'm still undecided, he has settled back down and is loving creche again. I've decided to see how I feel in June and assess things from there. What age is your little person?

fits

2 years and 3 months. He is a twin and we have a Childminder. She is not available one day though. I really wish I could work the four days.

jimmers23

I think I have sorted to work 4 days, little fella sick again. Makes you wonder, hopefully he will be well enough for creche tomorrow. It's so stressful the work-home balance

shesty

It is, even with a four day week...our youngest is a bit off and I am wondering whether he will need a doctor or not tomorrow.It's really tough balance, especially when they are small and picking up everything.

jimmers23

Thanks so much for replies guys. It really is a hard road with sickness, guilt let alone other difficulties thrown in. I've a lot if thinking to do.