Each to their own.
I used to work in a vacation care where majority of stay at home parents would send their kids on the excursion days for the simple fact the kids got to go on fun outings with their friends. On in centre days it was usually a majority of kids who’s parents worked the exception to this was over the long summer break where there was a more even split over the week. Lots of stay at home parents commented they would give their kids the program and let them choose the days they’d like to attend based on what was on offer

Depends on the family & their circumstances. If mum has a doctor’s appt and a day full of chores, then the kids are better off being looked after at the vacation care.

I personally don’t do it but that’s because I want to spend the time with my kids that I woudn’t be normally able to but my SIL still does it as she wants the time to herself

sounds like the old argument of “should a stay at home parent send their child/ren to day care” and the answer is absolutely, not only to the children learn new skills, make new friends and have a load of fun, the parent can actually have a break as well and get some of their own jobs done or simply relax and refresh so they are better parents, less grumpy and tired and more able to enjoy the time they do spend with their children

It is entirely up to a family to decide on what works for them.

If you can afford to, then why not – kids love it, it gives you time to yourself where, lets be honest, you’re probably catching up on washing or cooking or cleaning or grocery shopping or… the list goes on! Even if you’re doing it to have a day to yourself to get your nails done, or catch up over coffee with a friend, that’s your pregrogative!!!

If the kids love to go to vacation care, I would surely send them.

The kids have more fun at vacation centers I have seen and unless going away for holidays then why not

Each to their own. Vacation care have a some really fun activities for the kids

I don’t think there is any harm in it. Parents need a break too. It’s good that kids go to daycare/ vacation care, they need the interaction with children as long as they get quality time both with parents & care then I don’t think it’s a problem at all. Parents are busy people especially single parents!

It’s great to have a day off with your partner without the kids. If you can afford it, why not?

go mums…i would do some time either way

Of course it is not wrong and I dare to say it may be right !
I agree that you have to do whatever is right for your family without worrying about other’s judgement or rules.
I’m a stay at home mum, have 2 biological children and 2 foster children under a permanent guardianship order. One has Down syndrome and one has a Reactive Attachment disorder. We’ve had lots of problems with the 9yr old with an Reactive Attachment disorder and this year we started the book her in for after school care 2 afternoons per week to give a bit more structure to her week. She loves after school care and despite money being tight we also booked her in for 2 days of vacation care per week. It is good for her and gives me some space to breath.

We choose two or three days during the holidays when vacation care is offering special activities the kds are particularly interested in. I use those days for things like my own medical appointments. I don’t see any problem with that.

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  • • Blossom replied
    • 20 Apr 2019 , 11:33 pm

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  BellaB. Yours is a wise decision. You don’t have to take your children to medical appointments with you. You can concentrate on your health situation without interruption or distraction.

I mean if a kid is just going to be home sitting around doing nothing beneficial or just in front of a screen. – then this is fantastic. They are getting active, having fun and mingling with other kids

Sometimes parents need a break too. Having said that, I wouldn’t send my boys to holiday programs if I was home…

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 19 Apr 2019 , 5:19 am

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  Not for me either – but all families do what works for them.

Being a SAHM who does her work from home, i have had my children at home and on the summer holidays have taken advantage of the holiday programs that the council has avail. Some times it is needed and is a chance for children to go where you may not be able to take them. If more then one child not all want to do what the other wants too. It is really up to the parent/guardian of the children what happens. You could say sending your child/ren to the relations is a cop out too but they might enjoy it more.

Yes. For me if you want to be a parent then be a parent. It’s a life change where children do become your life and going away or spending time together should be special.