Please help me find a rythmn to our days

[ctrygirlatheart]

So we have found our evening and get out of bed and breakfast routines but now I am stuck with how to arrange everything in between. My only firm commitment (besides care for DD and home anyways) is that I work around 10 hours a week but my schedule is flexible so I can basically come in anytime during normal work hours, 2-3 days a week. DD has been coming into work with me since I went back when she was 6 months old, but at 16 mo I am feeling that it is no longer serving either of us (nor my boss!) so I have gotten her aunt to commit to taking her for 3 hours on Tuesday and taking her to the park or beach. Still looking for childcare solutions for another day or two.

I guess what I am asking is how would you order your days? Would you work 4 or 5 days a week, but short hours to provide consistency as in every day after nap we go into to work or would you work slightly longer days 2 or three days a week to minimize car time (25 min drive each way) and maximize home time? What is more important for a toddler? Flexibility is a huge blessing, but it is making it so hard to decide what to do.

[DoubleLove]

In helping you make these types of decisions, you may find the book "Heaven on Earth: A Parents Handbook of Young Children" helpful.  She specifically writes about creating rythmn out of a hectic schedule.  Our local library had a copy that I really enjoyed.  The whole book is a great read. 

[ctrygirlatheart]

Thanks for the recommendation, I have it here and I will go back and  re-read that section.  

[henny penny]

If it were me, I'd try to work more hours for fewer days. Commute time is mostly just lost time and working every day has the potential to make your toddler's days feel fragmented. And more potential for childcare hassles the more days a week you work. I'd go for  Tuesday and Thursday workdays with the rest of the week free for the regular "at home" rhythm.

[ctrygirlatheart]

This is what I have gravitated towards, talking to my boss this week about axing Fridays unless there is an urgent need and substituting those hours for work at home, nights or weekends. I am starting to understand that rythmn is important for mommas too.