Wednesdays

Before I had a baby, my mum always said that it was my responsibility to look after it.  In her generation, you married then gave up your work to look after the children.  That’s what she done, and expected me to do the same.  Then my son arrived and my mum couldn’t wait to get her hands on him!  She said these days girls go on to college and university and get lots of qualifications they shouldn’t give up work when children come along! Ok mum, you can have my son while I go to work!!

Initially I returned to work 3 days a week, building to 4 days after 4 months.  Having a Wednesday off was fun, we would go to softplay or just out a walk and I enjoyed being with him.  It’s all I ever wanted.

We got the diagnosis in the October, almost a year before he started school.  Things had become hard work with him. He was and still is, very much a mummy’s boy.  He can be very clingy with me and it can be draining.  It is getting better now – thanks to the iPad!

So when he was starting school, I rearranged my shifts in work to be able to drop him off and pick him up from school every day, working every day but shorter days.  When we got the language unit placement, the arrangement is that a bus picks him up and drops him off.  My mum advised me to continue with the shifts I am currently on and keep my Wednesday off.  What??!!!  My mum advised this??!!  The woman who initially wanted me to give up work and look after him!!

It was the best decision.  I have had a few fun Wednesdays where I have gone to the cinema, or a wee day shopping.  But mostly I just need a day’s break.  I do feel that I have not had the benefit from it yet – and it’s been 8 months!  I spend my Wednesday going to the supermarket or going to shops to pick things up, or going to the doctors.  When what I really need is a day at home just pottering about.  Maybe next week!