You’ve probably seen that the government-funded childcare hours have increased for children from 9 months old.
For many parents, that’s such a relief, a little less juggling, a little less guilt, and a bit more money staying in your pocket.
I’ll be honest though… I’ve had mixed emotions about it.
For me, those extra funded hours have meant I can run Roarsome Sport three days a week — filling my days with the sports classes, PE lessons and nursery visits that I love most. It’s been amazing to have the time to really make an impact on the children I work with.
But I do worry that society is funnelling our children away from us younger and younger. I think there is so much value in raising your own children — in the day-to-day, hands-on parts of parenting — and I’m not sure that’s appreciated enough nowadays. It can sometimes feel like funded nursery hours, wraparound care, breakfast clubs and even free school dinners are all there because we can’t be trusted to look after our own children.
That feels hard to sit with.
Don’t get me wrong — I know that many families (including mine!) benefit from this support. Without the funded hours, I simply wouldn’t be able to do what I do now. But I also think it’s okay to feel that bittersweet tug — to celebrate the opportunities these hours bring, while also missing the closeness that comes with having little ones at home more.
Now, I’m in a place where I can do all the school runs, my littlest is in nursery three days a week (which she absolutely loves!), and I get to spend the school holidays with both my girls because Roarsome Sport’s weekday activities are term-time only.
It finally feels like a rhythm that works — one where work, family and play all have their place.
And movement is where I reconnect with my girls.
Bike rides to school, racing around the tennis courts, a quick kickabout before bath time — it’s those small, unplanned moments that remind me what really matters.
Balance isn’t about doing it all — it’s about being in the moments that count.
So wherever you are in your own balance — working full-time, part-time, staying home, or somewhere in between — remember this: there’s no one “right” way to do it. What matters most is finding what feels right for your family, and recognising the value in every version of parenthood.
And with half term around the corner, it’s the perfect time to slow down, get outside, and make a few more of those memory-making moments.
To help you do just that, I’ve put together something special — “Get Out, Get Moving: 26 Local Places to Keep the Kids Active — Uttoxeter Edition.”
It’s packed with ideas to help you explore, move and play together (without needing to travel far or spend a fortune).
You can download it [here] — and I hope it gives you plenty of inspiration for an active, joy-filled half term.