I'm also a non-female parent who works from home. I have to agree that it's not possible to look after an 18 month old and work at the same time. Your experien

I'm also a non-female parent who works from home. I have to agree that it's not possible to look after an 18 month old and work at the same time. Your experience up till now might be deceptive. I actually did look after our younger boy from time to time during work hours when he was younger, but only during the relatively easy period between when he finished breast feeding and when he was able to start running around. After 18 months, they are definitely more toddlers than babies, and they demand your attention (constantly and immediately). On the days when my wife is working, we have a combination of nursery and a carer who comes to our home. If you can afford it, having your child at home is fantastic, you can see what they are up to and they are always pleased to see you when you take a break. My experience is that both are really good for the kids for different reasons. Nursery gets them socialising with other children, and having a nanny at home gives extra one-to-one attention that really helps them. The nanny who comes to us does all the creative activities which you aspire to provide as a parent, because she's experienced and has games etc that I wouldn't have thought of, and also because she's not worrying about the practicalities of life at the same time. If you are going to have child care at home, especially if your work ever involves talking to customers on the phone, then you absolutely have to arrange a separate space to be your office away from where children are playing. Ideally it needs to be far enough away that you can carry on a conversation even if there's a screaming temper tantrum going on in the next room!