I Need Help!!! - Palmyra,PA

Hi N. - that's awesome that you can bring your daughter to work. I dont know anyone who is able to do that on a daily basis. You're fortunate in that regard.

You're going to have to get creative. Check with churches in your area - many VBS programs are starting up. She probably has friends from school. Talk to a few of the parents about your situation to see if she can stay with them for a while. Our school district has a before/after school and summer program, maybe your school has something like that.

Also, there has to be a teen in your neighborhood who babysits. Our HOA posts a list of teens who want babysitting jobs.

;

what about a church camp?

If you can't afford summer camp, then I would contact your county social service agency. They can recommend some cheap alternatives and help you with finical aid. You do have a YMCA with school age services. 6-6pm care.
You should have her in a camp situation close to to work, not home if the issue is time.

I would contact your local day care centers - the max age is 12 years old.

You are VERY lucky that you can bring your daughter to work. However, it might get old for the rest of the staff as well as you and your daughter.....you already said you are going nuts and it's only day 2.

Call your local YMCA - they have programs as well.

Check your newspaper for local in-home day care providers. Contact your daughters school and see if there's a SACC (school age child care) program that she can go to. Ours is only from 0815 to 0315 but at least she will be around other kids.

Hope this helps!

Preparations for summer camp should begin in January and I know it is very hard to find things and places for you kid when you are strapped for cash. So I have these few suggestions which you may have overlooked but may work for you.

Partner with some other parents form her school if school isn't out yet. Find out what they are doing with their kids and perhaps your kid could be a part of that. Visit some local churches, they may have programs for the summer for children and you may meet some people their you may feel comfortable with for child care options. Check your local Boys & Girls Club if you have one. Personally the YMCA can be expensive but I know they may have scholarships to attend if they are not booked up already.

You may want to find a local trust worthy teen to hire to do actiivities with your child. I live in the city so there is always the local pools, parks, museums, skating rink, etc to keep the kids entertained.

Perhaps your child could volunteer to help at a local day care center (only if your child likes little children).

Bringing her to work isn't going to work for the entire summer. I'm just trying to give you some ideas for thinking outside of the box. It may also be an opportunity for you and her to develop some friendships that are stronger and like family. This is what I had to do while raising the sensational six when they were 10 and under. If I can do this with six children, I am certain you can do this with 1. Stay encouraged.

most school districts have summer programs have you checked into those. I know at the one by our old house it was run from 8am to 3pm and the cost was free. kids brought a lunch with them and did activities all day long. it was run thru the park district. you should check into that. also if you are a single mom there are programs thru the YWCA child care resource and referral program to help you pay for daycare.

Whoaaa! Cool that you CAN bring her, but I'm sure she'll be bored out of her mind!
Do you work FT or PT? Are your hours flexible at all?
Look for Vacation Bible Schools at churches near you. Even if it's 3 hours per day, they will keep her busy.
Definitely check into YMCA camps, churches, etc., etc. Where are her friends going for the summer? Can you get any info from those moms?
I guess if she HAS to be at work with you, load up on DVDs, books, craft kits, etc.

***ADDED*** Can you find anything near your office--even a half day thing would be good.

Hi, Nicole:

Here are two resources you can call:

U-Gro Child Care Centers
###-###-####

1081 E. Main St.
Palyra, PA
open: M-F 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

AA to ZZ Child Care and Learning Center
817 E. Arch St.
Palmyra, PA
17078

Hope this helps.
Good luck. D.

Join a local moms group via yahoo moms group. Get to know other moms and then see what they do with their kids. Who knows, you may just find someone who has a daughter your daughter's age and she can hang out there.

Thank God you have the option of bringing her to work. Most places wouldn't allow that. She must be going nuts too though! Is there a boys and girls club in either your neighborhood or where you work? Have you checked the local churches or parks for summer youth groups? YMCA ? Its hard being a single mom, especially with no help. I wish I lived closer, moms need to help each other out! Wishing you and your daughter lots of luck!

Church groups, volunteer groups, county or state programs (they all have websites or information numbers), YMCA. Call the other parents on your kids' old class list for advice, look online at CraigsList -- many moms post there looking for summer kids. Ask your neighbors -- best way to start friendships is over something you have in common, kids and your darling-daughter:)

Good luck Mom -- you can do it:)

Actually I only have a young er son but after not so great of a babysitter, I turned to the ads in the newspaper and found the best one. I did interview her in person and my son really took to her at 3 months old. She's had him ever since and he is 4-1/2 years old. Take a look. I'm sure you have some good ones advertising.

she's 10, she cant stay home alone?

My daughter is a competetive gymnast. Our gym offers all day all summer options for working families, it's not cheap but it's really fun and dependable....maybe you have a gymnastics/soccer etc gym in your area that does the same! Wish she could stay with me! Good Luck!

Are there any trustworthy teenagers who would be interested in staying with her at your home maybe 2 days a week to earn a little money this summer? You'd still have to take her the other 3 but it would give you and her a little bit of a break.

I'm assuming you already looked into these, but around here all of the daycare centers offer summer camps for children up to age 12. Their hours are going to be based on a typical work day so I'd assume it would work for you.

Good luck,
K.