Hi, I know i can't be the only mother in the world who works ridiculous hours and has to commute.So if anyone out there has suggestions,it would help. Right now my daughter attends a daycare facility from 6:45am until 6:30pm, monday thru friday. ( I know,but those are my hours) I was trying to see what other options might be available to us, but I do understand that not all places work those hours. any ideas or some direction,really would great! Family assistance is not an option for us,they don't live around here.
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I have a friend who has a similar situation and we help her by taking her daughter every morning until 9 and two afternoons a week. My daughter gets a playmate and her daughter has some time in a home environment. We have their family take our 3 kids for random weekends as a "trade". Do you have any stay at home mom's as friends that you could approach for something like this?
I have friends who have used college kids to drop off and/or pick up their children. They spend about $10/hour and then the college kid will prepare dinner and have everything ready when the parent gets home. I think the evening help alone would be great and give your child a little less time in daycare and more time at home. Good luck.
since it's summer, is there a responsible teen you know that could do some child care?
(by the way, i'm so sorry you don't get to spend more time with your daughter. i wish this society valued family more so you would have more options! my heart goes out to you. on the other hand, your daughter must be growing into a flexible, independent, sociable young girl. good luck with everything!)
do you live in the bayarea?
what about an summer school? many offer care before school begins and after. What part of the bayarea are you looking for her to attend?
This may not be an option, but have you considered an au pair? My husband and I both work, I'm more 9-5 but he's got a weird/changing schedule so often times we overlap at inconvenient times. Our au pair is able to pick the kids up from school/sports/camp/friends'/anywhere else. The huge benefit is that even if mom or dad can't pick them up, the au pair is a safe and reliable third person.
If hosting one isn't an option then I'd suggest a high school or college student to babysit. Or maybe a parent-babysitting group in your neighborhood?
Good luck!
Greetings A.: With so many people out of work you may find that you have several people ready to help. I at one time did childcare at "off hours" for nurses that worked night shifts. So I think you might ask a nurse who they use . With the summer and High School students looking for part time work see if you can have someone recommended to interview and see if that helps. Good Luck and I hope that you find the best person for you. I am only doing childcare 2 days a week and love my little ones. You are a busy mother and one who has to be comforted of the good care your child gets since it is the caregiver that is with her so much of the time. Just be sure to run a back round check on anyone that you choose so you can feel better about having to leave her. If you are in the Tracy area I can give you a name that our son uses. Good Luck in the great adventure of parenthood it is worth every minuet of it. I have never found anything more rewarding. Nana G
