by Claire
Sometimes I get a bit blue when I think about my kids growing up so fast–don’t all of us with kids feel that way now and then? I can say with confidence that one thing I will not miss is figuring out child care! And please don’t take this the wrong way, but in my experience and in the experience of many of my working mom friends, this is a task that falls to moms. Yes, I know there are certainly exceptions to that statement but most of the time it is mom that has to think about this and get things set up. I could have a whole post on what I plan to share with my daughter (and already have in some ways) about motherhood and working outside of the home, but I’ll save that for another day. 🙂
And so here we are just on the other side of Spring Break which is always my trigger for summer care searching. With my kids at age 13 and 8, it is in some ways easier than when they were younger but in some ways it is more difficult. I do allow the 13 year old to stay home alone for longer stretches of time now but to leave them both at home just doesn’t sit well just yet. I have allowed the 13 year old to “watch” the 8 year old for an hour or two on occasion and all has gone well but I don’t want them alone for longer than that just yet. Add to this that I am moving to an apartment and I’m sure you understand my hesitancy.
Right now I pay $190 per month for after school care for my 3rd grade DD. I do not split that with her father for a few reasons–I take the child care deduction and now I am using the flex plan at work. He pays other things that balance out what I pay in day care. Summer care can be MUCH more expensive! Last year, if you remember, we started with a home child care provider and that went down the tubes over last Spring Break. So, we did the Girl Scout day camps but DD wasn’t crazy about them. They were a huge savings and I believe I will still use them for at least part of the summer. DS has a lot of activities related to boy scouts, band and athletics so it will be a hodge podge for sure. Budgeting for all of this is tough b/c there are so many unknowns but I am an early bird and can start gathering information now. I would also like to send DD to an overnight camp if possible. Her dad is on board with that too as we like what summer camp brings to the kids (life and social skills).
What are some unique child care options you’ve used in the past? And best of luck to those of you who work outside the home and face this same challenge!
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
We are lucky that dh is a teacher so for the most part breaks line up except this year. He works in a different school district from the one our kids attend so this yr spring break for the kids is last week in March where dh’s is the 2nd week of April. Fortunately MIL offered to take ds for spring break. She truly enjoys her time with him and he loves being out in the country. We are hoping this year dh can get a summer school spot so we’re looking in to summer camp for ds and dd’s daycare is open over the summer but there aren’t many options for special needs kids so dh might have to just stay home over the summer. I do have a summer line item in our budget so he can take them out instead of just being home.
Last year we sent DD (10) to art daycamp for two weeks, then went on family vacation for 2 weeks, and then for the other ~4 weeks did a variety of things:
1. She stayed home with her 17yr old brother (who received $25/day on days when he planned (in writing) a full day of activities to do with her.
2. went to her old daycare (home daycare) and instead of paying $35/day, we paid only $20 because she was acting as a helper with the little kids.
3. Day with Grandma (only a couple of these days but nice quality time alone together).
4.Sleepover at a friend’s house and stay all the next day (only works when friends have a parent who is on vacation, or working from home to monitor (but not entertain them).
5. Work from home (we took turns and each worked from home 3-4 days in August). We were working all day, but it meant she didn’t have to get up early to be dropped off somewhere and could sleep in, stay in her PJs all day and watch movies or do art projects.
Art camp and family vacation take care of the first month, but the second month is still a question mark. This summer her brother won’t be available as he’ll have his first full time summer job. She thinks she can just stay home alone most of the time, and she will turn 12 this summer, but mentally I’ll have to work up to that one.
When my son’s were small the YMCAs offered the best summer programs and they both liked them a lot. As I recall you didn’t have to be a member to use them. We also used music camp, sports camps and visits to Grandparents as they got older.
Don’t forget to check out your church. Many offer Vacation Bible School or need teen volunteers to help out. Also, our local community center needs teen volunteers for their summer camps and while the kids don’t get paid, they do get to feel great helping younger kids AND are staying busy. Many of the younger teen unpaid volunteers get the paid jobs as they get older too – a win win!
Can you trade weeks with friends? As in – you take a week off work and watch your kids plus a few of their friends….then their parents take a week off and watch the crew?
Good luck!
Many single mothers today find it difficult to arrange for dependable child care during the summer months. A common problem many encounter is not only finding safe child care, but also being able to find affordable options.