Posted by ME/NJ on 5/21/08 4:09pm
Msg #248279

Lack of Daycare has cost me 700 dollars

I have 2 daytime sitters and 3 to cover nights, I now need to find more daytime sitters. Sitter #1 did not feel like working Thursday or Friday during the day Sitter # 2 was hurt and I understand why should could not help out.

What it cost me - 3 signings Thursday between 8am and 1pm and 1 @ 3pm 500+

Friday - another bank audit min 150 dollars and more. I did turn down one for Friday night a couple of towns away since traffic will be nuts and my wife and I plan on a nice weeked for ourselfs.

Now I need to keep triple backups on the Daycare un-real, I am interviewing Friday afternoon and Saturday.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 5/21/08 4:25pm
Msg #248283

Michael...what shift does your wife work?

and then of course I've gotta say this...welcome to the world of single parenthood. Women have fought this battle from the beginning of time because regardless if "dad" is home or not, most women have worked the child care dilemma to death. Yours is still tiny so it's extra tough but as they get older you can find a superior day care center to help you out in the daytime BUT this day and age they require a full week payment plan even if the child only stays a few hours.

I now have an elderly parent living with me so I have to cut way back on my work hours and try and get things in when my brother can help out. As you can see the problem doesn't go away, it merely changes.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 5/21/08 4:32pm
Msg #248287

We have a place here called "Kids by the Hour" They charge 6.00 per hour and less if you buy larger blocks of time. It is great, you get a call, drop him off, no notice is required and they are open until 10pm. My daughter uses them and they are great. He had to have a physical, shot record, etc before she could leave him.

Reply by ME/NJ on 5/21/08 4:40pm
Msg #248289

that would be so great if that kinda service was here

I pay min 10/hour for a baby sitter or 50/day and they are only good till 5-6pm. My wife is out the door by 5am and home by 5pm but she has some projects going and at least 2 nights a week I need coverage.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/21/08 4:52pm
Msg #248291

Re: that would be so great if that kinda service was here

Michael,
Move to Florida and I'll help babysit (as long as you drop the bambino off to me

Reply by Susan Fischer on 5/21/08 7:33pm
Msg #248304

You might have some luck by contacting the

senior center in your area. Many grandmas and grandpas out there who are life-trained, full of love, very reliable, and who still have the desire, patience and fortitude to care for the little ones.

Reply by ZeeCA on 5/21/08 7:35pm
Msg #248306

i was going to recommend the same thing... my friend has

added a wonderful woman to their family ... they don't have a local grandmother and the woman's grandchildren live very far away so a win - win situation for all

Reply by Stamper_WI on 5/21/08 10:40pm
Msg #248317

And it goes on

Wait until the major illness's. Those keep going on! Even into their 20's. Of course about then your parents are starting to need you.

Reply by Maureen_nh on 5/21/08 10:46pm
Msg #248319

I might know the answer to this and it is probably that your wife has health insurance.
But is it feasable that she quit her job?

Reply by SReis on 5/21/08 11:11pm
Msg #248321

I am soooo lucky. I have great friends & family that take my kids pretty much whenever I need. I have 1 go to that is usually around because she is home w/her 3 yr old great-granddaughter, then my neighbor who I can usually rely on for an hour or so & my grandmother whose hard to get a hold of but usually willing to help. I also have emerg backups w/both of my sister in laws who stay home during the day but live 45min from me. Then the emerg/emerg backups which are my cousins & son's friends parents that I only call if I am in a def. jam. That is the biggest PIA of this job, juggling childcare while getting last minute assignments!! Good luck ME/NJ!!!!

Reply by CF on 5/22/08 7:58am
Msg #248327

My daycare costs $700 per month- part time

My son goes 3 days per week and it is $700 per month...and he is 3. For suitable full-time/infant daycare it is upwards of $1200 per month in my area. My husband travels about 2 nights per week....and you can only imagine how crazy it gets around here!!!! It is amazing how much I do juggle to make it work out....and make as much $$$$ as possible. I do have a nieghbor girl that I use to- she lives right next door- but has track and is still in high school....so she is not always available...and then that is more $$$$ that you have to put out. I pay her $8 per hour. I use my nephew sometimes too and he has a higher bill rate than the nieghbor girl- he is in college and needs "beer money" and I have to give him enough to cover gas- these days. Of course, it seems like my busiest days per month my son is sick and can not go to daycare (that you still pay for)....and then all breaks loose. I use my Dad that is retired....but he has a bad heart....and cant be around when my son is sick- so sometimes my husband takes the day off- he has paid benefits (thank god- or I would nt be able to this at all). It is just crazy being in the business and having children to care for too!!! Good luck- and remember there are others facing the same challeneges as you!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wish I was busy this month....just waiting for the phone to ring!!!