Anyone have any good tips? My little guy is almost 17 months and just screams when I have to lie down or can't be as energetic as usual. It's very hard on him. I'm trying to take care of myself. I'm exhausted! My other 3 are old enough to do preschool (even longer hours) and one started regular school, and the cost is reasonable with preschool.
I thought perhaps if he attended a daycare center 1 day a week, that would help me get through a bit. He'd probably love playing there than stuck with a "sick" mommy. But it would be almost $400 a month for just 1 day a week! I am shocked! Unless you need full-time care which is more market price, you just can't justify that, I don't think. The key is to be at least 2 and qualify for preschool, but for tots, the options are expensive and limited.
Pick out some mommy and son movies together (from the library) and see if that does the trick. Have him lay with you. If not...let him scream....
I couldn't imagine paying that for one day a week...yikes!
Could you hire a mommy's helper? Maybe a young teenager to come over after school?
I'm shocked that it's $400 a month for 1 day! My 4 year old's 3 day a week preschool is only $280 a month.
I'd also look into a state-licensed home care provider. I work part time and they offer better flexibility and great rates (mine charges $50/day). Sometimes it helps to have the little ones out of the house for a few hours :) Good luck and hang in there!
Look into hiring a college student to spend a few hours per week at your home. My guess is that you are looking for someone to be there during the day, so a school-aged teen isn't go to work out.
Call the local colleges and community colleges and ask if they have a babysitting book. Most do. You can list your request and they will either give you the name and number of someone who would meet your needs or a student will check "the book" and call you. Personally... I made a LOT of $$ that way in college and grad school and it was fun! You could also email the head of the education department directly with your request. Our Department Chair secretary used to forward requests all the time!
Call someone/a friend/neighbor/a grandmother or anyone who will help!
When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, my oldest was 3.
So at that age, I COULD talk to her and "explain" and she would understand. We would even nap together, when I was pregnant and just tooooooo fatigued to do anything.
But also, I was doing childcare, when I was pregnant with my 2nd. I did so all the way up to 8 months pregnant.
But your child is only 17 months. He won't understand, like a 3 year old would.
How many months pregnant are you?
Does your Doctor say you need to stay off your feet?
Gosh and you have 3 other children in preschool.
I would really get a "helper" to help you.
It's difficult-I empathize -it'll get better-if you send him to daycare, he'll be sick all the time and you will be even more exhausted caring for him. Can someone come in to help you a couple hours a day a few times a week? Take care and feel better soon!
Oh honey, I am so sorry. You must be so tired and you do need your rest!
How about hiring a teen to help you a few hours a day in your home.
Much cheaper. Safe since you'll be there in the house w/them. She can
take him outside if you have a backyard or push him in a stroller around the block. Maybe even to a nearby park (w/i walking distance). If you do
let her do this part, make sure you trust she is capable of keeping your son safe.
You can ask a neighbor or a family member or if one of your friends has a teenager.
Hang in there & rest WHENEVER you get the chance!!!!
I went through this too. I had a 2 yo and 4 yo when i was pregnant with my last baby. I was so sick. I felt like i had the flu for 6 months. It was exhausting. If you can get a sitter for a few hours or watch movies or somethng like that, it may get you through. I just pushed through, but wished i had other options. Its tough, but fortunately, its only for 9 months!
