I have been a SAHM for almost 12 years, now. Once my kids were in school, I began the process of getting my nursing license transferred to Ohio so I could go back to work. We then learned we were pregnant. My baby is now 17 months old and I'm almost ready to go back to work part-time. The issue is that although I'm confident I can find a daycare for my toddler daughter, what do I do with my older kids ages 12, 10 and 9 next summer? We live in a rural area, so my choices are limited to the home daycares. We are at least 30 minuted from any YMCA, or place for summer camps. The daycares I want my toddler in will be geared to other kids her age - can they accomodate the older kids? Even if they agree to watch them in the summer, my kids will probably be bored out of their skulls there with younger toddlers/babies. I don't even have anyone to ask, since all my friends either have kids old enough to stay home by themselves, or have family (mostly grandparents) here to watch them. My oldest has said he wants to stay home by himself. Although he's very responsible, I'd still be nervous. Plus, that doesn't help any with the fact I still would have the 10 and 9 year olds. The plan is to work home care, so that I wouldn't be having 8 hour workdays, but more likely 4-6 hour stretches and/or visits. I feel stupid that I have no idea how to figure this one out. What do you parents of older kids do with them when they are out of school? Also, if you have both young ones and older ones, do they go to the same place?
Thank you for any feedback!!!!!
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I would hire someone to come in and do it. When my kids are all in school, I am going to have to do that, because I refuse to oay $900 a month for before and after care. Both of my sister's got their nanny jobs on sittercity.com and they have recommended me to find a babysitter on there for nights and such. My daughter is 7 right now and is the oldest in our day care providers place, but she LOVES to be with the little kids. I'm not sure how the summer will go yet, but she does have fun there.
Older kids in child care are going to be bored silly. That's why most states stop paying for it by age 10. In Oklahoma kids a little older can be paid as teachers assistants....like by age 12.
I guess I don't understand the logistics too, you are going to be a nurse but only work in your very limited rural area? You won't be working in a town? I would think in these circumstances that hiring someone to come to your home with the understanding they are not "in charge" of the older kids but more of a just there for them in case they need someone kind of way.
I had that kind of relationship with one of the families I was a nanny for. They had 7 children and the older ones would be home on school breaks but it was not my job to boss them around or tell them to do chores, nothing like that. The parents gave them things to accomplish and if they didn't do it it was between the parents and the kids. I just supplied lunch, snacks, and was there is needed for the older kids, I was, of course responsible for many more things with the younger children.
They paid me less for the older kids than the younger ones too. I still got something for them being there but not neatly like the kids I was responsible for.
for your situation, i would find someone to come to your home. are you sure you dont have a friend or family member that is home and could use the money? there is no place where i am that cares for children that age. i live in a densely populated area where there are daycares. no one wants to bring their toddler to a place with 10-12 year olds. if you find a place that accepts children that old, would you want to bring the baby to a place with other 12 year olds?
also, your kids would be bored out of thier mind! i would say no to that matter what. just start talking to everyone you know now, and looking around. someone may no a college girl home for the summer. also, look at preschools only. some places are only opened during the school year, or cut back with lower enrollment in the summer, the workers are unemployed and may be needing something. just keep mentioning it to others, and someone is bound to come around. otherwise, call a service. i think your kids being that age would definately benefit from being at their own house. i would still send the baby to a regular place, i would trust certain people to watch the older kids, but might not want them to watch the baby, kwim, like a college kid, and the baby would stop them from being able to do fun things.
if none of that works, and you have the money, think about finding someone to drive your three to the camps. or else, see if there is any before care service at the camps. sometimes, there is a similar program that some public schools have. in our town, the school has an agreement with a daycare company that watches the kids before and after care. that same company runs a preschool and childcare at the ymca.
I love the idea of recruiting a responsible high school student for the summer. Maybe even a couple to rotate through the summer. I "nannied" every summer for a family that came into town only for the summer.
We had so much fun, we'd walk to the city pool, play at the park, orchestrate plays and musicals and read a lot of books (there was no TV BTW).
It is a great way to allow your kids to have freedom and enjoy summer, but under care and supervision.
Also, check out the high school and middle schools to see if they are putting on any "camps" drama, volleyball, etc. Usually only 1/2 days, but a lot of fun for kids during the long summer days
Finally, you could check with NACCRRA. They are a child care referral service for the state, are free and have a number of resources to support you in your child care search.
Best
I came from a rural area growing up too.....the great thing about that is that there are many people usually willing to help.......I would not leave my kids, 12 years old or not, in the house alone.....especially in a rural area.....so I agree with you there.....
There are a number of things you need to do......one is see if some one knows someone who would be willing to babysit for you......maybe a teenager looking for summer money during the day, a stay at home Mom........You can put an ad up in the local grocery stores, and other places that will allow it......talk to your doctors office as well........
If none of that pans out, try figuring out a way to get them to the YMCA or other summer camps.......even if you have to drop them off somewhere and pay someone to take them and pick them up.......You can even ask at the Y if they might know someone......of course, I vote for someone you know or some one you know that knows someone well.
You'll get this figured out.....hang in there and good luck.......
I started babysitting when I was 12. If your 12 year old is responsible you have a child that is of babysitting age IMO if not hire a babysitter to help supervise your children.
I would look on sittercity.com and care.com and try to find some nannies or sitters (maybe college people with childcare experience who are home for summer) who would be willing to only work for the summer. With this economy they are out there! I know you live in a rural area, but if you find someone with a car, they can take the kids to pools in town and other activities (you could swap autos with them every day if yours is large enough to accomodate 4 and theirs isn't). If you can afford it, you may want to keep your toddler daughter in daycare and hire someone "fun" for the older kids who can supervise them and take them places. Especially since they're older, you could get a college kid or someone who may be easier to find because they wouldn't have to be versed in doing baby and little kid things.
