Single Parent Needs Support and a Break After 5Pm

When my children were those ages, I sought out some women in the neighborhood, church, etc. who had small children. Five of us formed a baby-sitting coop, with a coop time keeper. Anyone who took care of another's child got points per 1/4 hour per child. The person who did the babysitting called in the time. A report was sent to all of us monthly so we could review it. It worked famously. Our kids enjoyed playing with each other, and Mom's got a break. It's a win-win when the kids can have a great time, while Mom is too. Plus, the women all became girlfriends! We had monthly meetings where the report was passed out, and we discussed any behavior issues, or methods we could use to educate our children. Wonderful ideas came from those meetings. Carefully select the Moms to put together a coop. If a Mom abuses the coop, she doesn't get to leave her children until she makes up the time taking care of some others. Set the limits as to the number of hours a Mom can have banked in the usage bucket. And, stick to the rules of the coop.

I live in Linden, which isn't too far from Modesto. Evenings are really hard for me, also. My husband helps, but it's still hard. By the time we eat, bath & do soccer it's time for bed. It's even harder when school starts, with homework. I wish I could help. I know it's hard, I've also been a single parent. I wish you luck!
K.

Hi,where do you live? I am a single mother and understand your feelings. Did you try to connect with other single mothers (or just mothers) who has same age kids. You could take turns in evenings watching kids.

Hello,
I admire you to do so much for yourself and your children. I understand about getting a break it seems I am trying to find the time to do that and I have my wonderful husband to help out. I am not sure where you live, but there is a group called Sierra Mom's based in Folsom Ca/EDH It's a wonderful group of women that help other's. What you can take advantage of is the babysittig co-op it only cost $2 dollars for the year and you get free babysitting. Of course they would want you to join the group which is $40.00 dollars from July to June or you can join Jan to June for $20.00 dollars. The group also has many activities for you and your kids. There are mom's night out, knitting classes, movie group, let's exlpore, playgroups and so much more. I believe the email address is www.sierramoms.org. If you are out of the area you could check with your city and find about any mom's group in your area. I wish you the best!! N.

I have teenage daughters that are great babysitters! I have never let them go to someone else's house to babysit other than family members. It is an idea!!

Did you ever find someone?

Hi,
I'm G. I have a 6 year old that would love to have other kids to play with. I am also a single mom, and what I need is some one to watch my son for just an hour on thursday nights I'm trying to become catholic and the classes are from 7 to 8. Maybe if this works for you we could swap I watch your boys on a saturday so you can have some you time and you watch my son on Thursday's. Let me know what you think...