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Paid childcare

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Original poster

Grandparents no help!

59 replies

VK12345678 · 11/07/2023 19:22

We're estranged from my husbands parents and my parents just don't help with our daughter. Considering another baby but how do people manage date nights, alone time etc? Anyone in a similar situation?
Just advice please

OP posts:
Ragwort · 11/07/2023 20:17

Taylor how do you know that no one wants to give up a Saturday evening babysitting for friends? I have frequently done it with no 'expectation' of a return favour ... I no longer have DC that need babysitting but would happily help out if asked. And no, I don't want or need paying.

Ragwort · 11/07/2023 20:14

Pay a babysitter and/or swap with friends ... it's hardly a new thing? Hmm. I am in my 60s but can still remember my DPs booking a babysitter when they went out. As a teenager I earned loads of cash babysitting, my friends and I had an informal 'business' providing a babysitting service to local families.
When we had our DS we had no local family and just paid a sitter or swapped with friends.

WonkyBricks · 11/07/2023 20:10

I've given up my evenings to babysit for other couples and they've done the same in return. Even though we don't have family nearby we are fortunate to have multiple close friends. It's managing work when the children are sick that's difficult.

TaylorSwifting · 11/07/2023 19:55

We have accepted (happily) that while the children are young, we just won’t be able to have date nights together but once they’re old enough for a babysitter things will change. It’s hard without family help, friends might offer but realistically no one wants to give up their Saturday night to look after someone’s children.

DoesItHaveKosovo · 11/07/2023 19:28

This is a primary reason why I only have one child.

Roundandnour · 11/07/2023 19:27

Babysitters, sleep overs, depending on working hours when the dcs are in school/nursery/childminder etc.

Of neuro typical gets easier when they are teens and can be trusted at home for a couple of hours.

Hyppogriff · 11/07/2023 19:24

Babysitters

HelpMeUnpickThis · 11/07/2023 19:23

Babysitters
Take turns with other couples

JobMatch3000 · 11/07/2023 19:23

I pay for a babysitter.