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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

In wondering if there is a childcare solution

32 replies

breathing · 14/02/2011 09:03

No-one has thought of that might be the answer to everyone's prayers.

If you have invented one, let me know. We have just lost our childminder and there are non left in the area. (only 3 would pick up from the particular school and the others are booked up). No after achool care either.

Im wondering if there is a creative solution anyone has ever thought of to take to dragon's den..

OP posts:
Changeisagoodthing · 14/02/2011 09:06

Do you work every day?

nickschick · 14/02/2011 09:07

Perhaps parent cloning?? then you could literally be in 2 places at once?

Its shit isnt it? you work to give your dc a better life then you find yourself in this situation.

When I was a little girl one of many 'aunties' (people who lived on our street) would take me to and from school and Sarah next door had a key round her neck on a shoelace -she looked after herself .....that was before 'rules'.

Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 09:09

I work every day but need 3 days childcare (3 in workplace)

OP posts:
Changeisagoodthing · 14/02/2011 09:09

Share with another family- they have yours after school and you ha e theirs (if don't work everybody) or you babysit fof them- have theirs in holidays etc

Find someone at school with a nanny. Ask if you can pay them to have yours as well

GypsyMoth · 14/02/2011 09:10

Even worse when you're a line parent and now being told that you can't leave your teens alone, or in charge of younger ones!!!!

If something 'happens' I was told I could be prosecuted!!

Seriously ridiculous

GypsyMoth · 14/02/2011 09:11
  • lone
Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 09:12

Isnt it illegal to do that change?..(the sharing)Didnt thos police women get in trouble a while back for that

moot point anyway as I dont have anyone to share with and we dont use nanny's here (not for older kids anyway) but thanks for the suggestion

OP posts:
NearlySpring · 14/02/2011 09:14

Of course it'snot illegal to look after a friends child - it's only when money is exchanged that it becomes illegal!

Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 09:14

I think its not money but mutual gain and some people were prosecuted a while back for it

OP posts:
littleducks · 14/02/2011 09:15

how old are kids?

Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 09:15

6, just the one

OP posts:
nickschick · 14/02/2011 09:16

Yes they was an outcry I seem to recall.
It is illegal and quite possibly soon you will need a crb check to have playdates.

lesley33 · 14/02/2011 09:18

Does your child have a good friend locally? You could approach her mother and see if she would look after her. If your child is already good friends with the mothers child, it may not be much extra work for her to look after your child as well.

ChippingInAuntyToThomas · 14/02/2011 09:22

There was an outcry - then it was thrown out for being daft. For once, common sense prevailed.

But if you don't have any friends to swap with it's a bit academic isn't it.

However, you have a school full of kids - maybe you need to talk to some of the other mothers.

ChippingInAuntyToThomas · 14/02/2011 09:22

Advertise on childcare.com & gumtree etc for a part time after school nanny/childminder - you'll be suprised who applies.

Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 09:24

I think its a bit much to ask someone (one of the school mums) to be my regular childminder, an imposition. I understand thats a solution thats been offered for consideration though so thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 09:24

chipping in do you think 6 is too old to use a nanny? I might try those sites thanks ;)

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 14/02/2011 09:25

Do you have a spare bedroom? An au pair is a good solution if your children are all school age.

Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 09:27

No we dont, wish we did. Three bedroom semi with a part time stepchild in the third bedroom.
I sound a bit negative but do appreciate the ideas.

OP posts:
honeybunmum · 14/02/2011 09:59

What time do you finish? Most schools have an after school club, would that help?

ChippingInAuntyToThomas · 14/02/2011 10:02

breathing no, 6 isn't too old to use a nanny, quite a few older children have an after school nanny that picks them up, takes them homes, does dinner/homework/bath & sometimes puts them to bed.

If you don't mind them having their own child with them you can put that in the advert. It gives you more scope and if they do it's a bit cheaper.

With the Mums at school - some of them might be stuck as well - wanting/needing to share care of the kids after school.

Original poster
breathing · 14/02/2011 10:53

honeybun my school doesnt, sadly. I get to the old cm in time to pick him up at 6 pm.

OP posts:
QueenFee · 14/02/2011 11:46

could you register as a childminder and change your job? Random I know but it sounds like there is a need for it in your area

melpomene · 14/02/2011 12:08

Depends on your job obviously, but could you start work very early and get dp/dh to do school run, so you could finish early. Or do some work from home in the evenings to make up the hours?

Or alternatively ask to reduce your hours of work until this is sorted.

Summerbird73 · 14/02/2011 12:51

definitely agree with melpomene - you need to speak to your managers as this is classed as a domestic emergency. well it is where i work anyway..

no other practical advice other than good luck

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