To get some help at weekends?

[grobagsforever]

I have DD1 (4) and DD2 (7 weeks). DH died in June so I'm on my own. I have a nanny four days a week as I'm to exhausted, both physically and emotionally to give my four year old the input she needs. Nanny does stuff like take her swimming, soft play and also does all her meals and light housework for me. Most importantly she takes both children for 2-3 hours each morning while I get some sleep. Baby is up a lot at night, I'm breastfeeding.

But weekends are killing me. I'm so exhausted that my four year old gets 4-5 hours of TV in the morning and I'm snappy and tearful.

I've been thinking of advertising for a local childcare student to do 2-3 hours each weekend morning. I can sleep and DD1 gets someone with enough energy to play with her.

Would anyone want this job? 7.30 start? Am I being a wimp, should I get up and spend the time with the kids?

Do whatever you need to do to protect your own health and keep the whole family happy. You have been to hell and back and must be completely and utterly running on empty. Is there any way of moving closer to family, even temporarily? It is concerning that you have no real support nearby.

I think you are doing right by the 4 year old to have someone come in solely for their benefit, it seems to be the best thing you can do under the circumstances. Look also into home start as they have volunteers who can come and help too. Will the 4 year old be going to school soon?

Look after yourself

I think I'd love this if I was a childcare student. Get some cash and experience under my belt before my mates have even emerged at the weekend. Not missing out on fannying around town etc.

If you can afford it, it sounds a fantastic ideas and would be a wonderful opportunity for a childcare student. I'm very sorry for your loss and hope the baby sleeps soon.

You are doing amazingly well to have noticed what you see as a shortfall and clearly want the best for your children. I'm so sorry for loss.
Do you have friends or family that would help with a rota for a while? (I'm a such a cheapskate!!!!)
Otherwise you adnbu. Get some help, I've heard of "mothers help" but don't know exactly what that entails, it does sound like what you need.
Cash in hand for babysitting as others have said.
I'd help you myself if I could. Best of luck x x

Wimp is certainly not a word you should ever use to describe yourself.

You've totally been/still going through it, new baby and toddler and the loss of your DH, you get all the help you need. I'm in awe of you

cash in hand casual basis is the way to go