Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Flip

Original poster

Please help, not coping at all, what are the childcare options for one afternoon a week, that don't cost a fortune?

21 replies

BumptiousandBustly · 03/02/2011 13:22

I have PND, and with it TERRIBLE PMT - around my period, its like I am not on ADs at all and I just feel awful (not that I nec feel brilliant the rest of the time)

I have two DSs - 11ms and nearly 3. DS1 (2.10) does to pre-school 4 mornings a week and DS2 (0.11) currently isn't in any childcare.

One option is to put DS2 in with a childminder one morning a week - but thats when he usually sleeps.

What I was wondering is, do you think it would be possible to get a nanny type (i.e. checked, safe etc) to look after both children one afternoon a week, and how much do you think that would cost? (and yes cost is definitely an issue, however a nervous break down isn't really an issue, and that is where this feels like its heading)

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

TallulahDoesTheHula · 03/02/2011 13:24

why dont you put them both with a cm one afternoon a week?

PuppyMonkey · 03/02/2011 13:27

Have you thought of asking if HomeStart can help?

Original poster

BumptiousandBustly · 03/02/2011 13:28

That is an option, and one I will look at, I was just wondering how much more expensive a nanny would be, or if there were any cheaper options anyone could think of.

Also DS1 is very intense and I think has probably outgrown a childminders house TBH - based on the child minder he used to go to and the things she could do with them.

OP posts:

Original poster

BumptiousandBustly · 03/02/2011 13:29

Puppymonkey. i have, and a lovely woman does visit once a week for a couple of hours (though it took months before that happened). But they are not allowed to be in sole charge of children - so I can't get away or have a break or anything.

I had a total meltdown today - and really feel like we have to do something, or change something, or this is going in a really bad direction.

OP posts:

MilkNoSugarPlease · 03/02/2011 13:36

Whereabouts do you live?

heartsnflowers · 03/02/2011 13:39

Ill come if you are near and Im sure others would too...

Danthe4th · 03/02/2011 13:41

Go to your local children centre and speak to the family support workers to see what your options are, or look on the website.
They run at my local centre a pnd group and other baby groups and many have a free creche.So you would be able to get a bit of you time with other mums, sit and chat for a couple of hours may help you feel better and the children are often only a room away being cared for.

Catilla · 03/02/2011 13:42

There are probably nannies around whose usual charges are at school - so if it fitted within the school day they would welcome some extra money.
Can you put an ad in the local school newsletter?

Original poster

BumptiousandBustly · 03/02/2011 13:43

South London - Kent area - I just want to not be responsible all the time, for a few hours a week - whether I go out/do housework whatever. But Nanny agencies seem so expensive! - esp for the fees, and I just don't know how to go about getting someone here for that time.

Really not convinced that a CM would work for DS1 who is VERY intense, and very bright - and I think would struggle in a small house, with lots of other children, and only one adult.

If all else fails I can put DS two in with a childminder one morning a week, while DS1 is at pre-school, but it feels like I would just be rushing to drop off and pick up in two different places, so V.Stressful!

OP posts:

Catilla · 03/02/2011 13:43

Also, depending on how you want to use the time, how about creche at a leisure centre while you exercise/swim/relax??

And could you sleep while the homestart person comes over? That way not sole charge because they could call on you if needed?

MoonUnitAlpha · 03/02/2011 13:46

Advertise for a nanny - if you want someone with quals/first aid/CRB check then you'll be looking for someone Ofsted registered.

You're probably looking at £10-£15 an hour I would think.

Original poster

BumptiousandBustly · 03/02/2011 13:47

Danthe4th - I have tried the local children's centers - who have been no good I'm afraid. Like not even returning calls about support groups.

catilla - that is a good idea, I will have to have a think about that, as that could be a really good way to avoid fees, and add to someone's money, as you say.

OP posts:

Original poster

BumptiousandBustly · 03/02/2011 13:49

MoonunitAlpha - you see it would cost at least £10 an hour to have both DC with a child minder - which seems silly if I can have someone in the home, however are you based in the London area, as I thought it would be more than that.

Catillia. Not really into leisure centers - would rather get practical things done at the moment - or just STOP.

Its not just about sleeping though - its really about being able to get away and just breath.

Think advertising is a really good idea.

OP posts:

domesticslattern · 03/02/2011 14:07

Not all CMs have lots and lots of childen, especially if you are flexible on days. My DD was sometimes the only child.
Have you considered asking around / advertising to local parents to see if any want to share their nanny? Even just an ad in the local library or MN local, for example, means you can avoid agency fees. Might be the kind of logistical thing your homestart volunteer might have ideas about?
Really feel for you and hope you get something sorted.

MoonUnitAlpha · 03/02/2011 14:09

You'd be looking for someone who has a day off in the week or is a student maybe who wants to earn a bit of extra cash - I'd advertise on gumtree and netmums and see who replies.

domesticslattern · 03/02/2011 14:09

Cross post!

Original poster

BumptiousandBustly · 03/02/2011 14:14

both very good points. Will def look into that, have also found a website called nannysharers, were I have put an ad saying what I am looking for, and replied to one who says that have a before and after school nanny in our area who is looking for extra hours - fingers crossed I find something. We simply can't carry on like this!

OP posts:

minderjinx · 03/02/2011 14:59

B&B,
I think you are jumping to a lot of conclusions about childminders. Plenty have big houses and/or work with assistant/s. Plenty only have one or two children at a time.

Karoleann · 03/02/2011 20:31

Put an ad on gumtree, say you want one afternoon and can be flexible on days and see who replies.

It depends on whether you want to relax in your house without the children (if so you'll be better with a childminder) or you want someone to do dinner, bath and bed and possible babysit so that you can go out with your OH.

Blondeshavemorefun · 03/02/2011 20:44

how far towards london are you? im in kent so may be able to help - feel free to send me a message where you are :)

this is the thing i do ad hoc - on a thur/fri

cost £12/15ph hr

have a look on netmums,there are often nannies like me who are looking for odd days work as work 3/4days a week and want some extra pennies :)

HoegaardenHappiness · 03/02/2011 20:52

gumtree - I advertised and got a few really good sounding Spanish students and also part time nannies. Tho it costs £30 to advertise.

or just ask everyone you know. That is how I found my cm.

To avoid meltdowns I go to the park everyday.

Good luck.

Flip