Is it feasible?

[Jogrighton]

Hi all, single parent to dd2 and ds9.

I am a nurse and work 12.5hr shifts starting at 0730 till 1930 (but can work late and not get home until 2100). I normally work 4 shifts per week. This includes bank holidays, festive season etc.

Currently my mum helps out, along with a very flexible childminder.

I would love to give my mum a break from looking after my kids (she is more like a second mum than a grandma) all the time (she is over 70) and let her enjoy some time on her own but I don't know what to do??

DS9 can be a handful at times.

At one point I was taking DS9 to cm at 0630 in the am but it broke my heart to wake him that early and I don't want them being at a cm all day either.

What are my options?? Any ideas???

Half of me wants to pack up work but I wouldn't be able to afford my mortgage and would have to move back with my mum which defeats the object.

A nanny but the cost would be high as you would need to contract for all the hours you need. Some will be flexible but you would still need to contract for a set number of hours per week or per month.
Then there is the finding someone who would do the start time you need, such as 6:30am.

Having a flexible childminder and your mum helping is great so I would try to stick with that as long as possible. Could your childminder do more hours to give mum less time commitment?

If you have space an au pair might work for you?

Alternatively, a student nanny who doesn't mind coming in early and staying late might take your mum's duties.

You've done well to get such a flexible CM TBH.

Are you thinking of a Nanny? No idea about Nanny's but CM's build up good relationships with their mindees, so you shouldn't worry about the children being there all day they get used to it and feel quite secure and at home. One of my Mum's is so confident in mine and her DC's bond that I am taking her for her MMR next week! Because Mum / Dad cannot have time off.

I looked after 2 boys last year who never wanted to go home I used to have to escort them off the premises. And they came 8am - 6pm.

When parents come with their kids they are often a little bit embarrassed by how comfortable the kids make themselves in my house e.g. Feet up on the sofa etc. I just say it's ok it just shows they feel at home!