Childcare for a trolley dolly!

[Trolleydolly1]

I'm a flight attendant who finds herself in the position of being a single parent. My ex lives in SA so him as my childcare is not an option. I'm trying to find childcare for my daughter and dog for when I'm away, min 2 nights max 3/4 nights a couple of times a month. I haven't a clue where to start and what type of child carer I need, Au pair or nanny. I don't earn much so I'm thinking Au pair £70 p/w.
As it would only be a couple of times a month I think an Au pair would end up with a lot of free time and expensive for me. Anyone got any useful ideas for me please.

Thank you for that, it's very helpful, she has a few friends at Wimbledon high so will make some enquiries! Brain completely fried now!!!!

can your parents stay at yours when you go away? then can do the school run

To all you lovely ladies out there who have really helped me today! Thank you for all your thoughts and suggestions they have been brilliant! Would you believe I had an amazing idea late this afternoon and I think it's going to work!!!!! Last year on holiday in Halkadiki, Greece we met a beautiful girl who was working for the summer. She is extremely bright, kind and adored my daughter!!! we kept in contact until I just got snowed under with life. I emailed on the off chance that she would like to come to London and live with us to look after Honor for a few times a month and experience London. She's taken a year off and is working in a resturant (and not really enjoying it)whilst she decides where she'd like to go in life!!! It was meant to be!!!! She's so excited and so am I!!
It was my first time on the mums net forum and you have all been brilliant! Thank you again!xx

That's really fantastic news!!! Good luck with it all :-) x

Thank you!!

au pair = £70 a week

Nanny = £70 a night

Au pair is alot easier and will probably work out cheaper with the added bonus of the AP
being able to help out at other times or when you just need to get things done, or she can do chores while ulyou spend time with your child

OP, you've said you are part time.

I have no idea how it works in your industry, but could you up your hours a bit? If you are going to be paying for childcare for the whole month whether you need it or not, would it be possible to do some more hours to make the finances tip more in your favour?

(if you can find someone to do only the hours that you need, then ignore me)

I read your original thread thinking no way, however, then got to the fact that your DD is 12 years old. My DD is 10 years I work long hours including nights and weekends. For a whole variety of reasons earlier this year I had to get an au pair and deliberate choose a slightly older girl aged 24 with plenty of driving experience.
They get on really well together go shopping, paint nails like big sister and little sister. In addition to childcare my au pair keeps on top of the tidiness in the house and does my ironing ( I do the washing). My home is much tidier as a result of her arrival and she is a big help. I hope your experience is he same.

Hi Lonecatwithkitten, that's exactly what I was hoping for, an older AP who could be more of a big sister. I know that it's not an impossible task and I had literally just started looking so it's nice to know that I'm looking for something that does exist. It's a massive plus that my DD is 12, she gets the bus home from school and like I said before, is very independent so hopefully if it all works out well the lovely lady who we met in Greece is that age and a nice sensible girl who studies hard and got on great with my daughter. Fingers crossed! If it doesn't work out then I think what you've suggested is exactly right.
Thank you!!!

Trolleydolley pm me if you want ap advice, i'm cabin crew and have an au pair.