Just lost it :(

[pennydrops17]

I'm really struggling for summer holiday childcare for my 12 year old atm. The plan was for ex to have her during the day but he's become unstable (MH issues) and unpredictable since learning about my new partner so feeling very unsure about handing her over to him. My mum, who initially agreed to fill
in, has just pretty much pulled out and let me know (which I'm really upset about as she's covered for my other siblings extensively and this is the first time I've really had to rely on her on account of my new job which is very stressful and full on). Any friends I could ask are away. 12 year old insists she will be okay on her own (I work 8-6) but I'm worried - I've not left her alone in the house that long on her own. There's no clubs around. I have no idea what to do. I can't take time off work and get stupidly restricted basic annual
holidays because I've just started the job.

I was pretty much left to look after myself from Y7 onwards during school hols - is she usually sensible and level headed? Would she know what to do / who to phone in an emergency? To be honest, I quite liked the freedom to suit myself and do my own things. This was in the 1980s though, so talking a long time ago! And I knew my neighbours well and would have been happy to ask for help if needed - like if I'd had n accident.

Are you sure you can't take time off work? Go and talk to your boss - explain you have no childcare and you can't leave your child alone especially for that long. Could you take unpaid leave if nothing else?

Can you go back to your mum and say you are desperate?

Could you speak to work and ask if you can do 9-3pm? I know that still means leaving her but for a much shorter time.

I would say if she's sensible then she'll be fine looking after herself. Phone every couple of hours and perhaps you can finish early?

Mum is no go. She's quite elderly anyway and I won't ask her again. I ll try and ask my boss if I can work from
home some of the days. If not, I'Il have to use annual leave though it doesn't leave much for xmas as I'm on the basic number of holidays.

It's crap this. I can't give her to ex (who has the entire summer off) as he's very unstable atm.

Maybe a little late now but I hired a 6th former as a sitter. She didn't want to go to childminder any more and felt too old for kids clubs. It worked out great, they did art together, made cakes, walked to the local shops and took the dog for a walk. A bit like having an older sister.