Juggling work and childcare

[gosportmummy]

Hi! I don’t post on here often but feel like I’m in a bit of a rut and could do with some advice..quick back story:

• Primary teacher for 10 years, found myself on my own with two young children (no contact with Dad), went part time but mental health still suffering, changed career to teaching assistant which I’ve been doing for the last 3 years. Have a lovely childminder who does by pick ups and drop offs so I never drop off or pick up at school but my mental health is better. I don’t have family near who can help regularly with childcare so I would like to hear what other lone parents do for work that is either term time only or if not term time, what kinds of options there are for childcare in the holidays where you are?! My childminder is fab but it’s £63 a day for both my boys if she were to have them!

I am very lucky I work from home. My child minder does before and after school and holidays. I work my hours so I only have 3/4 weeks a year that the children need child care. And I spread that out over the year. So a week at Easter. 2 weeks in summer and few days over Christmas.

2 weeks of the summer break the children go to their grandparents one week with one set and the other week with the other side of the family.

It has been three years since the kids dad left and he has never covered any of the school holidays.

I'm very lucky I have a very flexible job so will stay in post for ever 🤣