Argh just had a row with xp and he isn't going to do any extra childcare now

[IllegallyBrunette]

Which leaves me in shit street basically.

Going to have to ring my brother and see if he can help out.

you need to be straight with him since he very well may not being straight with you. just ask him to tell you if he intends to do the childcare and tell him that due to work you can not just wait and see if he turns up or not. tell him at the same time that if he takes the decision that he wont do it that you will therefor arrange ongoing alternative arrangements and so he will no longer be able to spend that time with your child. make it clear that this is his call but it will be taken as a permanent decision that you will NOT be able to alter.