Are there any volunteer jobs that would let me take dd as well?!

[littlelamb]

I have 6 weeks before 2nd dc is due and I am getting a bit bored! Dd is 3.10 and is not at nursery any more, as I an't afford it now I am on maternity leave. I love spending the extra time with her though, as I have never really had the chance, as have worked full time (first as a uni student and then in a 'proper' job) since she was 8 weeks old. Last month we volunteered to help at the local NCT sale, and that was great fun, she really enjoyed helping to set out and tidy away. Would charity shops or something similar be happy to have a volunteer with a toddler tagging on? Behind the scenes obviously, rather than on the shop floor. Or a hospice? Even if its just for a few hours a week, I would really like to be able to offer my time to someone who needs it.

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Milliec I hadn't thought of that but its an excellent idea. I know that dds old nusery do currently have a few staff off sick- I wonder if they would be happy for me to help? I know dd would really love to go back, I just can't afford it while I'm off work. I shall ring them in the monning.

I think that prisons have volunteer play leaders to play with visiting children. It might be an option as very worthwhile but DH had issues with this.

What about an old folks home? Have no idea if you are allowed!

I would like to go to an old peoples home, as dd doesn't really have any close relatives nearby (does that sound strange? I guess I mean that she does like to talk to people a lot, anyone who will listen in fact, and it does tend to be older people who talk to us when we are out and about, and she doesn't have the benefit of close grandparents). I would't want to get in the way though. I don't know if there would be people there who wouldn't be happy that I bring her along, iyswim? There are actually 2 old peoples homes on my road, so I could call them tomorrow as well. Thanks for the suggestion

maybe surestart centre if you have one?

they often have creche

You could maybe do the training to be a Home Start volunteer and be matched with a family with children similar ages to yours. I did this when DS2 was a toddler and it worked really well. I was matched with a single mum who was a bit depressed and isoated. She had a child the same age as my son and they would play while we chatted and drank tea.

I have often thought about Old peoples homes, as my Nanna doesn't live that close, and I think its important for DDs to see all kinds of people - ob sane (ish) ones.

Good luck, let us know how you get on with it!