Hi everyone
I've been thinking for a while now about reciprocal childcare groups, in which money does not exchange hands but parents 'pay' by looking after each others children. My DS is four, and I used to get by working part time and using the tax credits system, which is fine if you work a set amount of hours each week. However my work lately has been quite sporadic with short term contracts, and I'm finding childcare really difficult, expensive and inflexible. I am also toying with the idea of a PhD but have no time to do any reading in peace! I am originally from the Highlands and neither me or DP (who works full time) have any family here to help out, and none of my friends have children so we have a limited support network. I cant be the only person in this situation?
I was wondering if anyone here knew of any reciprocal childcare/babysitting groups already existing in Glasgow, or whether anyone would be interested in meeting up to talk about forming one. Or even better, more than one, in different communities across Glasgow. This type of informal childcare was common at one time, and maybe still is in some communities. It doesn't have to be about turning away from existing childcare provision, just helping provide more, which is free and at times which suit. Also, this may be a good time of year to try and get a group up and running with the summer holidays coming up.
If this resonates with anyone I'd love to hear what you think, either on here or via a private message.