Can someone please help if they have any other suggestions?
I'm a single mum to a 18 month old boy. The plan was to be a sahm while my partner works but that clearly went in a different direction. After we split I immediately looked for work and I found a small part time job, 16 hours a week, and have universal credit top up. My mum provides childcare while I work. This was a temporary thing, while I sort out proper childcare to enable a full-time job.
Then covid happened and all nurseries near here have stopped taking new children for the time being. There is only one child minder in the area and she had no qualifications or DBs checks yet, so not someone I'd be willing to go with. Again this was ok for the time being, because dm loves looking after my son.
About 3 nights ago dm had an unexpected heart attack. She's okay but obviously needs a lot of rest and recovery. There's no way she can (or would I ask her too!) Go back to looking after Ds.
Next week DS's dad has taken some holiday days to watch him while I work, he works 5 days a week, long hours. The week after I have book a week's holiday. After that I'm.. well screwed?
The only option I can think of is to ask work if maybe I can only work weekends, when ds is at their dad's. But this seems like a big ask and I can see them saying no.
I feel like I'm exhausting options. I'm exhausted anyway. I am Dm's only family member so I have been doing all the things you have to do when someone is unexpected rushed to hospital. And obviously the emotional side is horrific for me right now.
If there is a big obvious childcare answer staring me in the face please point it out. I'm so stressed.