SAHMs w/ no family around - what do you do for childcare?

Mainer-in-Texas

I can't believe I haven't asked this already! We have nothing lined-up for childcare right now, and it just occurred to me that we probably should have some ideas in case something comes up like DH having to travel for work at the same time I need to go to the doctor. Is there some sort of good intermittent baby-sitting service we could use? I am clueless.

mcgee

I sometimes trade off with friends - they call if they need someone to watch their kids, and I call if I need help with mine. It works well for us because Meredith loves to have other kids come over and play.

lrb

We use a teenage daughter of one of my husband's co-workers.  We don't have too many teenagers in our neighborhood so that was out but that would have been an option if available.

Also, we live close to Southwestern University and they have a list of college kids that are enrolled in the Child Development Program who are interested in babysitting.  That has helpful too for daytime stuff (a lot of them don't want to do Saturday nights... can't say I blame them!).

Stinks not having family around but now that we  have found two-three reliable sitters, it has been easier.  We still don't go out much though!

MrsMillerTime

Ditto mcgee.

virginia&alan

Check to see if any local churches have nursery drop offs.  It may be an Atlantan thing, but most of the churches here have morning daycare from 9-1 for a small fee (~$20).  You just call and make reservations a couple of days before.  Or you might check to see if any gyms offer something similar.  I use our gym's drop off more than the church nursery, but it's nice to have more than one option available.

fjaril

I just took him with me and most likely would still take him now.

I know I have friends I could ask, but I'm horrible about it. I LOVE to watch their kids, but I always feel like _I_ would be imposing on them. 

I know that makes no sense, but I'm weird like that. We have MDO now that I could make appointments during the time he is there. 

I know every kid is different, but mine has always been more than happy to sit in his stroller and look at books or play with toys. 

 

Mrs.Froggianna

fjaril:

I know I have friends I could ask, but I'm horrible about it. I LOVE to watch their kids, but I always feel like _I_ would be imposing on them. 

I know that makes no sense, but I'm weird like that.

This, though I'm getting better about asking friends to help.

You can also get sitters from Nannies from the Heart.  It's a $100 sign up fee and then I think the minimum hours (4) per sitting session runs about $60.  That's too expensive for us, so we haven't tried it.

lrb

fjaril:

I know I have friends I could ask, but I'm horrible about it. I LOVE to watch their kids, but I always feel like _I_ would be imposing on them. 

 

 

I'm the same way too... it doesn't help that most of my friends are all still on #1.  I'll watch their children any day but feel bad dropping off 2 kids on them. 

PMBridetobe

There is a drop in daycare place called Play Care up in North Austin. I am not sure what ages they take but I also know places like Stepping Stones will take drop in's if they have room. It is like $30 for the day.

Mainer-in-Texas

Thanks everyone for the advice! I am going to check those places out.

I have had the friends idea in the back of my mind, but I also feel guilty about it because only two of my friends SAH right now, and one has a part-time nanny and the other uses family, so I feel like it would be very one-sided.