I apologize if these questions sound stupid, but since I've always been a SAHM, I never thought about it. Now that may change...

For working parents with kids - what do you do with the kids on school vacations/days off? I'm not asking teachers here - that's obvious, as the teachers have off (mostly) when their kids are home. What do you do if your work hours start before the kids start school? (Asking for parents of younger kids, not say - high schoolers who could get themselves to school.) Some of the logistics are tripping me up.

My work hours would be 7 - 3:30 pm; my kids can't get to school before 7 (I think there is no before school care), and my DH leaves at 6:20 to make his 1 hr 15 min commute to work. I would have to leave about the same time, 6:20 or so. How would I handle my 7 yr olds? I also have a 12 yr old, who attends middle school.

Thanks for any tips you can give me.

Suzanne

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Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like. - Lemony Snicket

I am a SAHM as well here, so I don't know if any of these would work, but is there a neighbor with kids the same age that could watch the kids until the bus comes? Do you have any retired ladies in your community that would be willing to come to your house (paid or not) until the bus picks them up and maybe on the days that school is not in session? Or maybe plan playdates with other kids for those days, and reciprocate on a weekend day that you would be home to give their parents a break? (There aren't a whole lot of days kids have off of school, is there?).

I don't know if any of those ideas would work, but maybe it will give you an idea of how to work something out.

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I've had a Foreman Grill for about six years. I've done about 85% of my cooking on it, but I've never burnt myself. Probably because I don't use it as a pillow.

I work in my home but I know many parents who both work outside of the home. Our school offers SAIL and you have the choice of before school, afterschool care or both. Before school care you can drop off as early as 6:00 am (school starts at 8:40). There is a cost associated. Others use a before school off campus option of daycare. We have two daycare buses that pick kids up from our school and do drop offs before school.


On days off they usually hire a local teenager (who also has the day off) or daycare (that they already use during the week). I know one family who uses relatives and another who takes the day off of work

good luck

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

Do they ride the bus? If so, what time does your 12 y.o. get on the bus and could your 12 y.o, handle getting on the bus alone? Do you have any close friends whose children attend the same school that they could get your 7 y.o. to school and keep for a little while after school? Maybe they would be willing to do that for 2 hr a day for a few extra bucks, especially SAHM. Any relatives that could come over and get your children to school for you?

Been there, done that, now my kids are 13, 15! The school based daycare was the most convenient, most reliable, and most expensive. Dropped the kids off at the school in the morning around 7:10 to make it to work for 7:30.After school, they walked right to the gym for recreation time. The provider of this care also had a program at the school for 1/2 days, and a program at their main facility (a community ctr) for no school and vacation days. I have also used a neighbor teen who went to a private school that started later in the morning than my kid's school. She came over and watched them and made sure they got on the bus. Also have used neighbor teens for after school and no school days, but they are so busy themselves with school and sports it was hard to get someone all the times I needed them. When my DS went to pre-school at our public school (for speech delay), the days DH and I both worked, he went to a home day care where he was picked up and dropped off by the bus. Gramma and relatives have also pitched in on no school days. Don't forget to have a plan for sick days! Good luck to you!

Just read your other post about the job- Congrats. Another poster there brought up a good point about flex time. Your employer may be open to this idea.It would be much easier for you if you could go in a little later, then just deal with daycare in the pm instead of am. I forgot to mention that I also did this. Stayed home til DS got on the bus and 7:40, then got to work for about 7:55 instad of 7:30. Made up the time in the pm. Boss wasn't crazy about this, but it worked for me.

I was lucky when my son was young I had a brother living with me that made sure he got off to school and was there for him in the afternoon. BUT at 12 he was doing it himself. Saying that I realize that each child is different.

Good luck

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Laura
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my kids are older now, but I was in your shoes for many years and its not easy. The kids prayed for snow days and vacation days and I dreaded them.

My first suggestion is to ask everyone you know if they know of any kind of before school care or if they know anyone who does child care in their homes that you can use for your child to catch the bus from their home. Many times churches have programs that they don't advertise and its mostly word of mouth.

That's what I always did and you may find someone who knows someone who can help you out. I would also ask your child's teacher and at the office if they know of someone. If you attend a church, ask there. Many times there are people who only want a few dollars a week and don't want to be tied down full time and would be willing to help out in the morning and on snow days.

If your oldest child leaves last, maybe they could stay together in the morning until the bus comes? I know its scary the first time you leave them, but at 12 and for no longer than you are talking about, would you feel comfortable doing that?

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MyCoupons is #1 for holiday shopping!

There is for sure NO before school care, I already checked about that. Second, my kids don't take the bus for various reasons, and even under this circumstance, I would not want them/let them take the bus. I'm going to call the HR person in a bit and see if there is any flexibility with the hours, but I hope I'm not shooting myself in the foot when I do that! As far as neighbors are concerned, we have some amazing ones, but none that I could ask this of them...

Oh boy, what a dilemma I have now!
Suzanne

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Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like. - Lemony Snicket

Perhaps you know a high school kid that could come over in the a.m. when you leave and drive them to school. Usually high schools have a later start time in the morning, and they would probably do it for a little gas money a week.

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Mom to 3 - one with 2 legs and 2with 4!

Our YMCA has a program to care for kids on conference/storm/holidays off. I believe it is pretty expensive, however they do have programs that can go by your income if needed. I would suggest checking your local Y.

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If you really want something in this life, you have to work for it. Now, quiet! The're about to announce the lottery numbers... - Homer Simpson