How do single parents get a break?
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Anonymous
| I am suddenly and unexpectedly a single parents to two elementary age kids. I work full time and have no family nearby or other reliable village. While I work on longer term solutions, are there drop in classes or events on the weekend that last more than an hour? I’m already overwhelmed and really need a few hours over the weekend to manage life things so I can be a good parent to my kids. I’m in DC and obviously driving a distance defeats some of the purpose. Thank you. |
Anonymous
|
lol
we don’t. |
Anonymous
|
Baby sitter
How old are your kids |
Anonymous
Sorry I see elementary school. Playdates |
Anonymous
You hire a babysitter. You try to coordinate your kids having sleepovers at the same time to get a night off without paying a babysitter. You swap with a friend. You fly family in if you can/need to for a specific reason. How old are your kids? |
Anonymous
| When DS was 10 and under I got a babysitter for four hours every Sunday, and then as needed for other things. It was expensive but worth it. I actually worked a second remote job because I didn’t get child support at the time. I’ve always had 100% custody and like you didn’t have family or friends to rely on. |
Anonymous
|
Screens.
Sunday school but it is an hour. I get up much than my kids do to get chores out of the way. Do things like grocery pick up to save time. Involve them in things like laundry, they can help fold towels and match socks while you watch a movie. |
Anonymous
| Join a gym with childcare! |
Anonymous
| Find another parent in same situatin, and take turns watching each other's kids. |
Anonymous
| OP here. I guess what I’m hoping for is a kids night out type thing but during the day. Why are they all at night. Play dates are a good solution. |
Anonymous
| Since this was sudden and unexpected, you may be feeling overwhelmed right now, but I think you’ll adjust. I’d suggest hiring sitters as needed for now. I think over time both you and your kids will adjust to your new situation and you’ll find ways to get everything done. Your kids will also continue to become more independent as they get older, and that will make everything easier. |
Anonymous
| Unless you can find something free through a church, kids night out stuff often isn’t that much cheaper than a sitter. They are often tied to you already benign part of something — so a dance school might do one once a year, etc. |
Anonymous
This is not likely to give you the break you want, plus it’s not fair to expect childcare for free. Why won’t you hire a babysitter? |
Anonymous
| Babysitter |
Anonymous
| Where is their father, divorce doesn't stop you from reaching out to him so you two can support each other raise your kids. Be good co-parents. |