Moms and dads of 4 kids

[Anonymous]

Five hours a week doesn't make sense. You could get a sitter and do this in the mornings while your younger two are in school.

Can you clarify your work hours?

[Anonymous]

Mom of four who has worked both 5 hours/wk and 5 hours/ day. I am not sure which you are, OP.
If it’s 5 hours/wk, either go through a babysitting agency or ask a giant favor from someone you don’t need to pay.
It is almost impossible to find one person who can be consistent for such a short time. In my case, I was teaching one class that met once a week. It couldn’t be changed, and missing it was a big deal. Having my sitter quit because she found a FT job or want the day off because this was her “day off” at her FT job, and she needs to go to the dentist is irritating. I ended up with an agency, but my aunt did it for a little bit, and it wasn’t such a big deal because she just brought my kids to the dentist or soccer practice or whatever she had to do.

If it’s 5 hours a day, get a regular sitter. Have him/her pick up your younger two from preschool. Don’t pay for aftercare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mom of four who has worked both 5 hours/wk and 5 hours/ day. I am not sure which you are, OP.
If it’s 5 hours/wk, either go through a babysitting agency or ask a giant favor from someone you don’t need to pay.
It is almost impossible to find one person who can be consistent for such a short time. In my case, I was teaching one class that met once a week. It couldn’t be changed, and missing it was a big deal. Having my sitter quit because she found a FT job or want the day off because this was her “day off” at her FT job, and she needs to go to the dentist is irritating. I ended up with an agency, but my aunt did it for a little bit, and it wasn’t such a big deal because she just brought my kids to the dentist or soccer practice or whatever she had to do.

If it’s 5 hours a day, get a regular sitter. Have him/her pick up your younger two from preschool. Don’t pay for aftercare.

Thanks for this. Yes it’s 5 hours a week, similar to teaching a class. Missing it would be a big deal, however I can structure the time as I desire and work whenever (well, between 9-8pm). The only thing is, the time I pick is super important because it will stay that time for the school year so if I make a bad choice and can’t find a sitter half way through I am totally screwed! Lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mom of four who has worked both 5 hours/wk and 5 hours/ day. I am not sure which you are, OP.
If it’s 5 hours/wk, either go through a babysitting agency or ask a giant favor from someone you don’t need to pay.
It is almost impossible to find one person who can be consistent for such a short time. In my case, I was teaching one class that met once a week. It couldn’t be changed, and missing it was a big deal. Having my sitter quit because she found a FT job or want the day off because this was her “day off” at her FT job, and she needs to go to the dentist is irritating. I ended up with an agency, but my aunt did it for a little bit, and it wasn’t such a big deal because she just brought my kids to the dentist or soccer practice or whatever she had to do.

If it’s 5 hours a day, get a regular sitter. Have him/her pick up your younger two from preschool. Don’t pay for aftercare.

Thanks for this. Yes it’s 5 hours a week, similar to teaching a class. Missing it would be a big deal, however I can structure the time as I desire and work whenever (well, between 9-8pm). The only thing is, the time I pick is super important because it will stay that time for the school year so if I make a bad choice and can’t find a sitter half way through I am totally screwed! Lol

Find another family who only needs a few days and do option 1 with their nanny one day a week. Obviously book a full day, as that will give you more flexibility for errands, outings, appointments, etc. Consider 2 full days of nanny on call as there are other families out there who need 3 days. That is your best bet for retaining someone consistent. I am sure it will be worth it with everything you are juggling.

[Anonymous]

5 hours a week is nothing. you don't need any extra help. Work evening or weekend.

[Anonymous]

5 hours a week? Work from 7:45-9:30pm three nights a week after they go to bed.

[Anonymous]

Do not give up your job. It’s only 5 hrs/wk, but it’s keeping your foot in the door of the working world, it’s earning your own money, having a bit of independence and adult interaction, and so much more.

Signed,
Mom of 4 who gave up my excellent, stable, high-paying part-time job to stay home. It was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made. I have regretted it for the past five years and am now trying to go back to work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not give up your job. It’s only 5 hrs/wk, but it’s keeping your foot in the door of the working world, it’s earning your own money, having a bit of independence and adult interaction, and so much more.

Signed,
Mom of 4 who gave up my excellent, stable, high-paying part-time job to stay home. It was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made. I have regretted it for the past five years and am now trying to go back to work.

I agree with this. I'm a mom of four super fortunate that my old employer remembered me and recruited me back after taking several years off. I would be so sad if I were starting all over again trying to re-enter the workforce from scratch.