Anonymous wrote:In the fall we will transition from full time nanny to having all three of our kids at the same elementary school. They get off the bus at 4 and we would likely need some help 4-6 each day. Do we try and get someone to help 2-6 and do things like dinner prep and laundry? Try for a high school or college kid? What is our best childcare option for this limited need? Thanks, all!
You have a few options. I'd look at different factors as you decide:
-The hours you need. You say you need 4-6. Is the bus ever early? Is there any reason you'd be delayed past 6? Take that into consideration.
-Would you and your husband be interested in a standing date night? You could hire someone 2-6 Monday through Friday, which would be 20 hours, but have it set so every Wednesday they'd stay until 10 instead for a date night. That would bring it up to 24 hours.
-Would you be interested in after school care instead?
-Sometimes nanny shares are an option, but that would be difficult for 3+ kids and I wouldn't recommend it based on that.
-Do you know any neighbors who have someone for mornings only? Maybe a SAHM who needs some time to herself during the week? (Nanny would spend mornings at one house and afternoons at another).
I can't imagine a college or high school kid wanting to give up 4-6 (or more) Mon-Fri. This is a tough time slot to fill.