Anonymous wrote:Thanks, y’all. I do have reliable babysitter options, but you’ve convinced me that aftercare is the simplest solution.

Good choice! My DS loved to be able to spend more time with his friends.

Thanks, y’all. I do have reliable babysitter options, but you’ve convinced me that aftercare is the simplest solution.

Do you actually have a reliable option to be the "young, energetic babysitter to do pick-up and bring kid home to play (one or both parents might be WFH)" every day from 1-4pm? That's obviously the most convenient option and if it was easy to find we would all be doing it. Aftercare is your best bet unless you already have a rock solid candidate whose plans won't change in the next year.

Aftercare. It’s nearly impossible to find reliable sitters for this type of thing.

For the reasons others have mentioned concerning reliability, I'd probably lean toward aftercare in your situation, since it wouldn't go very late in the day.

That said, take your specific kid into consideration. For DD, aftercare would have worked great, and she'd have a blast playing with friends. For DS, by the end of the day, he's really ready for down time by himself, at home. I think after care would have made the day feel very long for him.

Only other consideration is if you want to enroll your kid in any after school activities. But again, if you're home by ~330, it may not really matter anyway.

Do you already have a specific sitter lined up, OP?

I'm just curious how you know it will be the same cost.

Aftercare, but mainly because a babysitter who will work 1-4 will be impossible to find.

Aftercare. It is guaranteed coverage plus friends to play with.

Aftercare.plus he will want to play with friends.

Probably aftercare. The only thing with the sitter is that sometimes they get sick/vacation/need time off or whatever. With aftercare, you don't have to worry about that. Plus with aftercare, your kid can play with other kids.

aftercare. it's more reliable than a single person and allows more friendships.

Aftercare. It will always be open with no juggling someone else's schedule and routine. Plus your kid can play with classmates and form friendships.

Rising Kindergartener, school day is 8-1.

Has been in full-day care / preschool (8-4). Only child.

Not sure yet if either or both parents will still be WFH. Regardless, mom’s work day ends at 3:00.

Deciding between 2 options:

1) aftercare which includes some quiet time and outdoor play
2) a young, energetic babysitter to do pick-up and bring kid home to play (one or both parents might be WFH).

Both would be approx. 1-4 pm, both would be about the same in terms of cost.

Which would you choose and why?