You have all my empathy and solidarity, OP. My three are 8, 6, and 4, and it's HARD.

Ignore the people who can't muster any empathy in this situation. That says more about them than it does about you. One day at a time.

What do people think it’s going to be like with so many kids? You are outnumbered. You do the best you can. Oh and don’t have any more kids.

Anonymous wrote:My advice: stick to two kids.

She already has the third kid.

My advice: stick to two kids.

Anonymous wrote:Can you have your nanny and her son move in with you?

That’s not necessary if the nanny and her son are sheltering in place and practicing good hygiene.

Another vote for having the nanny bring her son over every day.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hire a nanny. Use essential childcare. More people are doing it than you think.

We have a full time nanny normally - however she has a 10 year old son who has no school (single parent) so she has been home with him. We are still paying her full time so really cannot afford to hire someone else too.

Could she come and bring him?

I feel like when this just happened parents took their kids out of daycare, even when the day cares were open (they are considered essential). I felt guilty taking my kids in a few times a week because i need to get work and also to preserve sanity. i didn't even mention it to other friends because I didn't want to be judged. but after a month everyone else is losing it too.

my center requires that temperature is taken every morning and a staff work escorts kids to classroom, no longer parents. obviously this isn't 100% since a child can be asymptomatic but it helps to some extent. staff have to take extra precautions not just when working.

it's rough. my sympathies.

Wow, OP. That is a lot. If you’re still paying your nanny can you have her meal prep for you? I’m sorry, that’s undeniably hard.

Can you have your nanny and her son move in with you?

Anonymous wrote:Online tutoring, kids tv shows are great, exercise videos, dance videos, wii dance, Mario Kart, Farming Simulator, etc.

Life doesn't have to be perfect right now. Let your kids enjoy themselves. They will happily use screens for as long as you let them. Not ideal under normal circumstances, but a godsend now.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize your youngest was 1.

Online tutoring, kids tv shows are great, exercise videos, dance videos, wii dance, Mario Kart, Farming Simulator, etc.

Life doesn't have to be perfect right now. Let your kids enjoy themselves. They will happily use screens for as long as you let them. Not ideal under normal circumstances, but a godsend now.

Can nanny do story time, dance time, or other type of activity through FaceTime with at least the older kids once a day?

Simple crockpot meals or make ahead meals done ahead on the weekend might help a bit.

I’m sorry, op. I’m not working now (furloughed) and my kids are older. If you were my friend I would happily get on FaceTime and try and help your 8 year old with his/her homework and read a book to your 4 year old. Do you have any friends you can ask for help??

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hire a nanny. Use essential childcare. More people are doing it than you think.

We have a full time nanny normally - however she has a 10 year old son who has no school (single parent) so she has been home with him. We are still paying her full time so really cannot afford to hire someone else too.

Why are you not using your Nanny? Have her come over with her son and do her job.