Anonymous wrote:OP: I'm sorry about the judgmental people and snarkiness of some of the previous replies.
Here's what I do (single mom who works crazy hours with a boss who does NOT believe in telework or flexible hours--I can't find any other job, and boy, am I looking!)
First, my child LOVES aftercare. It's like a playdate with her friends every day. The kids don't get to socialize much during the school day--recess is short--so all my child's friends come from aftercare. Field trips, art work, cooking--it's all in aftercare. I think that she's learned as much if not more from aftercare than she has at school. They help with homework, too.
It goes until 6:30 and I can usually pick her up. When I can't, the library is great. A friend (stay at home mom) picks her up and eats a nice snack outside the library. Inside they do homework, read or play in the kids' area with the doll house, puzzles, etc. There are usually a ton of kids there, especially in the wintertime. In the warm weather, of course, they go to the playground.
Fridays are a problem because the library closes at 5. I have tapped the children of friends, other mothers, our former pre-school teacher, relatives, and employees of the aftercare who are happy to pick up some more hours. There is a real community of caregivers and moms in need of some hours. Is there a neighborhood or school listserv where you could post your need?
I hope you find someone. Good luck--the world outside is nicer than DCUM, really!

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I see many parents seem to have the work flexibility we yearn. DH travels quite a bit, and I've been told to be prepared for long hours when a project gets big. I was a SAHM for 4 years, and only recently, found a job. It's been hard finding a job after being at home for some time, and now, things are very new to us. I'm wondering people are so quick to judge - we have no choice with our work hours, and going in early and leaving early is not an option, as bosses meetings are held in the evenings (and we can't say sorry, I need to pick my kid up - unless you want to be fired). Also, while i was a SAHM, I've seen too many nannies/babysitters leaving kids on their own, not having a care in the world, being rude to the kids, and with the most disgusting hygiene (of course, working parents don't know this). It's almost gone phobic to leave my kid with a stranger. Some of you mothers think you have the best nanny in the world, then you're lucky. Others are not so lucky (and the worse is that they don't even know it).

The reason why I suggested library is because DD loves the library, and she loves to be read to. She's one of those who'll devour 10 Dr Seuss books if you'll let her....

Thanks for the input everyone. We'll figure out a way somehow.

Anonymous wrote:I think this job is not the right fit for you right now and you should looks for something else. Like PPs said, those of us in two WOH parent households have either built up their credibility over the years, which allows them flexibility, or sacrifice pay or prestige for flexibility (sometimes both). And we use those daycare centers and/or babysitters that you think are beneath you.