part-time nanny/babysitter for weekday drop-offs and pick-ups??

[Anonymous]

My husband and I have a five year old son who goes to school from 9am - 6pm each day (he's in after care from 3pm - 6pm). We live in Northern Virginia, and work in DC. My husband recently got a promotion which is extremely demanding and it is now very difficult for him to do drop-off or pick-up. I am really struggling to do both drop-off and pick-up each day. This typically means I either have to do additional work at night, once our son goes to bed, or work a weekend day. Plus I have quite a bit of travel for work coming up, and I'm really concerned that my husband is going to have problems getting our son to school and picking him up.

Does anyone currently utilize a part-time nanny to either get the kids ready for school and drop them off in the morning, or pick them up from school at the end of the day? How does this work (how many days per week, do they do any other duties, what hours do they work, how is this working out for you, etc?) I feel so guilty even contemplating this, but it would make things much less stressful for me if I could get in the office very early at least a few days a week, or work late a few days each week. Plus it would be great to know we have someone to help out in this area when I am on business travel. And maybe this would allow me to even make it to the gym now and then.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[Anonymous]

Do you have any mom friends you can barter with?

[Anonymous]

OP here - yes, we do, but I'm not sure how consistently I can call on folks to help out/ if I can ask for help enough to cover all the dates where we might need help. I'm on a business trip right now, and had to ask fellow moms at my son's school to pick up my son from school both yesterday and this evening. I'm also looking into carpooling options for school - if I can set that up, it will help as well.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm sure that the moms who are helping you now, also need your help in some way. We're all dependent on each other. No one can do it all herself.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

You could probably find a part time person interested is some of the hours you need
help. Most nannies will want a guaranteed number of hours per week, or a
higher rate per hour to compensate for the minimal hours. You may have more luck with a nanny looking for a few extra hours before their job starts. Evening will be trickier as most nannies don't get off until 6 or later.

How about a college student? Their schedules tend to be more flexible.

I actually have a part time evening position, similar to what you describe. The Dad works nights and the Mom works late or travels often.
I pick up the kids from activities between 5-6 or sometimes relieve the daytime nanny. I help with dinner, take care of baths, assist with homework for older kids and playtime/ evening routine for the toddler. This is all pretty typical for an after school or evening job.

Don't ever feel guilty for doing what is best for your family. Good luck in your search

If you cant find other Moms to help, please reach out. I will be looking to pick up a few additional hours soon, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss.