All parents of young children should have a back-up plan for childcare options but in most cases, parents develop a plan only after crisis hits. Sooner or later, your childcare provider will call and cancel the morning you least need it to happen.
Thinking ahead to plan for such unexpected situations can give you peace of mind and reduce your stress level if the emergency does occur.
So how do you plan so you won’t be left at the last minute without a care provider on the worst possible day for it to happen?
1. Do your research. Check out daycare options in your area that may allow for last-minute drop in childcare. Try it out on a day when you really don’t need it so that you will be prepared when the inevitable happens.
Your child will feel more comfortable when you really need to take him there in a last minute emergency and you’ll know what to expect as well.
2. College Kids. If you have college age kids in the area, many would be more than happy to help you out. Calls around beforehand to find several students who would be willing and able to respond in a moment’s notice.
3. Babysitting Services. Sittercity’s babysitting services can connect parents with great childcare resources in their local community. You can use them to try out some back-up sitters for day or evening schedules.
4. Try a Friendly Neighbor If you have a neighbor who is a stay-at-home mom or a retiree, they may work out a swap of some type with you. The stay-at-home mom may ask you to return the favor for a chance to go out with her husband one evening, while the retiree may need help cutting the grass. It may work out to be a perfect solution for you both.
To get 10% off when you click the image below and use the Code TYPE at checkout:
