[missfaith]

I am looking into this and trying to figure out how all the pieces will fit together. here is one of my questions.
it seems that all childcare closes at 6pm . how do you get there if you work until 6 pm if they close at 6pm???
are there other options out there?

[mumofone]

I'm a SAHM now, but when I worked, I used daycare. My oldest used to go to a daycare where a teacher used to take one of the kiddos to her home when the daycare closed until his mom got off work.

[mommy3]

I was a single mom with my oldest for 7 years, so, believe me, I've faced this dilemma more than once. Actually, I had to change my work schedule and managed either starting a bit earlier or taking a 30-min lunch (which I've kept to this day), to accommodate my child's schedule. The other option is to have someone else pick your child up on your behalf -- you do have to get creative! susan

[mommieof2cuties]

You might want to send the baby to a SAHM who will work with you, and they usually charge the same as daycare but provide more one on one time.

[Fe2002]

There are some daycares that close at 7p, the 2 I was considering both close at 7p. There are also alternatives to daycare - nanny, au pair, day care homes and the ideas the previous posters specified.

Currently I have live-in childcare, specifically an au pair. Au pairs may not be for everyone, but J seriously spoiled me rotten when it comes to convenience. Her contract ends in January and I've decided that DD could use the increased socialization. As of 10/26, 10:09pm I'm SUPPOSE to be sending DD to daycare starting next week. I've been flip flopping on this issue, but I took DD for her assessment last week and she LOVED it. So for now, that's my plan.

If it's in the budget and is something that fits your lifestyle, seriously consider live-in childcare. It really was a lifesaver for me these first 2 years.

[sugarandspice697]

I'm not a single mom but in our area there are some 24 hour day care centers. DD goes to Montesorri school and although she only does half the day, they have a afterschool program that closes at 7PM.

Another option is to have a friend or relative you trust to pick up your child. Finally, you can have an at-home sitter for your kids since they tend to be more open to usual work schedules.

[susy...patience]

and it's rough to figure out the day care thing. I used to work many, many hours but had to cut back to make it all fit (and pay attention to my daughter, which is a priority).

I'm lucky enough to have daycare in my building so usually the pickup is just an elevator ride away. But sometimes life is complicated --- last night I was leading a group of people working late in my office (including my boss) and I had to go get my daughter & then rock her in my arms while she drank her milk and we finished the meeting. Not something I would have imagined several years ago but I did it & it was okay!

My best advice is to take time off when you first become a mom & figure out in that time how to make daycare work. I know some new single adoptive moms that have gone through several alternatives before finding one they like.....