Options for Summer Child Care – An Overview
As you consider summer child care, it helps to know what’s out there. Many parents don’t realize the options available, and they think that summer child care is invariably a babysitter in the home or some kind of daycare. These are options, but there are other ones, too. Here is an overview of the options available for summer child care.
Nannies
Do you associate nannies with really wealthy parents? Think again – the role of the nanny is more flexible than you think. The key is to go directly to the source, such as a website that lists the contact information of nannies, rather than going through an agency. Agencies add a significant cost to the price of a nanny.
Nannies are basically babysitters, and they might take your kids out while you are at home, watch them at home with you there, or stay with your kids in their home while you are at work. Often, it’s a combination of these. The main difference between a nanny and a babysitter might be training, level of pay, and experience.
Family
This is not an option for everyone, but if your family dynamic allows, see if family members can toggle child care. Maybe maternal grandparents can watch your kids for half a day, three days a week, while paternal grandparents watch them for two full days a week. Aunts, uncles, sisters, and cousins can get in on the act, too. As long as they are trustworthy and you have a relationship that allows for it, you might be able to have all your child care needs met through family.
Friends
Some working parents forget about this one, especially if their friends all work. But not every family has both parents working full time. See if friends have different work schedules, and maybe they can take turns watching your kids. In return, maybe you can watch their kids on weekends.
You might be able to combine friends and family, and have your whole week taken care of.
Volunteer Work
For older kids, some communities offer volunteer work during the day. Some options might be:
* Office work, such as making copies or deliveries
* Animal shelters
* Senior centers, retirement communities, or nursing homes
* Swimming pools (teens can assist lifeguards or help with swimming lessons and other activities)
* Environmental programs, such as local recycling centers or clean-up programs
* Local farms
* State parks
Depending on the program, your child may get credit for school. He or she also gets to explore various careers this way.
Day Camp
You probably won’t find one day camp that lasts all summer, but you can probably find multiple ones with different focuses. You can check with local museums, parks, boys’ clubs, girls’ clubs, sports facilities, and arts centers.