Single Parent Childcare
How do I find affordable childcare if I'm a single parent?
There is a lot of affordable childcare through your school system. They have after school childcare; you can get deals on that. They have financial aid, you always have to ask. There's a lot of childcare that you can find in your community at Y's, after school programs, and at Boys and Girls Club for very little money. Boys and Girls Club, I think, is $20 for the year. So just look around your community and ask, and you'll find it.
How long can I leave my child alone if I'm a single parent?
You can leave your child alone as a single parent depending up on their age. Obviously, when they're very young, they're not sure when you are coming back when you leave, so they may get upset. When they're older, they don't want you to come back, so you find the balance for your child depending upon their age. Make sure that they always know that you're coming back. It's really, really important. Then, when they're a little bit older you can call them and let them know you're on your way home. You know your child, so you'll be able to figure that out.
Are afterschool activities helpful for a single parent?
Well, I think it is really helpful for your child to do after school activities because then they are part of a team or they are with other kids. They get their energy out. They can get really crazy sitting in school and at least they can move and be competitive, which is important for kids. Then again, you also don't want to have them do too much, because they are going to be exhausted. heir school work may suffer and they don't have time to just be. There is a good balance between doing and being, even for kids.
Where can I find afterschool activities for my child?
Well, you know, a lot of YMCAs have programs. A lot of communities have programs, like here at the Boys and Girls Club. The school has, through the parks, as the parks have incredible opportunities for kids to do afterschool. A lot of communities have swimming pools, and karate, and all sorts of things.
How can I find other single parents to share childcare?
When it comes time to find other single parents for childcare, you can go online and look at something like Craigslist. You can go to the YMCA, you can go to your church, you can go to the school. You can talk to other parents. Just don't be afraid to talk it up. A lot of people want to keep quiet about being a single mom or a single parent, but the more you talk about it when you're out and about, the more you're going to meet other people who are. So don't be afraid to talk about it.
How do I find a babysitter if I'm a single parent?
When you're looking for a babysitter, as a single parent, you can go to your schools after care program. A lot of people want to babysit at night to make more money. You can go to the childcare divisions of your local or your community, and they have people. You can see a local teenager and ask her if she babysits. For me, I went to my son's school, kindergarten, and got a list from the school of babysitters, and I went through the list and tried five people out at the list to see who I'd like the most. It's always good to have three standby people in case one can't make it. Just ask around. A lot of your friends probably will share a babysitter with you.
