Childcare question...

Katnip, RN · Oct 1, 2002

Since your husband is being deployed, does the military have any solutions? I know they often have large support groups and resources for help with things like house and car maintenance. At least they did when my husband was in Desert Storm.

If not, try forming a support group with the other wives in your husband's unti. You can prop each other up.

Good luck. Hopefully, they'll change their minds and not send him.

memphispanda, RN · Oct 1, 2002

I am so sorry you are put in such a situation. I hate the "not knowing" part of anything. Do you have any idea when you will find out about the deployment?

Having to have night care is a totally different world...I have 3 kids but I go to school during the day and so do they (my youngest is in preschool). Ideas...

-could you trade out with someone who needs child care during the day? It would be tough getting your studying done, but it would be cheap.

-could you rent a room out--like room and board in exchange for child care?

-could you put off going to school until your husband is back (not very palatable I know, but could be for the best)

-see if there is any financial aid available that could help pay for a center or sitter (although finding a decent night center may be difficult)

Good luck in your decision!

Carol

jdomep · Oct 1, 2002

May be you could check the high schools or a local college (that's where I get my sitters ) I also contacted our church and the older ladies are usually happy to help...just a few ideas...

My sister offered freee room and board to a college student in exchange for a sitter ...

RNConnieF · Oct 1, 2002

Ask your program director for the names of day nursing students. Day students may be willing to babysit at night, they get paid and they can still do homework, plus, if it's a fellow class mate you may feel better. I'll be thinking of you.

OBNURSEHEATHER · Oct 1, 2002

Does your school have a childcare program? As another poster said, check with your school and other schools in the area. My college taught childcare... whatever the degree is called. So they had a functional childcare right on campus. Students and teachers got first pick of spots before the general public did.

Good luck to you, and your hubby.

Heather

Lausana · Oct 1, 2002

Since the idea of you going at night wouldn't be neccesary if your husband's gone, can you switch to day courses-it's early enough do you think you could find someone to switch with?

Most colleges have childcare, but mine is only offered for ages 2 & up, so you may run into problems with the baby. I like the idea of a trade off, possibly another nursing student going during the day, what about another military wife who may be in the same situation?

Best of luck for the little ones!:)

cakarol · Oct 1, 2002

I know that I recieve assistance paying for my childcare during the hours i am at school and work. You can contact your local social services about the program. The hard part is finding a center or person....

best of luck to you...

claire

studiouslpn · Oct 1, 2002

I also recieve assistance from the government to pay for child care. When I went back to school my husbands income was not enough to pay for child care (2 kids, 547 per month, child) someone told us about healthy start where you can get medical coverage for the children and child care assistance. Now we only pay 12 bucks per month, per child, of the 547, per child. This office is usually located in the same building as the county welfare office.

peaceful2100, BSN, RN · Oct 2, 2002

Someone already mentioned it but how about trying a local university in your area. I am amazed at how many of my classmates babysit or they are nannies in the evenings there are quite a few of my girls in my class like that. MOST of the girls in my class are single, child less and basically 21-24 so they do jobs like that all the time to help make some money. Local universities will let you post and many of them even have a ready to go reliable list. I know several universities help screen potential babysitters or you can try a child care agency in your area.

maire, ASN, RN · Oct 3, 2002

Thanks for the replies! :)

Switching to days is not an option, unfortunately, and putting this off another semester isn't either.

I am doing the "Wives' support group" thing now and have had a few offers, and looks like I can take out a student loan to pay for childcare (Hey, that's claimable on my taxes!).

Wish me luck!:) And thanks again, you guys are the best. :kiss