Any Moms Working Retail Hours and Have Quality Child Care?

Where do you live? I have a 16-year-old daughter who is always looking for babysitting jobs. She probably could not do all the babysitting you need, but perhaps she could "fill in the gaps" if you know what I mean.

I spent many years working retail hours and it is the worst schedule ever. Since we are in the times of so called "change" it would be great if all retail clerks would finally stand up and demand "normal" schedules! I have never been able to understand why as an example Walmart cant just let the cashiers pick the schedule that will work best for them. There are always people that prefer night over day and vice versa... it would be the fair way to go. My mother worked for walmart for 20 years and they still had her working stupid schedules even when she turned 70!
However, with some research you will find a babysitting mom that watches kids with crazy schedules, I had a girlfriend that babysat 24/7 so they are out there... just put the word out and someone will magically appear.

There are many nannies that can be flexible. Do you know if your schedule would be consistent? That could help. You can also contact some of the hospital childcare centers. They may only be open to hospital staff, but they may have recommendations for other less traditional child care centers.

I work in a hospital and my nurse practitioner group covers 24/7. I can have 16 hour night shifts and 24 hour weekend shifts. My husband travels frequently, no family in the area to help. So your hours seem easier to me. (Everything is a manner of perspective) We had to use nannies. We have room for a live-in which made night shifts easier. I would use one of the on-line sites. We have also used nanny4hire.com as well as craigslist. You should be able to find someone who can accommodate unusual hours. It may take a little longer. Think carefully about the hours you would need. Do you have set shifts or variable? Mine are variable, so I would have to spend a lot of time describing my schedule so they could visualize what the job would be like. I also try to be flexible where I can. When my husband is home, it's easier for them to have an extra day off if she wants. If found that often the nanny/sitter wants to be guaranteed a minimum amount of hours. I do this because I realize they have expenses and are try to make sure they make the money they need. So sometimes I pay for hours I don't really need, but it keeps a good nanny/sitter. It's better than having to find someone new too often. One of my collegues has multiple sitters and uses a patchwork approach. Personally that would not work for me. Everyone's different. Good luck - it can be done

Do you know a mom that might want to watch your child. Personally, as a stay at home mom, watching a child at any time would be cool b/c it would give my child a playmate and I could earn some extra money. Win-win. Too bad you live in Florida or I would love to help. :)

Try www.babysitters.com or www.sittercity.com. Maybe you can find a couple sitters who would be able to work with your schedule.

Yes, you can find very reliable sitters and do retail work. It's best if you can find someone a bit older as they are more responsible and more readily available. I had two wonderful older neighbors that kept my girls for me when needed. My schedule changed every week. Between the two of them it worked out great. I also do not have any family here other then my girls and now of course my husband of 9 years. I have been here for 17 years now. A private sitter is far better than a day care center. Maybe you could even find someone to trade baby sitting with. That is what a lot of Mom's did.

I would recommend that you find an at home daycare. They usually have very flexible hours and are willing to go the extra mile to keep you happy. Otherwise you can hire a nanny. A nanny is going to be more expensive. You could also do it where you have her live in and part of her pay is room and board. Those are just some ideas my husband and I are looking into. Just thought I would share.

Hi Happy Mommy!

My question is why are you going back into Retail? Is it that there are no other positions that you were able to find to meet the need of your income? Is this a 2nd job? I would be able to better answer and help if I knew more.(if you want to share) You can message me privately if you'd like.

A.