Back up Child Care When Nanny Is Sick?

Updated on January 18, 2010
A.E. asks from South Elgin, IL
4 answers

We have had a nanny/sitter come to our home for 4 years and it works well. We have a 4 yr old and 1 yr old. However, as she is nearing 60, she has been sick more often which is starting to cause issues for us.

I work from a home office and have flexibility but we need to find a real back up daycare option. My kids have never gone to a public daycare and the older one definitely has separation anxiety. Our families live out of state and our close friends also work.

What are the best options? We don't have advance notice when she is sick so it complicates the issue.

1) I've considered whether we should add another sitter 1 day per week or 1 day every other week to give her a day off and then see if a person might be willing to be a backup? I'm not sure if it's realistic since the day of the week could vary. 2) Should I see if any of the preschool Moms who stay at home with kids the same age might be willing to help? 3) Should we try a drop in public daycare? I'm concerned this would be the most traumatic

A.

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C.B.

answers from Chicago on

I really like your preschool mom idea. If there are stay at home moms, then maybe they'd be willing to make a little extra money every now and then. Plus, your 4 year old will probably think it's a drop off play date since she'd be going to play with one of her peers. This might make the separation a little easier for her. Another thought is to go online to sittercity.com or care.com. You can post your situation, and you might catch some local college kids / nanny's / part time workers who would be willing to be backup in this situation. If you did the one month trial & collected a few names, hopefully one of them would be available in a crunch.

Personally I would probably avoid hiring someone in a day per week unless you're trying to phase out your nanny.

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

A. -

I know of 2 people who are interested in being a back-up/part time nanny. Where do you live? Location is a consideration.

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V.M.

answers from Chicago on

I'm in a similar situation - except we don't use ANY daycare. But, when service calls come up for my husband or I'm asked to work extra - it's a huge stressor. I recently asked one of the moms from preschool to watch my daughter one day over the holidays...she did it and it worked out great!! As one of my coworkers said - the mom was probably glad for a little distraction for her child. I've recently explored the drop in public daycare option and will be going that route for those last minute issues. If you are concerned about how traumatic it might be, you may want to "try it out" first. The place that I looked at offers movie nights occasionally. Maybe you could drop your child off some day/night when you're not headed off to work and see how he/she likes it. Or, you may want to contact home child care providers in your area and see if they are willing to provide last minute care. It doesn't hurt to ask! I hope I was helpful!

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D.B.

answers from Chicago on

I would concider being a back up baby sitter for a one day a week or so. I am a stay at home mom with a 8 yr old and a 4 yrs old looking to make some extra cash. Where do you live?

D.

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