how can i continue to work full-time when my daughter begins school?

Question

my daughter is about to begin preschool either at the end of this month or the begining of next month. someone will have to be there to get her off to school early in the morning and to be there when she gets home every day around 2. i work full time from 8 am until 5 pm every day. ive been at this job for 9 months but just started to work in the corporate office - a definate step up. im afraid to ask as they just got me in here and really need me here. i can not afford to lose my job. i dont really trust anyone but my mother to watch my daughter. she's been watching her but she doesnt want to go to our house to pick her up after school. we live about 20 min. from her. i was thinking i could take my lunch break to pick up and drop her off, but it would wind up being a really long break. i dont know that my boss would be happy?? i was also thinking of getting into work early and not taking lunch and leaving early every day. i dont think theyd like that either!?! advice, anyone? :) thx!!

i see some of you are suggesting day care, which might work out, but we're not rich. it might be up to 3 ish hours a day. cant that get expensive?

#1, to smileycyo... i am not abandoning her! i dont WANT to work! id rather stay home! id rather spend every waking minute with my daughter! but my husband doesnt make enough $$ unfortunately. so, i have no choice, i have to work!

#2, i dont really trust anyone but my mother.

#3 my mother lives in a different town and im about 99% sure the bus wouldnt drop her off there! :( shes only about 20 mins away but being that its a diff town, it wouldnt happen, im sure.

thank you all for your help. i guess im going to go with the getting in early and or taking my lunch break to drop her off @ my moms.....

Answer 1

See if there are any after school programs or someone in the neighborhood that would be able to watch her. Also check with the school to see if they would drop her off at your mothers house. If not then you may need to look into a part time daycare that would take her.

Answer 2

You can do before and after school care and most offer either or or both so if you only need afterschool care then you can just get that. I see you had a concern about cost normally the cost of before/after school care is nothing like actual all day daycare. I'm not sure what state your in but call around and check prices and afterschool activies alot of them help with homework. As an example I live in Montgomery, Al my sons daycare is $ 90 a week but his school also offers before and after school care its $60 for both or $ 30 for either. Thats not to bad again your cost will be different depending on your city and state's cost of living or whatever. If you don't want to pay any money try to talk to your mom about coming to get her and maybe staying at your house til you get home. Or having her ride a different bus that drops her closer to your moms house. I really think the 1st thing you should do is go ahead and ask your boss 1st you'd be surprised at the answer. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

You are not alone. There are a lot of parents out there juggling work and child care. And believe me - your boss has dealt with them before.

You could MAYBE find another parent from the pre-school who is willing to drop your daughter to your Mom (for some $$$, of course). Or maybe you could get in early - and then take a long break to pick up your daughter and get her to your Mom's. You could pack a lunch and eat it in the car. Also - talk to your boss. Tell her/him just what you told you told us. You sound like a very committed employee who is serious about her job. I'm sure you'll be perceived that way. Just let your boss know that you'd like to know all of your options before making a decision about how to handle the situation.

But really - remember - every parent's first committment is to their kids.

What a blessing that you have a Mom who is willing to watch her, a new promotion at work - and a beautiful daughter. It's all good. You'll figure it out and all will be well.

Answer 4

First off check with your new bosses. Give them all the suggestions that you listed here and see what would work for them. People are more willling to work wiht you if you are honest and upfront with them. You might check wiht some local churches that could maybe pick up your child from school and take her to thier daycare until you get off work. This can be of big help and get your daughter used to other people taking care of her. She can't only have you and your mom forever. IF she is in preschool she will be starting school soon and what are your plans then? Often the schools offer a group that comes in after school and takes care of the kids until parents can pick them up, usually at 6pm or so. Our school uses the local Y center employees and staff to do this and there is a fee, but it is worth it for peace of mind. Good luck.

Answer 5

It's amazing how you need a support system when you have a baby.... same issues here.
I think that you should talk to your boss and start off by saying how excited you are to be with them and explain that you will be using your lunch hour every day to pick up your daughter and drop her off at your moms. An hour should be long enough? Maybe you can work something out with your mom that you can take turns. Unless you start looking at after school care.

Answer 6

Have you seen if the bus will drop off at your moms? See if there are any others at the same school that go that direction and offer to pay to drop off. Also look at some local home day cares that only want before and after school...you can usually get a deat there. Good luck

Answer 7

Being a single parent and experiencing somewhat of the same issue (I hate to tell you so)...you're really gonna have to give a little and find someone that you really trust to care for your child. Some friends would be more than willing to help you. But make sure that they can be well trusted. Get to know people and have your list of people that you can trust with your child. And do remember that 'Just because they are a good friend does not mean that they are a good caregiver for your child'. If having this job means a lot to you as well as caring for your child...sometimes you have to bend your back a little. I'm not saying to trust anyone or to quit your job...we just have to make life work for us sometimes and step out on faith. Trust me, I know that this is hard as I struggle juggling working (with a crazy schedule), going to school, putting my child in sports, and being both mother & father all while my child goes to pre-school too. It gets hard sometimes. But we have to make it work. I don't trust a lot of poeple...but I had to make something work. I hope this helps/guides you. You have my wishes. Hope you find someone!

Answer 8

Your preschool may provide a service to look after your daughter until you pick her up. Otherwise, you may have to look into a daycare situation. My husband and I are not rich either, but we manage. Children that are preschool age have considerably lower tuition rates. If it is only for a few hours in the afternoon, it the rate may be even lower. I hope you work out what is best for you.

Answer 9

If you trust a pre school to look after your daughter, then why not hire a child minder to do the tims you cant. There as qualified as any pre school teachers, and alot of them do school runs etc.
Most work places these days undrstand where parents are concerned that thre has to be a bit of give for yo to do both. Talk to your boss, he may be able to come to some sort of aggreement that suits you both. You never know. I know it difficult. Good luck x

Answer 10

< have an abortion.>> She agreed to the above arrangement, I presume, correct? Well, she didn't comply with her end of the deal - and you're holding her accountable in exactly the manner you said you would. < her getting pregnant.>> Hang on. She's "totally dependent" on you? Well, no wonder she doesn't seem to possess sense of personal accountability! This is probably one of the first times she's being held accountable. No wonder she feels put out and judged. Too bad, for her! She brought this on herself. <is helping financially.>> You have to remember, this guy's girfriend's is absolutely dependent on her mom for everything. Be thankful he's come forward offering some assistance. Frankly, money is less important than him being there to be the child's father. There are places in the world that are so poor, money isn't even relevant. Mothers and fathers find ways of raising families without money. I also find it interesting that you thought ahead and WARNED her not to screw around and become prego while off at school. Is that the kind of girl your daughter is? Is she a naughty girl? Just sayin; is all. < regret. Please advise>> What's done is done. There's no sense in staying angry over it because you can't change the past. Focus on the future. Focus on helping her become the mother she must become.