5 Unconventional Childcare Options
One thing is for sure; COVID highlighted just how many of us rely on childcare resources while we’re working. When we could no longer turn to our daycares, our nannies, or pre-k’s, we had to scramble to make things work at home. For many, that felt like survival rather than success. Now that we know we’ve done it before and can do it again, let’s start off the school year with a plan in place to make childcare work for us in the time of COVID.
As many parents may be dealing not only with homeschooling or remote working but with furlough or looking for a new job, it’s more important than ever to think outside the box when it comes to childcare. Here are 5 unconventional childcare ideas for you to consider right now:
1. Neighbor or friend rotation program; trusted ‘Bubbles’
Take turns with trusted friends or neighbors to share babysitting duties and look after each other's children on different days of the week. You could also reach out to groups within your community such as your school, local mom-groups or your church.
Pros: This is a great option for families on a budget. It’s affordable and outsources childcare through your community. It’s a collaborative project that makes parents work together and lessen the financial burdens of childcare as a group.
Cons: This may not be ideal for day-to-day care needs.
2. Nanny-share
Pool together with friends or neighbors to employ one nanny to look after your kids.
By splitting costs and hiring one carer to babysit for two or more families, the rates might be higher than daycare but will work out cheaper overall for each household.
Pros: This is great for families with similar schedules
Cons: it might be difficult to coordinate across varying schedules. The nanny also needs to be a good fit for both families, not just one party.
3. In-home daycares
If you can’t secure a place at a conventional daycare or feel uncomfortable with the idea, why not bring daycare closer to home.
Pros: Home-based daycares are more affordable and since it’s inside the caregiver’s own home, it would be a more comfortable and familiar setting for your child(ren).
There are fewer children at a home daycare than a traditional center. Which can mean more personal attention for your kids(s) while socializing with others their age AND limits contact with others during this time.
Cons: Unlike daycare centers, in-home daycares might not have the same regulations and training for caregivers. Make sure to thoroughly research the facility, confirm any necessary licensure or certification (it varies by state and country) and try to ask around for recommendations or reviews. For more information, check out this article from our friends at Parents.com
4. Virtual babysitting
Get family members to virtually babysit while you’re in a meeting or cooking dinner. This option has become an incredibly popular option during lockdown.
Pros: Great for a short amount of time and when you’re in a pinch. Better than just turning Netflix on and hoping for the best.
A way for kids to spend some quality time with family members.
Cons: Not ideal for long-periods of time and limited to certain ages of children. It’s only when you’re really desperate and need that 30 minutes to smash out some house chores.
5. The Baby-sitters Club
An oldie, but a goodie. With the recent Netflix remake of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ in mind, we recommend looking around your local neighborhood for some good old-fashioned babysitters. This could be your resident teen who wants to earn some cash, a young adult with extra time on their hands, or the retired couple down your street.
Pros: This is a no-brainer option but is often overlooked these days. It’s a great way to get a few hours of affordable childcare and local to you.
Cons: This option is not ideal if you need 9-5 childcare support and depends largely on the resources available to you.
Which childcare option would you try? Let us know in the comments.
