Working parents

How do you handle the bus? We've been really lucky, DH is WAH. He just had a "fall into his lap" possibility that would be 50-75% raise and continue to WAH.

But we would have to travel every 4-6 weeks.

I drop off and pick up the baby everyday so that's not a problem. I can get to the afternoon bus as well - no problem. I'm nervous about getting them on the bus those weeks DH is away.

We have scope at our school, but you have to pay for a minimum of 10 days a month each child. It seems like a waste.

This year we will be the only ones at our bus stop, but I could ask my neighbor who has kids that go on the bus 15 min earlier and the bus stop in at her house.

My mom said she could do some days, but they are retired and go away a lot.

What do you do? Any suggestions?

Re: Working parents

My cousin called an agency (not sure which) and found someone who would come as needed to put her 3 on the bus. I think she pays $20 per hour. I'm sure you could find someone who would be willing to do that.

If not I would ask one of the moms at the bus stop, or ask around at the school.

Re: Working parents

This was a challenge for me for a bit.. but it worked out.

You can look to see if your district has 'before care' which allows you to drop off earlier at the school.. they give the kids breakfast and sometimes play games or do homework.

In my own situation, I actually worked out an arrangement with my job to come in a little later on school days.. I know that isn't possible with a lot of people.

My girlfriend is a teacher and on days when her husband isn't home and her dad isn't available, her neighbors watch the kids for a half hour and put them on the bus. I also will watch the neighbor's son when they have to get to work and need some help. As long as it isn't a regular thing, I have no issue helping out!

Re: Working parents

Pat is home most days to put the boys on the bus, but when he isn't we have a friend who will. His kids ride a different bus so we had to get a "babysitter bus pass" from the school that allows my kids to ride a different bus. It works out pretty well or us.

Re: Working parents

What about trying to line up a babysitter for those mornings? Maybe a retired adult in the neighborhood or a college student at home might be able to do it the days that you need assistance.

Re: Working parents

we have a before care program in our school and we use it when we have to. Our program lets us pay per day, however if we ever use 3 days in the same week we have to pay for the month.

Re: Working parents

I did SCOPE in the morning for kindergarten (1/2 day in our district) & then changed my work hours so I can drop off by 8am.

If I were you, I'd ask the school for any morning programs in the district. The bus can pick up at a local person's house.

Re: Working parents

Re: Working parents

I'd pay for the 10 days a month of morning program. Since his raise sounds substantial, I think paying that little extra for peace of mind is worth it.