Oh no! May lose sitter then maybe my job!

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 07-20-2010, 07:23 PM

Overreacting, jumping the gun...call it what you will but my mind is racing and I'm totally worried.

DS's part-time babysitter (I only work 10 hours a week at one job and one afternoon - between 4 and 6 hours - a week at another) told me today she may not be able to watch DS any longer as her employer wants to change her hours. AAAUUUGGHHHH!!!!! If she can't watch him I may have to quit one or both of my part-time jobs. I love the thought of being a full-time stay-at-home mom but only if I can have some money coming in to help the family budget.

Some might ask if I could get him into a daycare or have someone else watch him. I haven't heard very good things about many of the local daycare centers OR they cost more than I make per hour which defeats the purpose of me trying to work. And I don't know anyone else who would give DS the love and care she provides. It just makes me sad to think of losing her.

PLEASE say a prayer or offer up some good thoughts for our family if you can. We would definitely appreciate it.

**Momto5RN** · 07-20-2010, 07:32 PM

prayers said ....
i would let it be known among friends etc you may be in need of a new sitter - there may be someone who may be interested that you feel you can trust with your child .

how much do you actually make at work once you deduct taxes- childcare - any extras needed to go to work ( gas - clothing/uniforms etc ) if its not a large amt a month you may be able to find ways to cut back and recoup that money - or you may not

are you married ? anyway you can work opposite hours of your spouse ?

**ncarr** · 07-20-2010, 07:33 PM

Oh no! There's got to be another great sitter out there that can help you out. I hope you find one

**Mom2-3** · 07-20-2010, 08:25 PM

I would start putting the word out. Could you try and re-arrange your hours? Anything to trim in your budget?

Good thoughts for you

**NikoSan999** · 07-20-2010, 08:55 PM

No relatives close by? That's not alot of hours. Surely someone good would want just a very few hours a week babysitting. Start putting the word out.
Good luck..maybe you won't need someone else

**MaryCarney** · 07-20-2010, 09:28 PM

Here's a thought, if you need someone with flexible hours, how about a local homeschooled teen??? My youngest gets all kinds of jobs because of the inherent nature of homeschooling - and you will generally find responsible teens this way.

**mauimagic** · 07-20-2010, 09:28 PM

Lots of positive energy flowing your way. It hasn't happened yet. Let us know what happens please!!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-20-2010, 09:32 PM

Contact the Department of Social Services. A lot of states have divisions within their DoSS that deals with subsidies for daycare costs. When I was in the Marine Corps as a single mom, I had a full subsidy and I was making $26k a year myself.

Originally Posted by AspiringToBeFrugal

Overreacting, jumping the gun...call it what you will but my mind is racing and I'm totally worried.

DS's part-time babysitter (I only work 10 hours a week at one job and one afternoon - between 4 and 6 hours - a week at another) told me today she may not be able to watch DS any longer as her employer wants to change her hours. AAAUUUGGHHHH!!!!! If she can't watch him I may have to quit one or both of my part-time jobs. I love the thought of being a full-time stay-at-home mom but only if I can have some money coming in to help the family budget.

Some might ask if I could get him into a daycare or have someone else watch him. I haven't heard very good things about many of the local daycare centers OR they cost more than I make per hour which defeats the purpose of me trying to work. And I don't know anyone else who would give DS the love and care she provides. It just makes me sad to think of losing her.

PLEASE say a prayer or offer up some good thoughts for our family if you can. We would definitely appreciate it.

**BeachBaby** · 07-20-2010, 09:54 PM

I second the homeschool teen suggestion.

Sending prayers!

**lisaflex** · 07-21-2010, 07:12 AM

do you have a local college nearby? post an ad...they will call you.

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 07-21-2010, 05:38 PM

Thank you all for your support, hugs and suggestions. I do have a few groups I could "put the word out" with who might have some leads for me. It's one of those things...when the news gets dropped on you, your mind starts spinning and the obvious next steps don't immediately dawn on you!

I do have family here in town but they all work full-time or, for example, my Grandma, are just not physically able to help care for DS.

I've already told DH that we will need to start cutting expenses ASAP. The grocery bill is high on this list as are extra expenses like eating out (even though this is really a one-time-per-weekend thing). I'm going to check to see if there's a lower cell phone plan for DH (he needs to have a phone for work--they pay him a stipend) and I'm going to look into selling a few things that we don't need or use.

I do actually end up making money at my job even with taxes and daycare taken out of the equation. I already have the clothes I need so that's not a problem either.

I will hopefully hear from the babysitter tonight (she's going to call me after her meeting) so we'll know what's going on. And perhaps the news will be good--maybe we can just rearrange our hours as my employer is pretty flexible on my time in the office. Fingers crossed and LOTS of prayers being said!

Thanks again for your support. You all are the BEST!

**Mom2-3** · 07-22-2010, 11:24 AM

Any news from your sitter?

**AnW819** · 07-22-2010, 11:09 PM

Any news?? I would try craigslist! I Know you may be weary about it, but meet with the person you choose. Have them watch your kiddo while you are there for one day. There are lots of people (like me) who do love kids and are willing to work for really cheap because we need the money!

**Michelle** · 07-24-2010, 08:14 AM

You can also try Babysitters, Nannies, Child Care & Senior Home Care - Care.com to find a sitter.

I hope it works out with your current sitter.

**2ndGenGranola** · 07-24-2010, 08:22 AM

I agree with the others who have said to look for a homeschooled teen. Many Moms make them look at that as an extension of their education meaning that they have taken the cert classes available in the area. Our's was not shaken at all at the possibility of having to deal with 2 autistic, run a nebi etc...and she even cleaned up any messes made (a first).