Babysitter or no?

[Udaboot]

I have recently left my babys dad and had been staying at home with my baby when we were together. Now that we are on our own I will have to be returning to work. I have tried to find things to do from home but it is just not cutting it. I have been looking for a babysitter for my little one and am having no luck. I don't know if it is cause I don't want to leave him or what. I like to call the people in the afternoon cause it gives me a good idea on their attitude as the day goes on. Please anyone I need advice!!!!

[HeatherM]

Have you considered a small home daycare? Thats what we use and dd LOVES it!

[Karalina]

how much do you pay for small at home day care?

[coraandopal]

I feel what you are going through. When my baby's dad left we went through the same thing. Luckily she was over a year and a half or I am sure it would have killed me. Anyway, my advice is not a family daycare since I think it is important for there always to be another set of eyes on grown-ups with young children. We use a hippie pre-school with open minded staff and I feel as good as possible about leaving her there. It is really hard for about three weeks. Then things start to get easier but it is still hard. Harder than you think. I wish someone had told me that she would want to nurse from the moment I picked her up until the moment I dropped her off again, non-stop. And I only was away for five hours a day max. Good luck. I hope this helps.

[gabner]

You might consider going (or going back) to college. There is lots of financial aid and you might be better off financiallly than if you worked.

I started graduate school so we could live in familly housing (we were facing homelessness). I earned to Master's degrees and am close to finishing a doctorate. The most I have ever been away from my kids is about 7 hours a week. When they were young I had a male sitter that was working on a degree in special education. My three boys really liked him.

Undergraduates can get more financial aid than graduate students. My kids have grown up with kids from a variety of cultures. When you get done with college you may be able to get a high enough paying job that you only have to work part time.

[fire]

Gabner please tell me more of how you managed. I am very interested..my son is nearing two. I can hatdly write this message. I like the idea of having someone come to our home while I am there or watching him in the area.