Is it possible to send kids to yeshiva and work full-time?
I get home at about 6pm everyday and don’t know what we’re going to do with DS1 next year. Right now both kids are in a non-Jewish daycare and I don’t think DS1 can go back next year. Well, he can, but I don’t want him to. He’s already “different” with his kosher food and long hair, but next year is a whole different ball game with a kippa and tzitzis. He’s too young to feel like the odd one out and I want him to love doing these mitzvos without being self-conscious.
I’m a big fan of daycare for a number of reasons and never felt comfortable with a babysitter in my house. So, what’s a mom to do when school ends at 4pm??
As I see it, here are my options:
- Find a mom to take him home every day and watch him
- Get a babysitter in the house for after school
- Use school aftercare (not sure if this is an option for a 3 year old)
- Cut my work hours so I can be available (I would LOVE to do this, but don’t think we can afford it right now, so even though I listed it as an option, it isn’t a realistic option {insert sad smiley face here})
I don’t like any of these options (except #4, which isn’t really an option). I have no idea what we’re going to do and for now, I’m just freaking out a bit. Although I love the idea of homeschooling, it is not something I can/want to do right now. Plus, DH isn’t a fan.
I apologize in advance. I will probably be posting a lot on this dilemma. It is on the forefront of my mind and I won’t be able to calm down until all arrangements are made and settled.
So, for now, my plan of attack is this:
- Keep in touch with other parents who are in the same boat. Maybe we can come up with a good solution that works for all of us. Teamwork!
- Attend open houses for schools and keep on top of registration deadlines. I already scheduled tours of the local schools and plan on networking at these events to see what other parents do. I will also ask the pre-school directors what other parents do and find out more information on aftercare programs.
I cannot possibly be the only one in this situation! So, please tell me I’m not the only one. How do other working parents manage?
Until next time,
Shaindy
Sounds like a tough situation. Maybe you can get a babysitter to pick him up after school and be there for a few hours until you get home. There must be a lot of other working mothers in the same exact position, I think you should just keep on networking.
Lots of Luck,
Z
I don’t have kids, but I’ve wondered how people deal with situations like this. I also wonder how much childcare cuts into income…does it ever reach the point where it’s no longer worth it to work?
I’m assuming that some people don’t work because it’s not worth it. But with rising tuition costs I can’t see myself ever being comfortable enough to stop working… unless I win the lottery 😉 I haven’t come across too many people in this situation but it seems that they all had housekeepers. Stay tuned and I’ll let you know how this all turns out!
Is there a day care near the school? A teenager at your synagogue that you could hire?
Those are some of the options I’ll have to research… both are great ideas and I’ll make sure to keep them in mind when asking what others do.