Working Full Time and Sending to Yeshiva- Without a Housekeeper?

Work-Life Balance

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:

  1. Find a mom to take him home every day and watch him
  2. Get a babysitter in the house for after school
  3. Use school aftercare (not sure if this is an option for a 3 year old)
  4. 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:

  1. 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!
  2. 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

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