Child Care Options

[Jennifer S]

Hi,

I've posted on this topic before but this is a new question! We have kids at our exchanges, it works out very well for us, hey, we even have some husbands, too.

This year, I have hired a child care provider to keep the kids upstairs during the exchange. Most of the parents don't have childcare options and hiring a temp nanny is really expensive. She was my daughter's preschool teacher, a Master's student in Curriculum and Instruction and is highly trained. I am paying herr $50.00 just to come plus giving her tons of cookies to take home. I suggested that each parent contribute $5.00 per child in addition to what I am paying. That's about 3 hours of care which includes activities, cookie decorating, etc--the kids are busy and not just watching movies. Some of the moms think this is outrageous to charge guests for childcare.

I'm considering just paying for the whole thing myself as the other co-hostess doesn't have children and doesn't think she needs to contribute.

What do you all think? Am I being tacky? Should I get new friends!!!!!??

[Lia]

Personally, I don't think it's tacky at all. I think $5 as a CONTRIBUTION for 3 hours of child care that involves more than just sitting and watching movies is great. If they don't like the idea, they can always hire their own babysitters I suppose...


- lia

[Bonnie]

I think it is sweet of you to consider an alternative to the moms not being able to come because they don't have child care. Also, the amount you are asking is not outrageous. The moms should be appreciative of your efforts to think about their needs.

Personally, I wouldn't mess with child care. Send out the invitations and let the moms find child care if they want to participate. There are so many ladies out there that would love to be invited to a cookie exchange. Also, I think you would enjoy the cookie exchange a lot more if you didn't have to worry about kids in your home.

[bettynotsuzy]

I am a mom AND a child care worker, and speaking from both vantage points, I think this is an all around great deal! If I were to go out for the night, I would pay a sitter $20. The daycare center I work for pays me $8.25/hour (I am the lead teacher in the infant room, my youngest is 7 weeks, the oldest children are just over a year old). The ratio is 4 babies per 1 teacher, and at $8.25/hr. for three hours that is just over $6 an hour per child. These moms are really making out on your deal, and I'm sure the teacher is happy as well!

Those who think they can get a better deal are certainly welcome to do so. That is their problem, and you are very generous!

[Jennifer S in Oregon]

I am also the original poster and a former child care worker! With a degree (BS) and excellent references, I only made $10.35 per hour after three years of service so I know where you are coming from.

The reason I offer childcare is because I have a lot of friends whose husband's just won't watch the kids on weekends because they go play themselves and most of our guests are relatives to each other. For example, my one friend brings her mom and sister who are her only care providers. Older kids don't come, just the under 5 set. It really is a ton of fun! We have husbands come too, in fact, last year my husband, his dad and brother served as the tie-breakers and bus boys for all of us! They cleaned up as we finished eating! We also have male guests in attendence--all gay but men none the less! We're quite an eclectic group!

I've decided to just pay our sitter $75.00 dollars and put out a tip jar by my front door! I'll bait it so people feel obligated!