family based care or swapping with other mums

[robbie]

I was just wondering why, when childcare is so expensive and hard to get into, more people aren't helping each other out with childcare??
I have someone who I swap with 2 days a week, (it costs nothing except for investment in a portacot and double pram) and the bubs are happy , in their home with the same people, same surroundings, don't get sick, etc, etc.
It really is fantastic
What are peoples fears to initiating this sort of thing, I would love some feedback.
I guess before they go to childcare for the first time, most mums are anxious but it really can be a solution to the childcare problem.

amoung our mothers group 4 people are stuck without childcare but no one is mentioning swapping days, (are they too daunted by looking after 2 at once, or are they scared of letting someone else look after their darling?)

Even using a mummy nanny can work well, and is cheaper and more flexible than a childcare centre.

[kiwibird27]

totally agree with u!!!! Think people are scared of the unknown and basic truct doesn't seem to exisit anymore - also people don't get out and meet other people alot - seem to stick to what they know?? I don't think peolpe want to say they need help - or to rely on some one else???

[mysonroger]

i never heard of it, not in the organised way you're referring too. i wouldn't be phased looking after 3 (i already have two). i would need a pram for three. or not go anywhere. the logistics are another thing though.
i don't know anyone i would do it with..............i'm in a new town, that's why, otherwise i would have considered in perth where i know lots of people.

[MumToBeFlick]

I couldn't agree more. Mums should be helping each other out a lot more. In my family one of my sisters-in-law who has two children and is a stay-at-home mum looks after my other sister-in-laws 2 youngest children a few days a week. She is paid cash in hand to do so, just to cover basic expenses really. This works really well for the both of them.

I am now about to have my first child and I am really trying hard to think of who I could do a similar swap with. I don't know many people who have children and who need to swap so I am kind of stuck. I have no problem with placing my children into childcare but the cost and the problems that can be associated with it like kids getting sick and the child not maybe getting enough attention and care are making me interested in finding an alternative.

Family Day care is a good option as it still allows for the various rebates the government provides and can be a bit cheaper than the average childcare centre, but they are harder to find and get into as there are fewer of them, depending on where you live.

I would be very interested to hear of any other mums out there who have come up with good solutions to this problem, perhaps via a swapping situation especially mums who have done so with someone that was a complete stranger beforehand rather than a family member or close friend. How did you meet up with other mums who wanted to do the same thing in your area and have you had any problems?

[Hokey Pokey]

What a great idea! I had never even thought of that!

[Rhoxie]

I think it's a great Idea :D I actually pay another mum to mind my kids at her house (across the road) and it's worked out fantastically.

A friend of mine has also gone back to work p/t and has done a swap with another mum so they take turns minding each others kids. I think it's a great way of saving money & it's a lot more convenient for both parties.

[Kaycee]

I'm sure this is the way it used to be done, when communities were more "connected"

[mama hen]

I was talking to my brother-in-law (who lives in Sydney) and he mentioned that there was something on one of the current affair shows a couple of weeks ago about this.

Basically it that works similar to an online dating service but matches up mums in the area. He couldn't remember the name of the service or which show it was on though..... I have tried having a look on the web but to no avail .... as yet :(

If there is anyone who saw the show or knows of a similar thing in Brisbane I would be very interested.

[Issey]

Sounds like a great idea :idea:

I guess you would have to have similar parenting views. I know someone who is thinking of doing family day care, however her views on parenting and what to feed children are quite...ummmm peculiar, so I would want to make sure that they respect what you want your child to eat and not to eat.

I was thinking of using family day care until a friend pointed out that they take the kids out and about and things happen. I guess this could happen with swapping too. Not like dropping off at childcare and then picking up, they stay there safe all day. Her son in the care of family day care fell between a train and a platform :eek: quite nasty. The problem was the person had serveral kids and couldn't hold all their hands. Also a few other things happened. I am sure this doens't happen to everyone though.

Does the person you swap with have enough car seats if they have to go out????:confused: what if an emergency?

[mama hen]

Just found the site that ma brother-in-law was referring to in the above message. It is Kidzcare and was featured on Today on 26 April.

Don't know how good it is but they are offering a 3 months free at the moment, might it might be worth a shot as nothing to lose.

Has anyone heard of it before???? Any reports good or bad.

[Chickadee]

I was thinking of using family day care until a friend pointed out that they take the kids out and about and things happen. ...

Does the person you swap with have enough car seats if they have to go out????:confused: what if an emergency?
Not all family day carers take the kids out. The woman we used in Perth for 1.5 years didn't, whereas another we used temporarily for a month did (and we were always informed and had to approve). Also, if you're only using them part time you may be able to set up for the days that the family carer doesn't take the kids to playgroup or whereever. In any case, whoever you swap with may also want to take all the kids out on excursions to the park or elsewhere.

If they do take the kids out they have to have enough car seats and prams as necessary. The carer we used for the month had a station wagon with 3 car seats and several booster seats available, and a double pram for little ones on walks.

[MumsieMel]

Will check out Kidzcare :thumbsup:

[Belinda1000]

a girl friend and i will be starting a similar thing. we are both teachers at the same school, returning to work at the same time and sharing a class, so the days i am working she isnt. we r starting with 1 day a week. hey it saves money on childcare DD going only 4 one day now

[Briswegian]

Gosh, I would love to do this. I looked into becomming a family day care mum but geeezzee a lot of hassle for little payback! I'd much rather have a swapping arrangement but I don't really know anyone near me with littlies that I know let alone trust. I've got my kids names down for family day care but at the same time, my eldest is really happy at day care with friends since infancy. So many hard decisions with babes and work!

[clairbear]

What great ideas and comments from everyone!
I am really impressed:thumbsup:
Having worked for many years in child care (some of you may have read my gigantic essay in another thread), I have sadly come to the conclusion that child care sucks in most cases (don't shoot, it's mostly government related - with ridiculous docs imposed ratios/regulations , the over demanding accreditation system and low paid/low self esteem workers burnout to blame).
As I've said before, the high quality centres are rare, and staffed by superhumans in my opinion!
What a great way to solve the dilemma, and feel connected to the community:smiliedance:
Of course in these days of litigation you'd have to be very careful, and maybe sign some ground rule agreements in case of accidents etc., a drag I know but prob necessary!
For those thinking of doing it, or already doing it....good onya:smiliedance:

[lexi'smum]

I have tried to do this many times but unfortunatly I cant find anyone in my area willing to give it a go.. so if theres anyone in the ACT who would like to..please let me know, I had started a thread about it a while ago in the ACT section, but it got no replies :crying:
anyway yeah I totally agree that you would think more people would be doing it :thumbsup:

[natasha]

If anyone wants to do it 1 day a week or something in Sydney let me know. I have been wanting to do this for ages!!

[kiwibird27]

Me too - looking to do this around August, any-one around Panania wanna swap??? Natasha - You live too far from me!!! BUGGER!!!