The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

Floss

Why not suggest that he approach his employers about flexible hours?

karcher

Camelot whilst it's an absolute tragedy what has happened, I really think that is a lot to ask of a friend.

I know you want to help, but that is a very big commitment you would be taking on. Offer to help in the very short term or in emergencies, if you wish, but the father needs to think of the long term. He may need to adjust his working hours, ask for flexi-time or go part time or even employ a nanny/childminder.

I understand you want to help but I think you need to think very long and hard before committing yourself and weigh up all the different scenarios that may occur (illness, school holidays etc).

nursemaggie

Camelot It's a big commitment 30 weeks a year, for however long the youngest needs it until he/she is reliable enough to go to school on their own. much older than you think because kids tend to realise pretty quickly they could probably get away with not going.

You may want to go on holiday in term time, what about cover for that. None of us knows when we may be ill. What will he do if you are ill.

30 weeks of school a year which means 22 when they are not. Have a long think about how much commitment you would need to give him. He may be better off with a child minder.

I would make a list of the drawbacks and think hard about it.

mcculloch29

I was a registered childminder for donkey's years and it was just as well that I worked from home, getting up at 5.15 am used to kill me. I was a morning person then too, in bed 10.30 pm most nights.

This can only be a very temporary measure - I would think flexi hours with a late finish would be better for all concerned. Early starts are a killer and you already have a demanding job to follow after two hours childcare first thing every morning.

Also registered childminders are more likely to be willing to accommodate after school minding rather than a 6 am start. I know I was.

mardatha

It's been snowing all day, never stopped. But gradually turned to wet snow and not lying now. Very treacherous outside even in the back garden, very slippy.

mardatha

Sorry I seem to be missing a lot of posts, don't know what happened there!

Floss

Mar, we know why, you've been tucked up on your sofa with a box of jelly babies and a box of liquorice allsorts

ivyleaf

We had a little bit of snow overnight and this morning. All gone now though. Blooming cold, mind you!

Hard_Up_Hester

The snow hasn't pitched here but brrr it's freezing, I'm wearing a vest, long sleeved tee, short sleeved tee and jumper and in still cold.
Well we like one of the places we viewed today, we just need to see if we can afford it!

ivyleaf

I unearthed my "slanket" from the shelf in the top of the wardrobe. Been glad of it today! OH bought it for me 4 years ago and I haven't needed it again until now.

Hester Good luck with the property you liked.