Parents: Where to Find Affordable Summer Childcare

NorthJersey.com: Summer’s an Expensive Time to Find Day Care

NORTH JERSEY — With the end of the school year fast approaching, millions of working parents are considering their summer childcare alternatives. Basically, primary caregivers will have to fill up eight to 10 hours of a day with childcare. Summer isn’t only a challenging time to arrange childcare – it’s also the most expensive part of the year. Many families spend half of their child care budgets during the summer.

Fortunately, there are flexible, money-saving alternatives for caregivers who want to offer their children an enjoyable and safe summer—without breaking the bank.

Work & life balance

Many companies today embrace work and life balance strategies through flexible or reduced work schedules for employees, which could be ideal for working parents during the summer. Hueina Su, a certified life coach and author of “Intensive Care for the Nurturer’s Soul: 7 Keys to Nurture Yourself” While Caring for Others, recommends approaching your manager with a detailed plan on how your proposed schedule will benefit both you and your employer. “Be prepared and write down your proposal. Also, be sure to specify how work emergencies would be handled,” Su said.

Care center camps

Many child care centers offer day camps during the summer. If your child is already enrolled in day care during the year, this option is a great opportunity for your child to remain with friends in a familiar environment. Circle Time Preschool and Childcare Center, in Newfoundland, offers curriculum designed to encourage young children to explore.

Their activities allow active participation and promote independent growth. Parents can enroll their children in the summer program weekly or monthly, and full-days or half-days are available. Children ages range from 2 through 7.

“Through flexible hours, we try to accommodate the parent who does not work the typical 9 to 5 schedule, said Jennifer Lippe, director of the child care center. “We also offer emergency child care in the event a primary caregiver arrangement falls through at the last minute, which can be stressful, particularly during the snow season.”

Bruce Bialkin, of West Milford, brings his son, Benjamin, 4, to Circle Time during the year. His 2 year-old son Nathan, attends home care at a neighbor’s house. Ben will attend Circle Time’s 10-week summer program. “It is important to us that Ben is in an educational school and social setting among kids his age during the summer,” said Bialkin.

Neighborhood care

Alternate watching the kids with neighbors or friends for free. Laura Wymbs, a mother of two in Riverside, alternates sitting duties with friends, which is a win-win for both the parents and the kids.

“Not only do we save money on a teenage sitter, but our kids are close in age so they have a great time together,” said Wymbs.

Networking with other parents in your neighborhood at the park or at school can also lead to a flexible shared child care arrangement. Parents might need to take time off work during their turn, but it should be minimal as other households are taking turns as well.

Whatever your choice for child care, make sure you have a back-up child care plan in case of an emergency. Recruit a teenager or college student on summer vacation in the event your child must miss the primary child care option. They can be recruited through the university’s on-campus career centers or through a parent network in your community.

Summer savings

Affordable day camps can range in activities from sports and science to music. Local options might include museums, YMCA/YWCA and town parks.

“When my children were younger and I worked from home, I would take them to the library or bookstore, so I could work while they were being entertained,” said Su.

Day camps can be great money-saving alternatives to overnight camps. Most townships offer affordable summer programs that have a ton of activities for kids of all ages. Check out your town’s website or local newspaper for a listing of a calendar of summer events.

All in the family

Su recommends reaching out to local relatives for support on different days of the week. Whether it is a teenage niece or grandma, your children can enjoy some quality bonding time.

“This strategy may not apply to everyone but it is a nice opportunity for family members to reunite and spend time together,” said Su.

Just breathe

Amidst the chaos of researching and planning your summer child care arrangements, be sure to take a moment to take care of your own needs as an individual.

“Stay-at-home and work-at-home mothers suffer during the summer too,” said Su.

While the children are home from school, it can be hard for mothers to have time to relax and unwind.

“Having a self-care mindset is not selfish or a luxury; it is an essential practice for survival and well-being,” said Su.

Learn how to create more time & space to nurture YOU without guilt: download your FREE Intensive Self-Care Kit at http://www.IntensiveSelfCare.com.