| I guess I have it easier than most .... my younger one is still in a
personal "daycare" situation, where she takes him to nursery school 3
half-days/week, and watches him the rest of the time. She used to care
for my oldest, Christopher, so when there's "no school", she's happy to
watch him as well. He's 8, and is pretty easy to watch, and LOVES to
be around the younger kids all day. I'd rather he was doing something
more like "camp", but we asked him about it, and he was pretty adamant
that he just wanted to "sit around" all summer because, he said, he
works so hard at school all year, he'd like to have some time to just
have fun. And, he does work hard (in 1st grade, reading at 3rd-4th
grade level), and I can't see that it'd do him much harm, so we're just
going to let him "veg" all summer with the sitter.
There are programs around, from local "daycares" that do a little more.
The after school program he's in offers daily field trips, there's
activities available from your local recreation dept., and that sort of
stuff. We base it on what they wanted to do, and then take a few days
here and there to help offset the boredom. (Hey, I like the beach TOO!)
Try to have fun ... they'll be grown before you know it!
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| I look to the YMCA ..probably there is one where you live or close to
where you work. They have different programs for different age levels,
half-day, full day, 1 week..2 weeks. This is where my daughter goes
for the summer full time. They provide transportation from certain
stops, and also provide extended care.. I think up to 6:00.
Since there are a variety of schedules and programs, the best thing to
do would be to call the Y nearest you and have them send you a
brochure. For fall of '94 I would start applying for a particular
program a few months in advance because spots fill up fast! You do not
have to be a member of the y but if you do become a member, the
camp-rate is less expensive.
check it out!
If you happen to live in the Marlboro/Hudson area, they have a girls
and boys club, which also runs a summer program. once again, spots fill
up rather quickly. Wherever you choose to send your child, sign up well
ahead of time. Some local health clubs also run summer programs, as
mine does. (but these tend to be more expensive!). Ideally, you will
want to choose a camp program that will include field trips,
swimming, arts and crafts etc..so they won't get bored!
good luck!
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| Thanks for your help...
I found a solution that I am very happy with. I am going to be a
full time Mom starting June ;-) The budget is going to be
incredibly tight but I think it will be worth it. I will get to
raise my baby myself. Both my baby, Noah, and I like our day care
center but I really miss being with him. I am really looking
forward to being home with him this summer.
This coming fall I will be going back to school to earn my teaching
certificate. I think that will handle my long-term care solution
very nicely... I will teach school when the boys are in school and
I will have the summers off, just like they do.
I will miss this notes file very much. I have gotten a lot of good
advice here.
Thanks again,
Kathy
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