The Value of Back-Up Care

Fall is approaching and that means back to school time is around the corner.

 Are you ready for school to start this year?  For most parents the school year can be a juggling act in which organization and a dependable support system can make the difference in keeping your household stress low!  Household family assistants, on-call back-up nanny care, and as needed babysitters can play a useful role in your daily life. Consider these issues to make sure you are prepared and ready to handle anything the school year sends your way:

 Your children, like all of us, will have their ups and downs.  Throughout the school year thousands of kids will miss school due to illness and teacher work days,  leaving parents in a bind.  What will they do if their child can’t go to daycare or school?

A recent survey on children’s health found that nearly one third of parents in the US worry about losing pay or vacation days when they stay home to care for a sick child. Those parents said it was very difficult to find childcare for their sick child.

Parents can help to ensure a smooth school year by making sure they have a backup plan in place for these unexpected situations.

Try to be prepared for this by knowing who you can call upon for last-minute or emergency care for your kids.  A good agency can help you with school days off, last-minute sick-childcare, and even a standing reservation for a regular sitter so you will always know there is relief on the horizon.

After school family assistants can tutor children, help with homework, run the after school calendar, and assist with dinner.  They also help with getting prepared and organized for the next school day.  “Our families love the After School family assistant,” says Jessica Friedman, TLC For Kids’ Placement Counselor.   “One mom told me she loves being able to come home from work and spend time with her kids instead of hustling them from one thing to another.”

Tutors can help kids get their homework done with less stress and build confidence in their abilities.  They also add useful structure. Getting homework done on time and correctly can relieve children and help them to feel accomplished and in control.

Everyone needs a little grown-up time. Date-night, girls night out, the theatre, a sporting event, there is so much to do in here in Miami. Put together your list of sitters. Grandma might be first but when she is busy…or when you need a really late night on the town, you may want someone a little more experienced than the high school girl up the street. Call on a mature adult, who provides her own transportation, is CPR certified and provides extra peace of mind.