As moms, we’ve all been there—trying to balance work, family, and all of life’s responsibilities while scrambling to find reliable childcare. No matter how well we plan, there always seems to be something that comes up to throw us off course. Whether it’s school closures, a babysitter canceling, or unexpected events, finding dependable childcare can feel like an endless juggling act. I’ve experienced this struggle firsthand, and after trying multiple solutions over the years, I want to share some of the things that worked (and didn’t work) for my family, along with some simple tips that might help ease the childcare chaos.

Our Journey with Nannies: Hits and Misses

Over the past few years, my husband and I have tried hiring nannies to help with our two daughters. Our first nanny was a young college student who absolutely adored our children. She was playful, nurturing, and really bonded with them in a way that was comforting for all of us. The problem? She wasn’t the most reliable. As much as we loved her, she struggled with consistency—showing up late or needing to cancel at the last minute due to school commitments. Still, she stayed with us for as long as she could until it was time for her to graduate and start her career. Losing her was hard, but we knew it was inevitable.

Our second nanny experience was a bit different. This nanny was older, married, and didn’t have children of her own. While she was much more reliable in terms of punctuality and commitment, she just didn’t connect with our kids the way the first nanny did. Her temperament didn’t quite fit with the energy in our home, and after a few months, we realized she wasn’t the right match for our family.

After interviewing for a third nanny, I hit a breaking point. I realized that I would rather manage everything myself than continue the cycle of having nannies in and out of our home for short periods. If we couldn’t find someone who was truly committed to staying long-term, I felt it would be better for me to make the necessary sacrifices myself. As much as I valued the help, it became clear that stability and consistency were what we needed most.

A Mother’s Helper: A Solution That Worked—for a While

One solution that worked really well for us was having a mother’s helper. Our close friends have an older daughter who was about to head off to college, and during the summer before her freshman year, she became an extra set of hands for us. She helped with everything—babysitting, running errands, and even assisting me with some of my work, like recording content. She fit in so well with our family, and since she was the daughter of close friends, it felt like having a family member around.

Unfortunately, like many great solutions, this one was short-lived. When it was time for her to leave for college, we were back to square one. Still, having her around that summer showed me the value of finding someone who truly meshes with your family’s dynamic, even if it’s just for a season.

School-Age Childcare Challenges

Now that both of my daughters are in school full-time, you’d think the childcare challenges would ease up—but that’s not always the case. My oldest daughter, Alia Grace, is in third grade, and my youngest, Mia, is in pre-K. While their regular school schedules provide some structure, we often face unexpected closures, especially living in Florida. In the first quarter of this school year alone, we’ve had two extended periods where schools were closed due to hurricanes.

Even with aftercare programs, these sudden closures leave us scrambling for help. It’s a reminder that no matter how well things seem to be planned, there’s always the potential for childcare issues to arise.

Simple Solutions to Make Childcare Easier

Although we’ve faced many challenges, I’ve learned a few strategies that can help make childcare a little easier to manage.

• Create a Support Network: Building a network of trusted caregivers is a lifesaver. Whether it’s having a list of backup babysitters, family members who can step in when needed, or even connecting with other moms who are willing to trade childcare duties, having a go-to support system can make a huge difference when things fall through.

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• Leverage Technology: These days, there are apps and websites that offer on-demand childcare services. Some platforms can connect you with experienced babysitters or nannies, and some services even allow you to book help on short notice for those unexpected situations. Additionally, free online communities like Facebook groups are great places to connect with other parents and caregivers. In many local groups, families looking for childcare and nannies seeking jobs can meet and find a good match, often without the fees that come with paid services.

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• Flexible Childcare Options: Take advantage of aftercare programs at school or nearby community centers. Many offer reliable care during school breaks or early dismissals. This is a great way to ensure your kids have a structured, safe place to go when regular school hours don’t cover your needs.

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• Shared Childcare with Friends: Consider teaming up with other moms who are facing similar challenges. By alternating childcare responsibilities, you can create a rotating schedule that provides breaks for everyone involved.

Practical Tips for Staying Prepared

When it comes to childcare, being prepared for the unexpected is key. Here are a few practical tips that have helped me stay ready:

• Emergency Childcare List: Keep a list of backup sitters, family, or friends who are willing to help out in a pinch. It’s helpful to keep this list handy, especially during busy times like hurricane season or holidays when traditional childcare options might be unavailable.
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• Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, try to build flexibility into your schedule. Whether that means working remotely or adjusting your hours, having some wiggle room in your day can make it easier to deal with sudden childcare needs.
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• Take Advantage of Aftercare Programs: If your child’s school offers aftercare, it’s worth looking into. These programs can provide a consistent, reliable option for the times when your regular childcare plans don’t work out.
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• Prep Ahead: Have an emergency childcare bag ready to go with snacks, toys, and anything else your child might need. That way, if someone has to step in at the last minute, they’re fully prepared.

Finding Balance in the Childcare Journey

Finding reliable childcare is never easy, and it often feels like a constant balancing act. But with the right strategies and a little bit of planning, it’s possible to lighten the load and find solutions that work for your family. The key is being flexible and staying prepared for whatever comes your way. Remember, we’re all in this together—and with a little support, we can all find ways to make motherhood a little less overwhelming.